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Show CRAZY RANCHER SHOOTS WIFE AND FIVE CHILDREN," THEN TAKES OWN LIFE - x : - : ' T ; SAN RAFAEL, . May .4.WIUiam. Stephens, who lived at Ross -valley, Marin county, this morning- murdered his wife, shot his five children, three of whom, died Instantly.' attempted to murder a passing milkman, and then ended his own life, after firing two bullets bul-lets Into his body,. y . ' ; -Stephens was . is years old andwas formerly a book agent. , The. family; also conducted a chicken ranch at their' home in Ross valley, and had a" flock of 1000 fowls. .This morning a passing milkman' was1, startled to see Stephens emerge from 1 His . home, revolver in hand, and fire upon him.. The milkman whipped -up 'his horses arid Stephens pursuedhirnfor yards, firing m he ran: Stephens then halted in the roadway, placed the revolver re-volver to his breast and discharged the weapon. The bullet .did not end his life, and he sent a second shot through his brain, c ' When neighbors and officers entered the home of Stephens they came upon a shocking sight. In all of the beds were the members of the unfortunate family, each with a revolver wound in the head. The wife and three of the children were dead, and if is believed that two of the surviving children cannot can-not live. .- The. children ranged' from l.to 11 years In age. -There Is at present no known' reason for' the tragedy, but the theory Is advanced that Stephens became be-came suddenly Insane, and his murderous murder-ous attack on the unoffending milkman appears to substantiate that belief. |