EX-CONVICT'S REVENGE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2635, 18 October 1909, Page 7

EX-CONVICT'S REVENGE.

NURSING A GRUDGE FOR FIFTEEN YEARS.

At Middletown, in the State of New York, on August 10th, John MacSorley, a convict who was released from gaol only on the Saturday, shot and killed Daniel Fenton, a hotel proprietor, and thereby fulfilled a vow be made fifteen years ago, when Fenton was a member of the jury that convicted him. MacSorley gloated over bis victim for a few moments as be lay prostrate in the gutter with a bullet in his abdomen, and reminded the writhing but still conscious man that revenge is sweet. Then he put a final bullet through the hotelkeeper’s head. Finally the ex-convict, a handsome man, 6ft 4in tall, and still middle-aged, turned the revolver against himself, fired into his head, and fell by the side of his victim. Both men were removed to the hospital and occupied adjoining beds. MacSorley died in the first few hours, and later Fenton, who was regarded as one of the best and most substantial business men in Middletown, also succumbed. This remarkable tragedy, which took place in the street, through which MacSorley ran with his pistol in pursuit of Fenton, was the sequel to a quarrel between the two men in New York fifteen years ago. Fenton ran a hotel, and MacSorley was owner of a cafe a short distance away. MacSorley was arrested on a serious charge, and by a strange twist of fate, Fenton served on the jury, which brought in a verdict of guilty. MacSorley was incensed greatly to find one of-'his own neighbors had helped to send him away, and it was then he made the threat, “The moment I’m free I’ll kill Dan Fenton.” He brooded over this vow throughout his fifteen years in gaol. 'When released, MacSorley went direct to Middletown and met Fenton face to face in the street. Recognition was mutual, and the fatal chase ensued.