"Looks Like Murder" : L.W. Decker (1842-1913)

From The Southwest Mail (Nevada, Missouri), October 13, 1913, Friday, Page 8 --

LOOKS LIKE MURDER 

L. W. Decker Found Dead in Bed Monday Morning--His Hands and Feet Tied With Rope.

         L W. Decker, a coal miner, who resides three miles south of Amsterdam, was found dead in his bed Monday morning between six and seven o'clock and all indications are that he was murdered. When his body was found by neighbors his hands were tied tight with a rope behind his back, his feet tied together and a handkerchief tied around his face and neck says the Butler Democrat. 

         Sheriff Johnson and Coronor Crabtree were immediately notified and they left Butler for the scene of the crime Monday morning between eight and nine o'clock, where an inquest was held. 

         From parties who live in the neighborhood we learn that Decker was last seen on Saturday night and no one was seen about his premises. Decker was 74 years of age and was a widower, his wife having died about one year ago. 

        The above megaer particulars are all we have been able to secure over the phone.

Lawrence W. Decker was the husband of my 2xg-aunt Margaret Ann (Maclean) Decker.  So far I have found no information as to motive or perpetrator.

Copyright © 2021 by Kevin W. Walker