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Show TW0MENA0I1 Jove Backasle and Adula AH, the two men who were arrested last evening even-ing at Thistle by Constable J. W. Huff and Elias Gardner on suspicion of being -the murderers of Joe La Bella, who was killed near Tucker yesterday afternoon, were brought to Provo last night by Sherlf Henry East In his automobile. About 3 o'clock this morning the shcrirf suc-ceeoded suc-ceeoded in getting a confession from them. According to their storv they killed La Bella, a Frenchman," about 30 years of age, for his money, the murderers supposing that he carried a large amount. Instead of this ho only had $2.15, which the murderers took from him. in addition to being struck with a club. Bella was shot through the back of the head with a .38-caliber revolver, re-volver, which probably caused his death, ft was believed that La Bella was killed with clubs before the confession con-fession of Backasic and Ali. The fatal shot was fired by AH, according to Backasle. although All also accuses Backasie of firing the shot. The officers of-ficers are inclined to believe tho story of Backasie. Backasle and Ali are Albanians, each about 20 years of age, and have been In the United States about fourteen four-teen months. They talk fairly cood English. They were formerly employed employ-ed at Bingham, but had been in Helper Help-er and were on their way to Salt Lake City of Bingham. It appears that they knew about La Bella being a caretaker care-taker for the Reynolds-Ely Construction Construc-tion company, and someone had told them ho had a largo sum of money on his person. It was not any pressing need of money that Impelled them to the robbery rob-bery which resulted in murder, as Backasie had $150 In currency in one of his shoes. Backasie expressed regret re-gret at the crime, while Ali apparently apparent-ly does not suffer any pangs of conscience. con-science. Backasle and All were taken before Justice E. L. Jones this afternoon and charged with first-degree murder. Saturday Sat-urday was fixed as the time for the preliminary hearing and between now and that time the prisoners will communicate com-municate with friends in Salt Lake. H. T. Reynolds, Milan O. Packard and Clarence Crandall. oficers of the Reynolds-Ely Construction company, were in Provo today in connection with the murder. They spoke in the highest terms of Ia Bella and will look after his affairs. It is understood that La Bella had a considerable sum of money In a bank ana a search will be made for the funds. La Bella's family is in Italy. |
