Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1919-09-12
GIRL SAYS SHE
SHOT HARTH TO
PROTECT HONOR

KNOXVILLE, Tenn, Sept. To-
Maude Moore, who shot and killed
Leroy d. Harth, prominent real es-
tate man, and president of a motor
car company, on the Kingston pike
near Bearden, late Monday night,
was located in a cave about two miles
from the end of the SevierVille pike
car line at $50 o'clock Tuesday eve
ming and placed under arrest by city
detectives. She confessed to the kill
ing freely and did not hesitate in
saying that she had fired the shot
which caused the death of Mr..
Harth. but stated that he had at
tackled her and it was either his life
or her honor.
She claims that she and Harth
uuarreled in Harth's automobile;
that Harth dragged her from the
machine and struck her; that in the
struggle Harth's pistol fell from his
pocket; that she was the quicker OF
the two, obtained the pistol and
shot him.
Girls Account of Ride
According to the girls story, she
has known Mr.. Harth Tor nearly
five years, but had never been out
with him before, although he had
repeatedly asked her to go driving
with him.
at met Mr.. Harth on the Street
several days ago and told him that
1 had secured job as stenogra5
intended to go there Monday aft
ernoon," Miss Moore stated. He
insisted on driving me there In MS
car Monday night and l told him that
l would consider it and telephoned
him Monday afternoon.
After checking my baggage Mon MON
day afternoon, I telephoned him that
I would meet him in front OF the
Y. w. c. A at $3.50 that night which
l did. When the car pulled up, there
was a strange man in it and he
asked me if 1 could find compan-
ion for him. We drove out to the
home of Clara Harris, but found that
she had gone to Virginia.
From here we drove back to the
Farragut hotel and the other mas
got out of the car. He and Roy
held a brief conversation and we
drove off. I thought he was going
to take me to MaryVille and return
to fill an appointment with the man
we left at the Farragut hotel, buH
ton pike, L asked for an explana,
ton. In return he said we would
drive around a little first.
81 insited that he turn the car
around and go back or let me OUT
He refused to do this, pulled out
and asked me if I wanted a drink.
1 refused, saying that never
drank. He then took drink from
the bottle himself. L still insisted
that he take me back to town.
Ordered From Car
1--WE passed through Bearden, 60
ing several miles beyond. He then
back to town. We had gone about
half a mile when he stopped the ca !
and demanded that I get out. I told
him that I would not do it and he
threatened me.
Roy had been drinking and I was
deathly afrand OF. him. He made
certain. demands of me which I re-
would snatch me out of the car
unless I got out. I refused, and lie
jumped out of the car and snatched
me out over the steering wheel and
gear levers by the hair and one
arm
Detectives had left Miss Moore
and a reporter alone in the cell, so
she cautiously lowered her waist
over one shoulder and showed sew
eral bruises whish she stated were
the result of the scuffle which fol-
lowed. These will show that I put
up. a fight to protect myself" she
said.
"When I reached the ground he
threatened me again unless I would
met his demands. I refused and
struggled to free myself. He then
knocked me down and kicked at me
In the scuff1e the pistol fell out of
his pocket and we both grabbed. for
he rushed at me. Il was getting up
from the ground when I fired,