The Logan Republican. [volume] (Logan, Utah) 1902-1924, 1912-06-18
BINGHAM MAN MURDERED
IN LONELY CANYON
Body OF Andrew Erickson 10 Found
At An Early Hour OF The Morn
ing BY Laborer Passing BY.

Bingham, June 1.-THE body OF
Andrew Erickson, a miner, who was
! murdered neither for his money nor
for any reason Neutrality-suspicious.
search by the authorities has been
able to uncover, was found with bull
let hole in the back of the head and
two in the right arm, lying face up
ward in the road that leads to Galena
in Upper Bingham, at $3.50 o'clock
this morning. The bullets had been
fired at close range and from behind.
John Lund, friend of Erickson,
and with whom he left Bingham al.
ter a prolonged carouse, was found in
drunken stupor 200 yards from the
spot. He Ia being detained by the au-
thorities in connection with the crime,
though he stoutly maintains his inno-
cence.
Found BY Laborer.
Thomas Monkhouse, a laborer, pass
ing in the early morning on his way
to Galena, almost stumbled over En-
ickson's body in the road. Finding
the dead man, Monkhouse ran back
along the road towards Bingham, in
tending to notify the police. He had
gone but short way when he dis
covered Lund lying prone in the road
Upon awakening, Lund muttered inco-
herently that he had fallen by the
roadside In a stupor from drink. He
had heard no shooting and appeared
dumfounded when Monkhouse led him
back to the body of Erickson. Leaving
Lund in charge of the body, Monk
house fastened to Bingham and in
formed the police. Deputy Sheriff
Schweitzer and Coroner e. E. Dud-
ley went to the scene. They searched
the surrounding regions for traces of
the murderers, but found nothing,
Tells OF Holdup.
Soon after the discovery of Erick-
sons body John Levantee rushed into
Bingham with a bullet through his
right wrist and told story of being
held up by robbers near the Utah Cop
per company's property at 2:3O
O'Clock in the morning. He said .he
robbers. three in number. told him to
throw up his hands, but instead he
ran with all his might. Seven shots
were fired at him, only one taking eli
feet. Levantee was held up within
a quarter OF a mile of where Erickson
was murdered. The theory that Erick
son met the same men and was muir
dered for his money is Offset by the
fact that wallet containing SIP IL
cash was found in the pocket of the
dead man. His silver watch, however
was gone.
Vern Clay, an employe of livery
stable, who was sent TO Galena early
this morning to bring back a rig, re
ported that he heard several revolver
shots Just ahead of him as he neareC
the scene of the murder on his return
trip. He saw the body in the roac
as he drove past, but became so fright
ened that he dared not stop. Aftei
proceeding a mile towards Bingham
ne changed his mind and started back
only to learn that Monkhouse had dis
covered the body and raised thu
alarm.
Believe Lund Innocent.
Belief in the innocence of Lund II
preponderant here despite severa
sinister circumstances that attach t
him. He is known as man Of gooC
character, ana bears an excellent re
cord. He and the murdered man arr
known to have been close friends
They went to the miners holiday Gel
ebration in Bingham together ant
spent the day together, leaving FOL
Upper Bingham at about ! o'clock II
the morning,
Lund has told conflicting stories
Asked how he got a spot OF blood OF
his coat sleeve, he first said be re
ceived it in brawl at Bingham earl
Ter in the day, Then he said he 80
il by dragging Erickson's body to thu
side of the road after he had beef
left to guard it while Monkhous'
raised the alarm. His statements va
ried on other points, but this ma!
have been due to the fact that be wal
far from sober when found.
Il was overcome with the stupol
OF liquor and lay down in the road IL
sleep until daylight" Lund told thu
authorities. Erickson said he woult
continue on. fell asleep at once
heard no shots"
Officers Investigate.
Chn.iff Innnnh 4, Sharn nanllfN