Cut to Pieces (1900)

Jackson Citizen, Michigan
29 June 1900
(Viewed online at GenealogyBank.)

CUT TO PIECES.

ROBERT WEAVER ATTACKED BY TWO MEN WITH KNIVES.

FELL DEAD ON THE DEPOT PLATFORM.

The Terrible Tragedy Is Surrounded With Mystery.

Greensburg, Ind., June 27. -- Robert Weaver was killed at Newpoint, it is charged, by Charles Suttles, Jr., and Oscar Speer. The scene of the tragedy is a pretty little village of some 500 inhabitants, situated on the Big Four railroad, ten miles east of this city. It was at the east end of the platform at the railroad station, where Weaver, in the presence of an eyewitness, was attacked by two men, claimed to be Charles Suttles, Jr., and Oscar Speer, of this city, and literally cut to pieces.

Robert Morton, who was the only onlooker, makes the statement that he and Weaver had met Suttles and Speer but a few moments before, and that the four were walking down the railroad, Suttles with him and Speer with Weaver, a few paces behind. When near the east end of the station Suttles, he says, turned back. No demonstration was made and Morton had no thought of trouble until Weaver said, "Bob, they have got me," and fell to the ground, dying instantly. Morton started to the fallen man, when one of the men struck at him with a knife. He threw up his left arm to ward off the blow and received an ugly knife wound, which cut to the bone.

Suttles and Speer ran for their buggies, which were near by, and in charge of Frank Stevenson and Frank Smith, Jr. The citizens of Newpoint were aroused and pursuit made, but the men escaped. A message informed the police here of the crime, and the four men were taken into custody and lodged in jail.

Judge Hord ordered the grand jury reconvened, and the case will go direct to that body. The excitement at Newpoint is intense, and is gradually extending to this city.

Weaver leaves a widow and six children. Suttles and Speer are both residents of this city.