Santa Fe new Mexican. [volume] (Santa Fe, N.M.) 1898-1951, 1909-06-25
SWIFT VENGEANCE:
FOLLOWS MURDER
N ude Body Of
Young Matron
in River
SKULL CRUSHED IN FIGHT
Ernest E. Roberts, Author
Killed by Pursuing She
riffs Posse.

st, Michael's Nd, June 25.-Il
Ernest E. Roberts, supposed newspa
paper correspondent, magazine writer
and author, was the slayer of Mrs
Edith May Thompson Woodill, wife
OF Albert Woodill, the Los Angeles
automobile manufacturer and ward of
Lyman j. Gage. former secretary of
the treasury, whose body was found
yesterday in the Black river, near
here, he met swift relribution when
he was shot and killed by a sheriff S
posse at four this morning. The body
of Mrs. Woodill, who was 20 years
old, was found nude and with her
skull crushed. She had come east
for visit with her father Captain
Charles Fl. Thompson Her husband
went home a week ago. The woman
was last seen with Roberts and when
her body was found with signs of foul
play, a search was started for Rob
erts. Roberts recently bought farm
near here and when his bungalow was
searched, bloody garments were
found indicating a struggle.
This morning, sherffs posse
started it's search in boat, came
upon single boatman rowing in the
darkness. They soon surrounded him
and in a few moments Roberts stood
up in his boat. The sheriff called
on him to. give up when he drew re.
volver and fired at his pursuers.
Instantly volley fired in return aud
Roberts fell dead. A search OF his
clothing revealed a number of letters
and a bottle of poison. The body
was brought back to st. Michaefs.
Roberts did not utter word after he
was shot.
She Loved Fine Gowns.
Baltimore, Md. June 25.--The death
of Roberts at st. Michael's marks the
elimination of one of the most sen
sational tragedies in Maryland his.
tory. Some acts in the meteorlc
career of Mrs. Woodill are told here
by friends. Mrs. Woodill is said to
have been born in Minneapolis TWEEN
ty years ago. Her mother, calling
herself Mrs. Ames, died when the
girl was three years old, leaving her
in ignorance of her parents. Mrs.
Charles H. Thompson of Mcdaniel,
Maryland, then brought her up.
When twelve years old she went to
Washington where she lived for a
time with Lyman J, Gage, who took
great interest in her.
Later, Mrs. Thompson took her
abroad where she studied music. Lat
er in Boston, she married DR.. Cas-
well and after this left her husband.
She left Baltimore year ago when
engaged to Harry Adams and within
thirty days after her arrival in Los
Angeles she married Albert Woodill.
During her residence in Baltimore,
Gage sent checks continually, and
5000 when she married Woodill She
had a great charm for men and was
very beautiful, expressive Of face and
a fine figure. She was very fond OF
Mr.. Gage whom she called Papa
Gage" She was fond of fine clothes
and always well gowned. Through
the influence of Mrs. Gage she sang
before President Mckinley at the
White House.
Born in Minneapolis.
Minneapolis, Mimi, June 25,-Anna
Pearl Witt (Mrs. WoodilD, was born
November 30, 1886, and was the
daughter of Mathew Knight Witt.
She was adopted by Charles and
Laura Thompson on October 19, 1890.
Well Known in Washington.
Washington, ID. c., June 25.-Mrs.
Woodill is well remembered here and
was often guest at the home of
Mr.. Gage when he was secretary of
the treasury and often sang for the
guests at the Gage home and occa-
at the White House. She
wore short dresses then. Having no
children of his own, Mr.. Gage looked
upon the girl with unusual interest,
paid for her musical education and
has maintained fatherly interest
Both WAra cn1;t+en
st. Michaeps, Nd. June 25.-With
the lips of both victim and slayer
closed, the story of the night strug-
gle In the bungalow on the banks of
Bay, the story of the ef-
forts Of the slayer to dispose of the
body and the motive for the double
crime may never be told. The mys-
terry Of Mrs. Woodhill's antecedants,
her brilliant prospects and accomp-
lishments, her beauty and prominent
connections, and the brutal murder,
have created an intense sensation
which Is further heightened by the