The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1909-10-26

BROTHERS READY.
Know They Are Suspected of
Van R0yen Murders.
Willing to Answer Any Question
Of Officers.
RELATIVES CONFIDENT
Satisfied That McMahons Didn't
Commit the Crime.
Family Has Had More Than
Share of Trouble.
RELATIVES CONFIDENT

Kansas City, Oct. 26.-Smarting under
the knowledge that the Wyandotte
county officials virtually regard them
as suspects in the investigation of the
murder of Alonzo r. Van Royen, MRS
Margaret Van Royen and Rose NC
Mahon, James and Patrick Mcmahon
brothers Of the slain women, emphat-
ica1ly declared their innocence. and
gave Sheriff AL Becker and his assist
ants to understand that they We're
ready to answer every question tna'
might be asked them.
James Downs an uncle or the boys
who lives in Kansas City, Mo-, went &c
the Mcmahon farm on the Reidy road
yesterday afternoon, and assured them
that every member of the McMahon
family is convinced absolutely OF theil
innocence and stands ready TO leho
them any support.
1.-THE way this family has been mar
assed for the last few days is an out
rage" Downs said. II came over mere
|safter became convinced that tneFe Il
strong feeling that the boys nae
have known these boys all their lVes
and believe in them.
THAT boy Jim, who has been sweated
at all hours of the day and night ano
in every conceivable place, Wouidn
harm a chicken. Not alone that, he has
couldn't shoot anything.
Under Sheriff Joseph Brady took
statement from Mrs. Ellen McManon
mother of the boys, yesterday aIter
Mrs. McMahon is not in good
health" he said, land this affair has
put her on the verge of nervous
breakdown. If this thing is continued
there is no telling what may happen
to her." rs t.-t-4-5a =--- s=e4
O'Brien Is Confident.
Richard O'Brien, a brother in law, OF
st. Joseph. Mo-. also visited me NC
Mahon home. and expressed sentiments
similar to those of Downs. OBrleI
married a daughter of Mrs. McMahon
and the wedding took place just seven
weeks prior to the tragedy.
81 have the fullest confidence me- IN - the ;e
folly for the officials to act in this man
ner, / have no theory to offer as to the
motive for the murder. No member OF
the family can offer the slightest rea-
son for the killing, but we are all GER
tain that the boys had no hand IN IT,
whatsoever. and, in my opinion, the Of
ficers ought to get on the right track.
Patrick Mcmahon has never been
subjected to a thorough examination by
the officials, but he told them that ne
Is ready to meet them at any time ano
at anv place That he will talk to
them and answer their questions at his
own home, in the sheriff's office or in
the Van Royen house, as they choose
was Patrick McMahon's calm challenge
to the sheriff's party.
Before the arrival of the sheriff
and his deputies yesterday afternoon,
Patrick Mcmahon and his uncle were
making ready to go to Kansas City.
Kan, to urge the sheriff to take a
complete statement in regard to the
boys knowledge of the tragedy.
Believed Van Royen the Murderer.
Downs was asked in regard to the
comment occasioned by the Mcmahon
boys lack of initiative in making a
search for the body of Van Royen
after the slain women were found.
'All I can say in regard to that,
said Downs, lis that every member
of the family at that time. Immediate
ly after the discovery of the bodies,
was under the impression that Van
Royen was the slayer and that he had
run away. A message was telephoned
to me from this place, the Mcmahon
home, and I was given to understand
then that the girls were murdered
and that Van had disappeared.
81 couldn't believe that he would
do such a thing and expressed opin-
ions to that effect up to the time his
body was found. At no time prior to