The Monroe News-Star - Miss Kate Fretsch Kills Frank Mischler
Submitted by: Lora Peppers  December 1999

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The Monroe News-Star
Friday, August 26, 1910

Page 1, Column 3
WANTS TO DIE.

Does Not Wish to Become Mother of Fatherless Child.

New Orleans, Aug. 26. - Miss Kate Fretsch, who Wednesday evening shot and
killed Frank Mischler, the father of her unborn child, made a dramatic but
futile attempt at suicide yesterday in the office of Captain Rawlings of
the Third Precinct.

She attempted to stab herself with a long hatpin, but relatives crowded
around the girl and disarmed her.

Miss Fretsch has been in a state of almost prostrate grief ever since her
arrest and has frequently threatened to end her life. On account of her
highly nervous state, she was arraigned in the private office of Judge
Aucoin, where her attorney entered a plea of not guilty in her behalf.
The girl continually cried that she wanted to see the body of Mischler once
more and die, that she did not wish to be the mother of a fatherless child.
In her lucid moments she said that not only did Mischler flatly refuse to
marry her and tell her he was about to leave the city, but admitted he
intended marrying some one else. Miss Fretsch is now in the parish prison.
No attempt was made to secure bond for her today, but a speedy preliminary
hearing will be requsted.

Miss Jean Gordon, factory inspector, announced that the Era Club will
investigate the Mischler killing with a view to aiding the girl, as was done
in the case of Mamie McLaughlin.