, 1921-06-26
RANCHER'S PLEA
IN MURDER CASE
WHEAT LAND
IS SELF-DEFENsE
Differences Near Adjust
ment Prior to Killing
Guard Captain, Say
theses at Inquest

V : TLAND. Wyo., June
i25.- W. r. Jackson,
comm of Troop B, Wyo-
ming : cavalry, came to
his dea a gunshot wound
inflicted Z mes D. (Doug.)
Roberts. &C TO the findings OF
a jury at G ~-~ronor'a inquest held
here yesterday afternoon The shoot
ing took place north OF Glendo Thurs
day Afternoon
This verdict was rendered newt.
able by the admission OF Roberts.
who appeared in the person OF his
attorney. O. A. Natwick and pleaded
guilty to the killing. asserting self.
defense IS the motive. The Jury
further recommended that Roberts DO
held for trial. and the preliminary
was fixed for Tuesday.
The dispute which terminated in
the tragic event OF Thursday after.
noon was in a fair way TO Il se1Is-
~factorJ end. according to evidence
submitted. when IN unfortunate turn
rushed tho matter 10 a tragic climax.
Captain Jackson entered tho Office OF
County Attorney Lynch at noon on
the day Of the killing and stated that
he had been fighting with Roberts.
He stated hat they quarreled over
"A line fence between the ranches OF
Roberts and A. J. covington, the IA.
ther-ln-.aw OF jackson. Both men
became heated In tho curse of the
argument. IND attacked each othe,
with their iariat ropes, both being
mounted. Jackson was the more adept
horsemen, and vas able TO dodge the
'laehoa OF his opponent. while admin.
istering severe punishment himself.
After the iEhi, according to J&eg-
son, the men quieted down and rode
homeward together, discussing the
oausc OF the quarrel. They appeared
10 have reached an agreement. until
they reached tho corner where their
roads separated. When Roberts had
ridden a short distance away. he
turned and called back to jackson.
warning hat he intended to kill him
at the first opportunity.
Jackson came TO NYneatland the
%followin. day and went to the office
Of the county attorney. as related
above. He was placed under bonds
10 keep the peace. and Attorney
Lynch made an appointment with him
to come TO the A. j. CovinEton ranch
Friday THE day after the killing took
place. and induce Roberts to take
dinner with himself and jackson.
Lynch promised e use his best of.
Aces to c u an agreeable settle
ment.
Captain jackson then started for
the C%ovington ranch again, returning
by way OF Guernsey. He stopped in
Guernsey md learned that Roberts
had been there hat day discussing
he lariat fight and relating the story
in a light very unfavorable to Jack
son. jackson was angered by Ger.
tain statements which he pronounced
to be lies. and instead OF going to the
CoVngton ranch. he proceeded i'm
mediateiy to see Roberts.
He found Roberts at work with a
number OF neighbors on the line fence
between the Eaton and CovIngton
ranches. jackson rode up and de-
manded hat Roberts retract certain
statements made in Guernsey
that he admit before the witnesses as
sembled hat he had lied. Roberts
refused, and the quarrel became vio-
thA 0ONA hA1AA N1A0 NJ AAANLf bAN Nlt
nesses for jackson ailege tina he
sprang from his horse and threw his
gun on the ground. calling for Rob
erts to do the same and fight with his
hands.
Witnesses for Roberts alleged that
jackson had a rope with a snap on
the end with which he attacked Rob
This weapon has been pro
duoed and certain marks on the de-
PENDANT given as evidence.
Roberts drew his gun. according 20
statements by witnesses. and Jackson
endeavored { escape by getting his
horse between him and his opponent.
Before he was able to effect this. Rob
erts fired three times. one shot strik-
ing jackson in the body and passing
entirely through. and the other en-
his car and remaining lodged
in his head
jackson fell as the third shot took
effect and was never conscious again.
although he breathed for about half
hour.
Roberts went to Glendo that even
ing and delivered himself up to Con-
stable Kness OF that place. During
the night Deputy Sheriff Adams and
Attorney Jesse jacobson Of Wheat.
drove to Glendo and took this
prisoner into custody.
The Chinese have twice sacked Mos
COW. once in 1857 and again in 1898.