Obituaries: Dorothy Finley Peters, 1934, Winn Parish, LA Submitted by Greggory E. Davies, 120 Ted Price Lane, Winnfield, LA 71483 ********************************************** Copyright. All rights reserved. http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://usgwarchives.net/la/lafiles.htm ********************************************** From: October 19, 1934 Winnfield News-American Mrs. Ben J. Peters Dies of Wounds Self-Inflicted Either Accidental or Suicidal Intent Tuesday Morning Victim is Bride of Capt. Ben J. Peters of Camp Davis CCC Mrs. Ben J. Peters, wife of Capt. Ben J. Peters, commanding officer at Camp Davis at Ansley, died Tuesday morning from wounds self-inflicted with a .38 caliber pistol, either by accident or with suicidal intent it was announced by official s following an investigation. Captain Peters and Jimmy Finley, 12 year old brother of the slain woman, were in an adjoining room when one shot rang out. They rushed in to find Mrs. Peters dying as blood spurted from a gapping wound on her left side. A post- mortem determined that the bullet clipped the top of her heart, causing almost instantaneous death. Powder burns on her flesh and outer clothing indicated that the barrel of the .38 caliber pistol was only a few inches away when the weapon discharged. No apparent motive for suicide was uncovered by investigating officers. She is believed to have picked up the revolver to examine it and in some manner the weapon discharged, The tragedy occurred at the home of Mrs. P. C. Finley, six miles south of Winnfield. Mrs. Peters was the daughter of Mrs. Finley. Sheriff Bryant Sholars and District Attorney Harry Fuller accompanied Dr. S. C. Fittz, deputy coroner, to the Finley home, Tuesday morning to investigate the circumstances of the shooting. After making the investigation they came to the conclusion that the young woman had shot herself but could not determine whether or not it was accidental or a suicide. Mrs. Peters, (nee Dorothy Finley) was only 20 years of age. She married Captain Peters just a week ago. Funeral services were held at 11 o'clock Wednesday morning at the Melton Cemetery. Surviving the deceased are her parents, Mr. and Mrs. P. C. Finley and one brother.