Son of John Hamilton Morgan and Adalinda Mildred Smith

Married Eva Lucy Bloack, 17 June 1908, Sanford, Conejos, Colorado

Children - Fern Morgan, Mildred Morgan, John Maurice Morgan, Fanny Morgan, Maxine Morgan, Rex Block Morgan

The Salt Lake Tribune
Wednesday, March 6, 1935
page 22

CHARGE FILED IN SHOOTING, OFFICER FREE

Murphy Likely to Face Court
Wednesday for Murder

James Murphy, who police said shot and killed Ernest H. Norman in a drunken frenzy in a local hotel, probably will be arraigned Wednesday forenoon before City Judge M. J. Bronson.

This prisoner, who told Chief W. L. Payne Tuesday that "I don't remember a thing," was transferred from the city to the county jail, following the filing of the first degree murder complaint.

John A. Morgan, after telling of the fatal shooting, walked from the police station, a free man, after spending Monday night in the city jail. But for the first time in 12 years he carried no star - for he had been dismissed from the police force. Morgan witnessed the shooting, which was done with the former detective's service pistol.

The city commission at its regular Tuesday session approved the action of Chief Payne in dismissing the detective, who was on suspension at the time of the shooting.

Murphy was questioned Tuesday morning after twenty hours in the city jail, but he declared that he remembered nothing from Sunday morning until several hours after being placed in the jail cell.

Story Corresponds

Morgan, after a night in jail, told a story that corresponded with that related by Mrs. Norman and Homer C. Yates, an actor, who also witnessed the shooting.

"I have always felt that Ernie (Norman) was one of my best friends" the former officer told Chief Payne. "We have visited together many times. I went to his apartment because I wanted to clean up and make ready to report to you. And I had no idea that there would be any trouble.

"It was the first time that Murphy had been in Ernie's home, and, although there was some arguing, I didn't think there was a chance for any trouble, because I did not see Murphy take the gun from the dresser."

After taking the statement from the former officer, Deputy County Attorney J. Allan Crocket and Investigator C. N. Ottosen of the district attorney's office ordered Morgan's release, explaining that no charge would be filed against the ex-detective.

A post-mortem conducted by Dr. Henry Raile, police surgeon, revealed that Norman was shot through the abdomen with Morgan's .38 caliber revolver.

Report Abusive Language

The officers reported that their inquiry revealed that Murphy, in a drunken condition, fired the fatal shot while Norman was attempting to eject him from the room because Murphy was using abusive language in the presence of Mrs. Norman.

Chief Payne said that the Morgan case was closed with the city commission's approval of the dismissal.

"I have given Mr. Morgan several chances, but when he broke faith last week I made up my mind to drop him." said the chief. The former detective was under a 30-day suspension for drinking when the shooting occurred. He was discharged when placed under arrest a short time later.

Funeral services for Mr. Norman will be conducted Thursday at 3 p.m. in the Deseret Mortuary by Rev. A. E. Butcher of St. Paul's Episcopal church.

Friends may call at the mortuary Wednesday afternoon and Thursday prior to services. Burial will take place in City cemetery.