Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-03-25
Charles Poutra SucCumbS to
Wounds Received in Green
Gables Fight.
C0R0NER'S JURY CALLED
BY STATES ATTORNEY
Second Man Shot Is Recovering.
Motive for Fatal Quarrel
Remains Uncertain.

Charles Wesley Poutra, 80 years old.
of the 1900 block of S street, who was
shot In the abdomen during a quarrel
at Green Gables, a roadhouse near
Suitland, Md, last Wednesday, died at
Emergency Hospital early this morning.
Joe Houser, 80, of the 1900 block of
pennsylvania avenue. who also was shot
at the same time, is said at the hospital
to be well on the road to recovery.
States Attorney j. Frank Parran of
Prince Georges County ordered cor
oner's jury summoned when informed
of Poutras death. The jury will be
taken to Washington to view the re-
mains today. 1t will hold an inquest
at later date. when Hauser is recov-
cred sufficiently to testify. In the mean
time police are continuing their efforts
to apprehend others who were present
at the shooting.
Motive for Shooting Uncertain,
The exact cause of the shooting has
never been definitely established by the
police. Louis Frederick Behrens. 90.
also OF the 1900 block of S street, who
was struck over the head during the
tight and subsequently arrested and
placed under 81 900 bond as a Govern
ment witness, told States Attorney j.
Frank Parran the shooting followed a
quarrel between himself and an Italian
over girl. Sheriff Charles S. Early,
however, Is Of the opinion the circun-
stances of the shooting point rather to
a quarrel over Illicit liquor business as
more plausible cause.
In additions to Behrens, who Is also
known as John Bunny" in sporting
circles, local police arrested John Law
renee Bremen. 81, of the 1900 block
OF Iwenty-first street, when he arrived
at the hospital with Houser in his car.
Versions of Fight Given.
Both men were returned to Marlboro.
Where each gave written version of
Inc shooting to the States ATTORNEY
Bremen declared he was outside the
rcadhouse, preparing to drive back to
washington, when he heard 10 or IL
shots, and rushing back, saw two men
pointing revolverS at Behrens Later he
discovered Houser and Poutra bleeding
from bullet wounds and took one of the
men to the hospital.
Behrens claimed an italian called
him outside few minutes before the
shooting to complain because he had
danced with certain girl. The two
men composed their differences at that
time. the statement says. and shook
hands, but a short time later Behrens
declares he was struck over the mouth.
This aroused his ire and led to
fist fight, which, In turn, led to the
shooting.
Apparently most of the guests rushed
for the doors when the firing started.
Police found three mems overcoats. two
mems hats and woman'S fur coat
IN the building next morning.
The woman's coat contained drivers
permit issued March to Miss Ruth
Bradley, 90, who gave as her address
the same apartment house In which
Behrens and Poutra live.
Seach for Woman Futile.
Search by Prince Georges County po-
lice and local headquarters detectives
for Miss Bradley, and for the men who
did the shooting. has so far been futile.
Poutra was operated on shortly after
being brought to the hospital, but at
that time it was found impossible to re-
move the bullet. A few hours later he
was given blood TRANSMISSION. The
next day Prince Georges County police
we're informed the bullet had been re-
moved. His condition remained critical,
however
The shooting again aroused sentiment
throughout the county for a more
stringent roadhouse law, and led the
county delegation in the Legislature to
amend their bill so as to include the
entire county, and to raise the penalty
for violations to $500.