Williams news., 1919-06-06
TORRES, PAROLED CONVICT
 MURDERED VICTOR H. MEL|CK

Pedro Torres, TOT some years considered pest to society, rounded out his short life of 22 years, on Saturday, by commit ting one of the foulest, most un- called for murders that has stirred Williams in years. Moth ing has so angered the people of the town for many years. unless it may, perhaps. have been the crime committed ir December last year, and whose victim, like Vic Melick. was one of the most peaceful and kind hearted men in the community.
 Slightly over year and a half ago young Torres commit ted series of depredations, that resulted in his capture by Charlie Wade and George Me- Dougall, who were then deputy sheriff and county constable, respectively. At that time he was captured by the officers in a mountain fastness northwest of town, where he had taken refuge. He received a sentence for his crimes, but being ad- judged of unsound mind was first sent to the asylum. Com hitting offenses at the asylum an unfit inmate for that institu- ton. he was transferred to the nenitentiarv. A month ago he was paroled from the latter in- stitution. through mistaken. charitable recommendation of a few Williams people, ostens1- bly, to greet returning soldier brother.
 Arriving in Williams, young Torres lost no time in resuming his former occupation of theft and robbery.
 On Saturday he stole a horse from the stable of Ambrose Means, between 3rd and 4th streets, on Grant Avenue. State cattle inspector Ed Ham, ilton. accompanied by deputy sheriff J. H. Paddack attempt ed to place him under arrest, but he got the drop on them, and disarmed Hamilton-Pad- dack being unarmed. The Of ficers talked him out of shoot ing. and left him, going after their guns to take him. Sus- pectinq that he would ret17rn to the Means stable to steal the saddle. belonging to the horse already taken. County Consta- ble Victor Melick was called to the Means home. Torres was seen approaching. by Mrs. Means. who besought Melick to come into her house. Instead he met Torres, telling him that he was under arrest. Mean time P. Shafer, city Marshal arrived upon the scene.
 Torres, who was we'll ac- quainted with Melick. answer ed: q don't want to have anv trouble with you" He turned his back upon Melick. then suddenly drew his gun, whirled around and fired three shots at Melick. two of which took efq feet. either of them necessarily fatal, one entering the left breast near the heart, touching it and passed through the lung deflectiDe through the kid neys. and out at the back. The other shot took effect in MT. Melicks left shoulder the third passing wide. In falling Con- l stable Melick mechanically fired twice at Torres, but his aim was untrue. owing to his, failing strength. Marshal Shafer did not fire. or offer assistance to his brother of ficer, as his revolver proved useless, and failed to go off Torres ordered Shaier to re- main where hewas, or he would get him too". After firing at MT. Melick. Torres dodged behind an automobile standing in front of George Rounsevilles home, and startino from there, ran toward the Saginaw Manistee lumber yard. The shooting occurred at 6:15 P. M. and posses were hastily organized and were closely up- on the trail. Torres turned slightly south, then east. and ran to the vicinity of the Frank Adams house near the foot hill short distance east of