OCR Text |
Show SHOOTS DOCTOR, THEN TOMS GUN OH SELF W. W. Riley Blows Head Off After Slaying Dr. J. W. Mercer. Special to The Tribune. IDAHO FALLS. Ida., Jan. 3. Dr. J. W. Mercer, a veterinary surgeon, was shot and Instantly killed hore tonight by W. W. Rlicy, who then turned the gun on himself, blowing off the top of his head. Tho shooting took place In a rear room of the Capitol cafe, and wa3 without witnesses. About 8 o'clock this evening Dr. Mercer Mer-cer and P.lley met In the rear of the Capitol cafe and were heard quarreling. A person ln a nearby room heard Dr. Mercer exclaim: "Don't do that!" and at the samo Instant three shots were fired at closo Intervals, followed by a fourth shot a short time afterward. When tho room was entered by Chief of Police Fisher both men were dead. Dr. Mercer's body was pierced by throe bullets, any ono of which would havo proven fatal, while the top of Riley's head was blown entirely off. The men had been at outa with each other for some time past, owing to the fact that Rllcy'.s wife had left ltlm and taken up her residence at tho home of Dr. Mercer- Dr. Mercer had lived here for more than a year and was -well liked. Little !s known of Riley, he having come to the city only recently. Each man Is about 45 years old. Dr. Mercer lived In Iowa before coming to Idaho. |