Los Angeles herald., 1906-03-19
ASSA|LANT WEARS
WHITE FELT HAT
RED0ND0 POSSE HUNTS THE
BEACH WRETCH
Victim Still In a Critical Condition.
Embryo Deputy Holds Up
Hotel Guests at Pistol
Point


weaving web about Il well known
young man of Redondo who is sus-
pected of being the miscreant who
brutally assaulted Miss Roberts at go
South Pacific avenue last Saturday
night.
The description of the suspect as fur
nished by Miss Roberts so closely tall
lies with the man under surveillance
that his arrest is expected at any mo-
ment.
Marshal Smith is proceeding with ex-
ceptional care in the investigation and
said last night that he had collected
almost conclusive evidence of the sus-
poets connection with the attack on
the young woman who lies at deaths
door in her home on South Pacific
avenue.
Miss Roberts condition is so critical
that DIR. NJ. ]. Davis, who has charge
Of her, entertains fears for her death.
Residents Indignant
The story of the attack upon Miss
Roberts as printed in yesterdays Her.
aid created serious indignat ton among
the residents of Redondo yesterday.
Nearly every citizen volunteered his
services to Marshal Smith yesterday.
iThe suspected identity of the bandit,
Judging from the apparent feeling of
the residents, will not make the slight
est difference TO any citizen in Re-
dondo. The entire city has been stirred
to an extent that has never before been
known there.
The theory that one of the Mexicans
connected with the grading camp near
the city was entirely shattered yes
terday through the investigation con-
Quoted by Marshal Smith. The latter
stated last night that 1t was known
that the miscreant was one of the best
known young men in the city and
connected with one of the prominent
business houses there.
Wears White Hat
The description of the young man
Tho attacked Miss Roberts as given
by the victim was with much emphasis
on a white felt hat that he wore at the
time. The police no longer credit the
colored shirt theory first given out by
one w. w. Prichard. In fact, that has
been accepted as one of Prichard's
dreams and is now the town joke
Tracks through the clover in the
vacant lot on South Pacific avenue
where Miss Roberts was rendered un-
conscious by her assailant were dis
covered carly yesterday morning by
Deputy Marshal Joe Guthrie. These
are fully believed to have been made
by the young man under surveillance.
The trail was followed through the
lot down to the railroad tracks, thence
to the beach and south along the beach
to a house. From the house the tracks
were followed up the bluffs again to
the cement walk around the Hotel Re-
dondo, where they were lost.
At the home of Miss Roberts, 629
South Pacific avenue. Mrs. Cowter-
Thwait and Mr.. and Mrs. Thomas Glib
son and Mrs. Gibson's brother are
showing signs of much worry over
theocondition of Miss Roberts. No call
ers besides Miss Roberts physician are
allowed to enter the house. Every pre-
caution is being taken to save the
young Woman's nerves.
Throat Shows Marks
According TO DR.. NJ. ]. Davis the
assailant of Miss Roberts eXerted al
most gigantic strength on her when
he clutched her by the throat, as the
five finger prints were more visible
yesterday than on Saturday night
The scratch made on her throat, sup
posedly by the knife with which he
threatened to kill her when he warned
her to never tell on him, was swollen
Yesterday and there are possibilities
that blood poisoning may develop.
Miss Roberts parents. who are sald
to be in Canada, have been apprised
of the attack made upon her ana are
now believed to be hurrying to Re
dondo. The young woman also has
brother living in San Francisco. What
mis- name is or where he. is employed
has not been given out by the Cowter-
Thwaits or the Gibsons. In that mat
ter they adhere to the same secrecy
that they have maintained since the
brutal attack was made upon MISS
Roberts Saturday night.
Purse Missing
While the deputies were looking over
the scene of the assault yesterday Miss
Roberts shoes were found, also the
package of butter which she was
bringing from the grocery at the time.
1t is known that she also carried an
other parcel, but no trace has been
found of that. The purse which the
assaiant also took has not been found.
The investigation that has been con-
Quoted by Marshal Smith and his dep
uties since the attack on Miss Rob
crts has been the source of much COM
mendation by the citizens of Redondo.
But the actions of Deputy Marshal
w. w. Prichard has aroused the m
dignation of not only Marshal Smith
but many of the citizens. Prlchard
in his zeal held up one of the guests
of the Hotel Redondo near the grounds
about Q o'clock yesterday morning
while the sun was shining it's brightest.
According to the guest and the man
ager of the well known hotel, Prichard
stationed himself in the vicinity of the
broad walk Prichard commanded him
to stop
Halt" shouted the imitation Sher-
lock Holmes a second time. The guest,
n Young man. demanded the reason for
it and kept going down the road.
Points a Revolver
A third time detective" Prichard
cried halt" this time drawing an
ugly looking revolver and pointing it
at the young man.
Fearing that his life was in danger
and that the man he had to deal with
was a desperate character. the guest
stopped whereupon Prichard, in his
swagger braggadocio voice said
II thought that would bring you
around"
young man.
The guest gave it-indignantly
"Do you live at the hotel?" contin-
ued Prichard in the same tone of as
sumed authority.
II do replied the guest.