Clark County NV Archives Obituaries.....WEHRLE, Marcus November 22 1921
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Gerry Perry missgerry@cox.net October 6, 2004, 11:57 pm

Las Vegas Age - 11/26/1921


WEHRLE IS MURDERED DEFENDING A WOMAN



NICK DUGAN, UNDER INFLUENCE OF WHISKEY, KILLS DEFENSELESS MAN IN DRUNKEN 

RAGE



    Marcus WEHRLE, well known citizen of Las Vegas, is the latest victim of 

the Las Vegas bootleggers.  He was shot and killed Tuesday evening while 

eating supper in Lambert's Cafe, by Nick DUGAN as he protested against 

DUGAN's drunken abuse of a waitress in the place.

    According to witnesses of the tragedy, DUGAN came in and ordered a 

sandwich from the waitress, saying he would leave the kind to her.  She 

brought him a ham sandwich and a cup of coffee.  DUGAN almost immediately 

began to abuse her in profane and obscene language, saying the coffee was 

too hot, the sandwich not satisfactory, and that he would not pay for them. 

The proprietor, Mr. LAMBERT, being absent, the waitress called in Laura 

FERRA, the cook.  DUGAN transferred his abuse to her after she asked him to 

go out and let someone else have his place.

    Marcus WEHRLE, sitting near, remonstrated with DUGAN, telling him to 

leave the place.  DUGAN replied with abusive language, saying WEHRLE could 

not put him out.  When WEHRLE rose from his chair DUGAN backed off a few 

feet, and drew a revolver.  Mr. WEHRLE hesitated a second and then grappled 

with DUGAN, apparently in an effort to disarm him.  WEHRLE succeeded in 

grasping DUGAN's right wrist and threw an arm about him, but DUGAN succeeded 

in bringing the muzzle of the gun against WEHRLE's body and fired.  WEHRLE 

fell, the bullet having penetrated his lung and shattered his spinal column. 

He died that evening about 9:45, the shooting having occurred about 5:30. 

WEHRLE, so far recovered consciousness before his death that he was able to 

make a statement to the officers.

    There were numerous witnesses to the shooting, the restaurant being 

filled with people at the time.  All appear to coincide in their statements 

as to the occurrance.  DUGAN was in all probability somewhat under the 

influence at the time.

    The coroner's jury, James M. KEITH, James GERMAN and H. J. WOODARD, 

brought in a verdict that WEHRLE came to his death by a shot from a revolver 

in the hands of one Nick DUGAN.  District Attorney HARMON states that a 

charge of first degree murder will be placed against DUGAN.

    DUGAN has been in the employ of the water service of the Salt Lake road 

for several years, recently having been stationed at Ivanpah.  He intended 

to leave for home the evening of the tragedy.

    Marcus WEHRLE was about 55 years of age and had been a resident of Las 

Vegas for ten years or more.  He was quiet, peaceable, sober and 

industrious, and had the respect of all who knew him.  He followed the 

instincts of a gentleman in endeavoring to protect a woman from insult and 

abuse and sacrificed his life, one more victim of a crime induced by 

whiskey.

    The funeral services were held at the undertaking chapel Friday 

afternoonm  Rev. Leo C. KLINE officiating.  A large number of friends of the 

deceased were present as a tribute to the fine qualities of an humble, 

honest and kindly soul.







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