E.A. SHEPARD
Arizona Republican Newspaper
December 15, 1898

Monday morning at Sonorita on the New Mexico and Arizona railroad 
between Nogales and Benson, E.A. Shepard was stabbed by Luis Chavez 
from the effects of which he died eleven hours later.  Shepard 
was employed by the railroad company as foreman of a gang of 
men  fencing the compnay's right of way.  Chavez had worked 
for Shepard not more than a day when he demanded his money. 
In a dispute over the manner of payment Chavez stabbed Shepard 
to death.


December 19, 1898

Further particulars of the killing a few days ago at Sonrita 
Station on the New Mexico and Ariozna Railroad between Nogales 
and Fairbank, when E.A. Shepard was stabbed by Luis Chavez 
have been received at Tombstone.  Shepard was employed by 
the railroad company as foreman.  Chavez had worked for 
Shepard a little more than a day then quit and demaned his 
money.  Shepard, in complieance with the rules of the company, 
paid Chavez 75 per cent of the amount due and gave him a 
check for the balance.  Chavez, not satisfied, threatened 
to kill Shepard if he did not get all the money due him--
$1.25.

Shepard was in his car wehn Chavez attempted to get in.  Shepard 
took a large knife from under his sarape and plunged into 
Shepard's left side just below the nipple.  After being 
stabbed Shepard got on a handcar with some of his men and 
started for Crittenden, the nearest telegraph station from 
where he could send for medical assistance.

Four or five Mexicans, friends of Chavez, sotpped the car and 
compleled the dying man to go the other way.  As soon as the 
telegraph office was reached word was sent to Nogales and the 
army surgeon at Fort Huachuca was sent for.  The coroner's 
inquest was held at Nogales and a verdict of murder returned.

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