The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1922-11-10

Mrs. Carleton and the Rev. Christler
victims in tie double tragedy that has
stirred Havre to the exploding point.
BY NEA Service.
IIAVRE. Mont, Nov. 2.-The tragic
shooting that took the lives of Rev. /.
J. Christler, bishop of all outdoors" and
Mrs. Margaret Carleton is far from
closed case, despite the coroner's verdict
of murder and suicide. 1t may yet de-
velop into a deadly parallel Of the Hall
Mills murder mystery.
Everyone-nterally everyone-in the
little town of Havre is talking of the
possibility. The town is divided on the
case-bitterly. angrily divided. So in
tense is the feeling. in fact. that it is
not impossible that the case may lead to
further violence, no matter what is the
outcome Of the mystery itself.
The controversy has ragged ever since
the night Of Oct. 81, when the bodies OF
the Rev. Christler and the pretty Wife Of
"a former superior judge were found by
Mrs. Christler in the rectory of St.
Marks Episcopal Church, each killed by
a pistol shot through the heart.
Staunch defenders of the Rev Christ
Ter maintain the coroner's jury was
right; that Mrs. Carleton. spruned by the
clergyman, shot him down and then
killed herself
Many Hold Facts Point to Double
Murder.
There are others-many other-who
point to the post examination
held over the bodies after the coroner's
inquest. This examination showed the
bullet which ended Mrs. Cartoons life
entered her body on the left side. above
her heart, and lodged in the right side
A.l-
would be possible, but highly inproba BILE
for such wound to be self-inflicted-
that in virtually all suicides where the
heart is penetrated. the bullet ranges up
ward and to the left.
These people contend that it was
double murder-that someone found the
two, killed them both and fled after
putting the death pistol in the womans
lifeiess hand, to simulate a murder and
suicide.
These are the two theories. Every
body in town holds one or the other. As
a result. acrimonious argument is heard
on every corner about this. the most SEN
sational murder case in the annals of
Montana.
In the IS years he had served in Havre
as rector and as archdeacon of Milk
River Valley. the Rev Christler had
sponsible for much good work, and not
only built up his mission field to an
amazing extent but was also a vital
figure in this sections political circles,
serving in the legislature.
These friends of the bishop of all out
doors" are ready to defend his memory
even to the point Of fighting for it.
Officials Drop Case as "Ciosed
Incident"
But there are others just as strong in
defense Of Mrs. Carleton. Wife OF a for
mer district judge, young and charming. |
she was one Of the leading figures in |
Havre's social life. Men and women who
have been entertained in her home are !
unwilling to believe that she could have
taken human life. |
No hint of suspicion has been publicly !
raised against Mrs. Christler, who testi- /.
fled that she heard the shots and. came |
into the room to find her husband and |
Mrs. Carleton dead.
Those who declare that a third person |
committed the crime aver that Mrs. :
Christler would hide any evidence she /
might have had Of this in order to avoid /
further scandal.