The Detroit times., 1913-04-05

Revenge against nOt-tempeItu Oiu
man, who often became engaged in
broils with customers, is one OF the
theories advanced in the mysterious
staying of Albert Hunter. So years old
shot through the heart in his little
grocery and confectionery store at No
1896 Scotten-ave.. corner OF Moore-pl-
ct $3.50 o'clock, Friday night.
Robbery is another theory, as the
old man had $3.50 In his pockets and
$50 In his cash till. He always car
ried large roll Of bills. He had a
I dangerous habit OF making change for
all who asked for it, In that section
of many open spaces and few stores
But the money was not touched. and
there Is no evidence Of any attempt to
reach the cash till. as Hunter stag
gered through the open doorway be-
tween the store front and the living
room In which his aged wife sat. not
Is feet from the scene Of the shoot.
ing. Blood gushed from his mouth
and as his wife arose from her chair
and stepped toward him, she asked
ALBERT, have you been shot?' He
made no reply. but staggered to 4
rocking chair. made an attempt to Sit
down in II, and rolled over on the
floor, dead, at bis wifes feet still
clutching heavy wrench. one Of his
weapons OF defense, always at hand
She picked up his head. and cried
Albert, speak to me-"
She felt his wrist and found the
pulse still. Then she rushed TO the
rear doorway, leading to the occupied
fat above, and cried: Help. Albert
has been shot and killed"
Mrs. Hunter had heard only a muf
Ned report as the fatal shot was fired
II 10 possible that Maxim silenceY
was used by his slayer.
John Ross. his sister. Mrs. Zez La
Plant, and Mr.. La Plant, living up
stairs, had distinctly heard the one re-
mark, by Hunter. which had preceded
the shooting. But they heard no re-
port when the weapon was fired, they
al insist.
Meanwhile, Mrs. La Plant FASTENED
to q window overlooking Moore-pl
and looked out, while Ross looked out
OF window facing Scotten-ave., hav.
ing heard Hunter gruffly order some
one out Of the place. Neither of them
saw anyone leaving the place. Then
came Mrs. Hunters cry for help, and
Ross and La Plant dashed down the
rear stairway. into the living room
OF the Hunters, and found Hunters
dead body, and no trace of the slayer
Hunter was almost stone deaf II
was necessary to yell at him in a
very loud voice. to make him hear
And he also spoke in a very loud
voice, as Is a habit with the deaf.
The whole story of the actual
iva a4~r "a \
CLEAN 1t from all OF the witnesses. fol.
lows: Mrs. Hunter was sitting In the
living room, about 10 feet from the
door leading to the store: Hunter sat
near the open door. to watch for Gus.
toners. as he could not hear them
come in. Hunter arose and went into
the store.
Mrs. Hunter heard him say, Now
you get right out Of here" in an angry
voice. Then came the muffed report
and Hunter staggered toward her, un
able to say word, and dropped dead
ut her feet.
The store was full OF smoke, which
noated, like pail, into the Twins
room. Mrs. Hunter had heard no on,
enter or leave.
Hunter was frail old man. OF NOR,
than average height, but WEIGHING
less than 125 pounds. Much Of hi,
trade was with children, who teaseC
him unrelentingly, taking great de
light In coming into the store apC
yelling at him at the top OF theil
voices. He was !, well liked by his
friends, but they admit that he wa
Grabbed. and frequently quarrelet
with customers.
He always had an immense mea
cIeaver and q monkey wrench hang
ing behind the counter at his back
and he often flourished one or the
other ct those who offended him, fire.
Quently chasing out the bothersome
youngsters.
He had occupied the store since
last May, and was buying 1t on con-
tract from Zeb La Plant, to whom he
st1Il owes $1,000 on the $4,000 pur-
chase price. La Plant. who Is candy
ned1ler, also sold the old man his
G1o{octionery supplies. La Plant and
- were questioned for an hour In
- .Gotoctive bureau, Friday night,
In1f1orUs Hunter was also briefly
l10ne6. Then all were sent home.
~ ooe o. Detectives Palmer said,
rony w0rning that he was CON-
~ q oea about the Staying. and
- eoDo Whatever.
nDnE1nn. JohA Kondon, Of No.