Evening Republican, Volume 16, Number 228, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 23 September 1912 — MUTE TAKEN FOR HOUSEBREAKER [ARTICLE]

MUTE TAKEN FOR HOUSEBREAKER

Willie Bray, el Rowell, Killed li) Neighbor When He Rapped at Widow’s House Sunday Night.

_ A very sad affair occurred at an early hour this Monday morning at Lowell, as a result of which the body of Willie Gray, a well known mute of that town, lies at the home of his parents there awaiting burial. The Republican learns the following story. Gray is, about 21 years of age. He attended the school for the deaf at Indianapolis, completing the course last June. Sunday night he remained out until about 2 o’clock in the morning and when he returned, presumably to his own home, he got to the next door by mistake. He rapped at the door and the occupant, Mrs. R. M. Webb, called out and asked who was there. Of course, he could not hear, and he continued to rap and tried to force open the door. She called out for help and a qaan named Charles Lloyd, who lived near the house, heard' her calls and responded. -He saw a man on the pqjch trying to force open the door. He called to him and told him to go away, but the man kept pushing on the door. Lloyd had a revolver and raising it fired at the man. Gray fell on the porch. Lloyd went to him and was to find that it was Willie Gray, the mute. A physician was called and it was found that the bullet had struck Gray in the head. His condition was regarded as very serious and it was decided to hasten him to a hospital in Chicago. He was placed on the early morning train and started for Chicago but he died just as the train reached 47th street. The body was returned to Lowell on N. 5. Gray is said to have caused the authorities at the Indianapolis school considerable trouble and it is understood that he was expelled from the school. A report from Lowell is to the effect that be was intoxicated Sun--7 \ day night.