NEWS:  Harvey E. KEIM shot to death by John SWEYNSKY, Sep 1932, Jerome, Somerset 
County, PA 

File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Meyersdale Library.
Transcribed and proofread by: Richard Boyer.

Copyright.  All rights reserved.
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HARVEY E. KEIM

Jerome Farmer Shot to Death

His Slayer, John Sweynsky, Gives Himself Up Claiming Self-Defense

  Harvey E. Keim, 55, a prominent Jerome farmer, was shot and killed at 12:30 
o'clock this Thursday morning by John Sweynsky, 49, of Jerome.
  Sweynsky voluntarily surrendered to the officers, admitting that he had killed 
Keim, but stating that he had fired the fatal shot in self-defense.
  The story as told to the officers is to the effect that Keim was under the 
influence of liquor when he visited Sweynsky's home shortly after midnight and 
demanded that he be admitted to the house.  Sweynsky's small daughter, the 
police say, opened the door and Keim went to the bedroom where Sweynsky had 
retired for the night.
  A quarrel ensued, during which Sweynsky told the officers that Keim struck him 
on the jaw.  Following a tussle in the bedroom, Sweynsky told the police that he 
followed Keim to the kitchen, the latter refusing to leave the house when 
ordered to do so.
  Another scuffle ensured, Sweynsky is reported to have told the officers, and 
fearing his life, Sweynsky said he procured a shotgun in the kitchen and fired 
at Keim at close range.  After being shot Keim staggered through the kitchen 
door and collapsed on the rear porch of the home.  A pumpkin ball shell was 
used, the large single bullet entering Keim's body on the left side near the 
region of the eighth rib.  Taking an upward course, the bullet penetrated the 
liver, lungs and the left side of the heart.
  Neighbors heard the shot and notified Constable Jack Long, of Conemaugh 
Township, and Justice of the Peace R. J. Schmucker.
  After these officials had conducted a preliminary investigation County 
Detective F. P. Hare and Private Fontaine, attached to the Somerset substation 
of the State Police, were notified and assumed charge of the investigation.
  Mrs. Emily Fluck, Somerset County Coroner, granted permission to have the body 
of Keim removed to the Jay O. Hay mortuary at Boswell.  Mrs. Fluck also ordered 
an autopsy, which was performed by Dr. Walter Johnson, of Boswell.
  Sweynsky was removed to the Somerset County jail by the officials and will 
remain a prisoner there until arraigned for a preliminary hearing.
  Keim's body was removed to his home this afternoon.  Funeral services will be 
conducted by Rev. M. J. Weaver, pastor of the Maple Springs Church of the 
Brethren, at the Keim home Saturday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock.
  An inquest will be conducted in the case next Monday evening at the courthouse 
in Somerset.

Meyersdale Republican, September 29, 1932