The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1916-10-26

rosa Is about 60 years old and, his
friordo say, has been frantic for some
tin1c because of his Wife's alleged re-
stions with Rotch, with whom she
eIoped from Pittsburg, about two years
ago.
Sordid Romance Revealed.
In Investigating the murder today a
unique but sordid romance was reveal
ed, also a mystery in connection with
Rotch's death. The police are puzzled
to explain how the shots from Barba-
rosa's gun penetrated mattress be-
fore lodging in Rotch's back, inflict-
ing wounds which resulted fatally
within few minutes after the shoot
ing.
The theory that Barbarosa lay I'M
der Rotch's bed when he shot at his
rival is rejected because the space be-
tween the floor and the bedsprings
would not permit man under the bed
to operate shotgun. The police be
lieye that Rotch. to protect himself
from a sudden attack, must have pull
ed the mattress to his back.
The muzzle of the gun must have
been close to the mattress when the
trigger was pulled as the mattress was
set on fire. When a physician arrived
at the scene Of the tragedy he found
Rotch fully clothed and on the floor
of his bedroom, breathing his last.
Attempts Wife's Life.
The notice also ascertained today
that Barbarosa attempted to murder
his wife with an ice pick after he had
shot Rotch. The woman. who is large
and quite strong, saved her lie Dy
wrenching the pick from her husband
hand. He then secured his shotgun
and fled from the house, only partially
clad and without his shoes. The !ast
seen of him was on the North Twelfth
street bridge. Boys saw him loading
his shotgun as he stood on the bridge.
This done he continued north in the
direction OF the Middleboro pike.
Two wears ago Mrs. Barbarosa, &C
cord,ns to Chief Goodwin's statement,
eloned from Pittsburgh with Charlev
Rotch. taking her children win her'
Tbey came to Richmond. About SIX
months later Barbarosa, who had no
LnowIedge of his wifes whereabouts,
arrived in Richmond and began a
search for her and his children as ne
hod done in several other cities. one
cold winter night he located tnem anu
he begged his wife to leave Rotcn ana
return to him. She refused 10 10 So
1t Is stated.
Appeals to Police.
Barbarosa appealed to the ponce 10
assjst him. He wanted the police 10
drive Rotch from the city. 1t was dis
covered that Rotch had furnished the
home in which he was living and was
supporting Mrs. Barbarosa and her
children. The police could not eject
the man from his own home and Mrs.
parbarosa told Chief Goodwin she
would not leave Rotch until her hus-
hand provided home for her and the
children and from time to time she
reported that her husband had made
no effort to provide such home.
I,ouis Mercurio. to whom Barbarosa
freouently came for advice, said today
that Barbarosa was not a shlItless,
worthless man, as his wife had intl-
mated, but was always ready TO pro-
vide for his family, not being able 10
do so because Mrs. Barbarosa refused
to make her home with her husband.
His domestic troubles preyed upon
Barbarosa's mind
Seeks Wife's Company.
Advised by his friends to leave his
wife alone Barbarosa sought her COM
pany. He was admitted to the Rotch
home as a boarder and, it is said, re-
sulting troubles called the police to
the Rotch residence no less than fiji
teen times the past few months
Barbarosa at times threatened murder
and Rotch was warned to leave the
woman and get out Of town, but he
only laughed and said he was not
afraid Of the "old man.
Last night Barbarosa's mental an
guish brought murder to his heart. He
uttered his rivals room and shot him
down. How the tragedy occurred is |