Capital journal. (Salem, Or.) 1919-1980, 1920-03-26
AssualtTo
Be Charged
Mulliniix

A formal charge of assault
u;tb intent to kill will be lodged
.gainst Jesse Mullinix, age 40,
Isie this afternoon, Sheriff w. L.
Needham announced at tn e
sberiff's office this noon. Null
Gnix was arrested just before
midnight last night following ac-
eusatiOn of 7. w. Steiger, a
urominent farmer residing near
This city, that Mullinix was the
man who had intercepted him in
the barnyard of his home and
shot him at eight O'clock last
evening.
Mullinix, at the time of his ar
rest and today maintains stout
claims of innocence of the crime,
and indicates that he will estab-
lish an alibi that he was in a
pool hall here at the time the
shoot ing. occurred Sheriff
Needham, aided by deputies, are
working today attempting to
establish a motive for the shoot
ing. The only clue they possess,
the sheriff said, is 32 calibre
bullet taken from Steiger at the
hospital.
Under cross examination by Prose
cutting Attorney Max Gehlhar this
morning Mullinix said that he had no.
had gun in his possession for tive
years. He admitted that he had serv-
ed in the navy for four years, AMI
that he was considered acraek shot.
While in the navy, he told the prose-
cutting attorney he employed the name
"James Clark" and he said that two
nights before the shooting he cama
to Salem and registered at a local
hotel by that name.
Rumors Are Rife
The shooting today gave rise t.
many rumors and much speculation
as to what prompted the shooting. In
the absence of other motive some
were lending an ear to rumor that
Mullinix had made clandestine visits
to Mrs. Steiger recently. Whether
this has any connection with the
crime or not has not been determined i
yet, it is said.
Steiger spent a good night at the Sa-
lem hospital last night, it was reported
this morning; and every hope is be,
ing held out for his recovery. The flow
of blood had successfully been check
ed, and it is believed the wounds VII,
heal speedily. The worst wound is jusl
above the heart where one of the bull
lets entered Had 1t pierced an artery
death probably would have resulted. it
Is said. Another bullet entered the
flesh of the thigh near the groin and
the other made a less serious cash in
the leg.
Five Shots Fired.
Five shots were fired, according to
nelghbors who claimed that they paid
no attention to them, believing that
they We're torpedo shots made from
Inc passing of a train near the Steiger
residence. Sheriff Needham is positive
that the assistant, whoever he may be,
emptied the chamber of the gun which
was 32-calibre revolver.
According to Steiger's story told to
me sheriff and deputies after he hau
peen removed to the hospital, he had
Just finished milking about o'clock
ana mad left the barn. Through the
sathering darkness he saw a man, but
hought nothing of it, believing it was
neighbor bound on a friendly visit
without a word, the assailant APP
preached, and Steiger could see that
MS hand held something as 1t was ex-
ended toward him. When he saw thai
y was revolver, ne dropped the mill
buckets and grappled with the fellow
e'elger insists it was Mullinix.
Wife Calls Sheriff.
Following the shooting the man
made hasty departure through the
uFNzling darkness, south of the barn
o'eiger staggered toward the house
shouting family as he went. He hat
sone about fifty feet when Mrs. Stei.
ser came to meet him. Their phon'
peihs out of order she went to a neigh
'ors house and called the sheriff.
search in the vicinity surrounding
'ue mousse was Immediately begun. Be