Evening Republican, Volume 20, Number 17, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 20 January 1916 — FATHER KILLED SON AND SELF [ARTICLE]

FATHER KILLED SON AND SELF

Bert Rich, Elevator Man at Wolcott, Commits Act That Shocks All Who Know Him. ~Y' • , ■ - ’ . _ _ .... ,o _, Special to The Republican: Wolcott, Ind., Jan. 20.—Wolcott is shocked by a tragedy that baffles explanation. At noon today persons who went to the home of Bert Rich found his dead body and that of , his little son, about* 8 years of age. Indications were that the father had murdered the son and then committed suicide. The father was engaged in the elevator business and apparently was prosperous, His wife and another child were away for the. night. There was modomestic trouble so far as is known and those -who knew Mr. Rich well are unable to account for the terrible act unless it was committed while he was temporarily insane.

Rich was an unclq of Lester Rich, who is employed in the Harrington Bros, elevator of this place. He was about 40 years of age. His wife was the daughter of B. F. Tedford, of Goodland. Mr,Rich and Harry Hartley, of this place, were shocked almost beyond expression when they learned of the tragedy.