Jasper County Democrat, Volume 20, Number 25, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 23 June 1917 — TEACHER SHOOTS RIVAL TO DEATH [ARTICLE]

TEACHER SHOOTS RIVAL TO DEATH

Wife of Former State Veterinary of Wisconsin Murdered by Miss Grace Lusk. SLAYER DEFIES HER CAPTORS Turnc Revolver Upon Herself and May Die—Shooting Occurs at the Home of Miss Bianca Mills at Waukesha. O’ Waukesha, Wis., June 22.—One woman shot to death and another probably dying from self-inflicted wounds spell out a love triangle tragedy which occurred here. Miss. Grace Lusk, thirty-five years old, instructor in the-teachers’ training department of the Waukesha high school, was the principal in the crime. Her victim'was Mrs. Roberts, wife of David Roberts, former state veterinarian and president of the Doctor Roberts Veterinary company of this city. Mrs., Roberts went to the residence of jMiss Bianca Mills,. 416 West Park avenue, where Miss Lusk roomed. Mr. Roberts said afterward that his wife telephoned him she had been invited by the teacher to call at two o'clock.

Calls Her Husband.

After Mrs. Roberts reached the Mills residence she called up her husband and asked that he come and be present at a conference. He left at once with L. D. Blott and on arriving found his wife unconscious. He did not know then she had been shot, but supposed she had fainted. He summoned Dr. R. E. Davies. Investigation revealed thp bullet wound. Shortly afterward the woman died. Meantime Mr. Blott heard Miss Lusk call and. turning, Saw her at the head of the stairway. She waved, a revolver and defied any person to come up the stairs. Chief of Police McKay was notified. While waiting for him, Mr. Blott and Doctor Davies parleyed with Miss Lusk, and tried to calm her. Once she cried: “I love him. I want him, and I want him now.” * • Before Chief McKay arrived Miss Lusk placed the revolver at her chest and fired one shot. Despite the wound inflicted, she continued to defy Blott and Davies to come and take her. After McKay entered 'the house she shot herself a second time and fell.

Tells of Her Letters. At the hospital Miss Lusk said she wished to die. It was found her lungs had been pierced by two bullets. She told District Attorney M. S. Tullar there were important letters in her bureau. He took possession of them, but refused to show them. Miss Lusk came here six years ago from her home in Mosinee, Wis. Both she and Mrs. Roberts were members of the local chapter of the D. A. R., and were active in social and club work. Mrs. Roberts formerly was Miss Mary Newman of Racine, where she taught school. She was forty-nine years old. • , Several weeks ago Mrs. Roberts is said to have appeared before the board of . education and asked for the dismissal of Miss Lusk, alleging she was not a fit person to teach school. It was believed her action was prompted by reports her husband had been showing attention to the teacher. Mr. Roberts denied knowledge of any trouble between the two women.