Woman Dead 30 Days Found In La Grande Home
Mrs. Katherine P. Smith, about 55 years of age, was found dead in her home at 1304 F. avenue LaGrande, Sunday afternoon with a bullet hole in her forehead and officers are seeking Bert V. Smith, her son, in hopes that he may throw some light on the murder.
The crime, officers believe, was committed nearly three moths ago. The house is somewhat apart from other homes in the neighborhood – which is near the intersection of Seventh street in Old Town and neighbors had not become suspicious of anything out of the way.
Saturday Thomas Doyle, of Pondosa, a friend of the family went to La Grande and to the house with the idea of visiting. He found “no one at home”, and becoming suspicious, returned to the house in company, officers say, with Red Gray. The two men opened the door of the house and a strong odor assailed their nostrils. Going upstairs they discovered a bedroom door nailed shut and a note on the door. They immediately called Deputy Sheriff Hugo Klinghammer who opened the door and found the body of Mrs. Smith on the bed.
– ObituaryIndications, officers say, are that Mrs. Smith had been ill before the crime was committed. The last time Smith was seen as far as officers can learn was on March 20th.
Oregon Trail Weekly
North Powder News
Saturday, May 26, 1928