Los Angeles herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1900-1911, 1908-06-23
BOY, IA, STAYS
PLAYMATE AGED
7, IN QUARREL
PARENTS ABSENT, LAD SEXES
PISTOL AND SHOOTS
"DIpN'T KNOW 1T WAS LOADED"
IS HIS DEFENSE
Little Son of saloonkeeper Killed by
Companion During Alterca-
ton About Two
Pencils

Willie Edward Hutchinson, years
old, 1414 Constance street, was shot and
almost Instantly killed by Burnell
Popeney, a 14-year-old playmate, dur
ing quarrel at the Popeney boys
home, 231 South Figueroa street, about
8 o'clock last night.
The bullet which killed the Hutchin-
son boy entered his head just above the
right eye. 1t lodged in the skull, and
even If the surgeons at the receiving
hospital, where he was taken, had had
time 1t is improbable an operation
would have done any good.
AS 1t was the boy died within five
minutes after being placed on the
couch In the hospital.
Willie Hutchinson. his mother and
father, who is proprietor of the Foun-
tain bar, Spring street, near First,
early yesterday called at the Popeney
day. The families are well acquainted
and frequently visit each other.
Late yesterday afternoon Mrs. Pope
ney and Mrs. Hutchinson left the house
to visit friends in another part of the
city. The boys were left alone in the
house, pending the arrival of Mr.. Pope
ney, butcher with shop at Seventh
and Grand.
Tells of Killing Playmate
1--WE were playing in the house when
Willie went to my desk and took two
pencils belonging to me-" said young
Popeney to the detectives.
"I told him to put them back and he
said he would not do 1t. I told him
would see If he wouldn't and went and
got my revolver.
"I meant to frighten Willie, so
pointed it at his head and pulled the
trigger three times. There was a shot
and Willie fell to the floor. was
frightened and ran to a neighbor'
house and told them had shot Willie
Ibid you know the revolver was
mo-" replied the boy. II did not
think of 1t at the time, but now I re-
member trying to unload it about two
months ago. At that time there were
three cartridges in and took two out.
The other one stuck and 1 was afraid
the revolver would go off If continued
working with it..
In che gun.
"My sister, Laralada, and Willie's
sister. Adaline. 5 years of age, were II
the house at the time and were play
ing with us.
"They saw Willie fall and ran from
the room, screaming"
Young Popeney was detained at the
central station and a charge of man
slaughter placed against him. He will
be held until the coroner's inquest,
which will be held today.
The revolver used by the boy was an
old model .3S-caliber, rusted and with
light spring
Mr.. Hutchinson accompanied his son
to the hospital and was present when
the boy died.
"The shock Is too great" he said,
'.and cannot discuss 1t now. I under
stand Burnell made a straight state
ment to the detectives and the matter
Is In their hands"
Mr.. Popeney, father Of the boy. who
did the shooting, was notified or 1t and
reached the station as his boy was
being searched.
IT cannot understand it," he said.
..My boy and Willie have always been
close friends and I cannot believe Bur
nell would Intentionally harm his little
Willie Hutchinson's body is now at
Garrett's undertaking parlors, where
the coroner will hold the INQUEST.