JOHN BADGWELL KILLED MONDAY
Last Monday afternoon about seven o'clock the little town of Park Springs was the scene of a deplorable tragedy, in which John Badgwell, thirty-five years of age and married, met his death at the hands of Luther McKay, nineteen years old, and son of the pioneer justice of the peace at that place. Badgwell was shot five times with a 35-caliber automatic pistol and died instantly.
An open knife was found in the right hand of Badgwell when the body was searched by officers. The report about the sad affair coming to the Messenger states that Badgwell, thinking that McKay, who had appeared before the Grand Jury in Decatur recently, had given information concerning Badgwell violating the law, went to the Jerry McKay store in the town of Park Springs, and as young McKay closed the store and started home. Badgwell approached him in a threatening manner and abused him roundly. As he came up young Mckay, seeing the knife in Badgwell's hand, warned him to stay away. Disregarding the warning given. Badgwell continued to approach, and when he got within a few feet of McKay, the young man whipped out an automatic revolver and began firing. Two shots took effect in Badgwell's chest, the third entered his left shoulder, and the two last bullets entered under the left arm. Badgwell fell and died almost instantly.
McKay surrendered to officers and was brought to Decatur, where bond was given, after which he was taken before the grand jury. An indictment was returned by that body.
JOHN BADGWELL KILLED MONDAY
Last Monday afternoon about seven o'clock the little town of Park Springs was the scene of a deplorable tragedy, in which John Badgwell, thirty-five years of age and married, met his death at the hands of Luther McKay, nineteen years old, and son of the pioneer justice of the peace at that place. Badgwell was shot five times with a 35-caliber automatic pistol and died instantly.
An open knife was found in the right hand of Badgwell when the body was searched by officers. The report about the sad affair coming to the Messenger states that Badgwell, thinking that McKay, who had appeared before the Grand Jury in Decatur recently, had given information concerning Badgwell violating the law, went to the Jerry McKay store in the town of Park Springs, and as young McKay closed the store and started home. Badgwell approached him in a threatening manner and abused him roundly. As he came up young Mckay, seeing the knife in Badgwell's hand, warned him to stay away. Disregarding the warning given. Badgwell continued to approach, and when he got within a few feet of McKay, the young man whipped out an automatic revolver and began firing. Two shots took effect in Badgwell's chest, the third entered his left shoulder, and the two last bullets entered under the left arm. Badgwell fell and died almost instantly.
McKay surrendered to officers and was brought to Decatur, where bond was given, after which he was taken before the grand jury. An indictment was returned by that body.
Gravesite Details
headstone pictures online at http://www.wisecountytexas.info/cemeteries/headstone%20info.htm
Family Members
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Elizabeth Ann "Betty" Badgwell Bailey
1878–1966
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Lillie Day Badgwell McNatt
1882–1971
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Hollie Jason Badgwell
1884–1962
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Margie Jannie "Jannie" Badgwell Cooper
1886–1957
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Thomas Jefferson "Tom" Badgwell
1889–1954
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Hattie Macon Badgwell McDonald
1891–1918
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Charley F Badgwell
1894–1896
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Mattie Lanora Badgwell Ward
1896–1965
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Robert Chester Badgwell Sr
1898–1956
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Hazel Badgwell Hall
1902–1941
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Joseph "Joe" Badgwell
1904–1910
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