DREAM TRAGEDY.

Hokitika Guardian, 13 February 1920, Page 4

DREAM TRAGEDY.

WIFE SHOT BY MAN ASLEEP NEW YORK, Dec. 2

Mr James Sapienza, president of the Cement Manufacturing Company, Irvinton, New Jersey, killed his wife in a dream last night. He dreamed that liis daughter, who was sleeping in the same room, was being attacked by assassins and fired on them with the result that he ldllecPhis wife.

According to Snpicnza’s story, for some time past lie had been receiving letters demanding money, accompanied by threats of death if he failed to pay. He gave the letters, which lie believed came from the “Black Hand” gang, to the police, but the threats got on his nerves to such an extent that he obtained a license to carry a revolver. He always slept with it under his pillow. The neighbours say that he had become a nervous wreck in consequence of worrying over the letters. Last night Sapienza, his wife, and his daughter went to bed as usual about 10. Towards midnight Sapienza thought he heard a window open, and turning over he saw two masked men enter the room armed with knives. Ono went and stood over the daughter with his arm raised to strike.

In frantic terror Sapienza fired the pistol which he was clutching in his hand beneath the pillow. Ho heard the report and then found himself sitting up in bed. The room was empty and quiet. No window was open. The terrified man heard a, moan from his wife. Switching on the light lie saw blood trickling from a wound in her head. He then realised that ho had been dreaming. But his wife was dead. The bullet had gone through the pillow and clean through her head. After reading the letters handed by Sapienza to the police c.-rl hearing the testimony of the neighbours on Ins condition, the magistrate said he believed his story and released him on bail.

The unfortunate man stated that he was deeply attached to his wife. He is completely prostrated.