Suicide Verdict Is Returned at Morgan Inquest

MORGAN, WILKINSON

Posted By: Joanne Breen (email)
Date: 10/7/2014 at 10:13:55

Evening Journal, Washington, Iowa
July 11, 1941

Suicide Verdict Is Returned at Morgan Inquest

A verdict of suicide was returned by the jury impaneled this morning by Coroner W. S. Kyle at Wellman to hear evidence at the inquest into the death of Alfored (Alford) Morgan, Wellman man who died at the county hospital this morning from a gunshot wound.

The jury was composed of E. C. Jones, J. D. Morrison, and W. L. Wade, all of Wellman.

Their verdict was that "from evidence submitted at said inquest, we the jury do find that said Alfored Morgan came to his death as a result of a gunshot wound self-inflicted a suicide."

At the inquest Morgan's wife who has been at Burlington, testified that she had received a letter from him in which he threatened to kill himself.

Died at 4:15 Today

Alfored Morgan of Wellman died this morning at 4:15 at the Washington county hospital, from the effects of a gunshot wound he sustained yesterday morning at this home in Wellman. The body was taken to Wellman, where funeral plans were being made by the Bidwell funeral home.

Dr. W. S. Kyle, Washington county coroner, went to Wellman this morning for the purpose of conducting an inquest into the death of Mr. Morgan.

However, he left no note or other word confirming the suicide theory and at no time from the time he sustained the wound until his death did he state definitely that he had shot himself with suicidal intent, it was learned today. For that reason the coroner decided to hold an inquest.

Sheriff H. M. Putnam said this morning that Morgan when interviewed at the hospital, said that he shot himself when "fooling around" with the 22 caliber rifle, a bullet from which penetrated his upper abdomen. He told the sheriff about some troubles recently that might have led him to contemplate suicide.

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