Jasper County Democrat, Volume 5, Number 40, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 10 January 1903 — FULLY EXONERATED. [ARTICLE]

FULLY EXONERATED.

The following clipping from the Urbana (Ohio) Citizen and Gazette will bo of interest to many of our readers. The Charles Ropp mentioned is a brother of Henry, Andrew and Horatio Ropp of near this city, mention of which, in referring to this matter, has heretofore been made in these columns: Coroner Arnipriester has submitted his finding in the inquest held over the body of William Heck, who was killed by Charles Ropp at the latter's home two miles south of Cable Christmas eve. As was anticipated the coroner in his finding completely exonerates Ropp and pronounces it a case of "justifiable homicide.” The following is the full text of the Coroner's finding which was filed with the clerk of the court Monday afternoon: "After having heard the evidence, examined the body, and considered the facts and circumstances, Ido find that the said deceased came to his death by a gun shot wound in the head inflicted by one Charles Ropp. Ido further find that the killing of the deceased was justiahle and excusable on . the part of the said Charles Kopp for the reason that the evidence conclusively shows that the deceased had threatened at divers times to kill said Kopp and of which threats Kopp had been advised; and that said Heck was threatening to kill the said Charles i Kopp only a few minutes ladore his death mid was at said time endeavoring to find said Kopp to carry his threat into execution; and at the time said Kopp shot and killed the said William J. Heck lie (Kopp) believed that his own life was in danger of being ; taken by the said Heck, who at the time bud a revolver In his possession and was endeavoring . i find Kopp to shoot him. (Signed.) IRVING AKMPRIESTEK, Coroner."