FLAT MYSTERY.

Hokitika Guardian, 21 August 1920, Page 3

FLAT MYSTERY.

NEW YORK, June 12. Mr Joseph B. Elwell, an international authority on bridge and whist and a racing man interested in several wellknown American stables, was found shot In .his flat early to-day in circumstances which the police think may indicate murder. Mr Elwell was discovered early this morning by Mrs Mary Larsen, his housekeeper, unconscious, clad in pyjamas, and in a sitting posture in the drawing-.room. A bullet wouijd marked bis forehead. Airs Larsen called an ambulance, but Air Elwell died at Bellevue Hospital without regaining consciousness. An empty pistol cartridge has been found, but the absence of any weapon and the position of the wound lead to the theory of murder. An examination of the premises shows that Mr Elwell had made every preparation to go to bed. His evening clothes were carefully folded, but bis lied had not been occupied. He bad spent the evening with friends j at a music-hall. His money—nearly ■ £loo—watch, and jewellery, were un- i disturbed on his dressing table. &ev- j eral letters addressed to Air Elwell—one of which was delivered early in the morning—had been opened. This latter one was said to be from the chief trainer of Mr Elwell’s stables and described tlie performance of tho ■horse Free State, which ran second in a race at Latonia, Kentucky, last Saturday. Tlie police say that possibly this letter may prove a clue. records show that three burglars were caught in Air Elwell’s flat a year ago, and detectives are engaged in an attempt to find a motive for murder. ...r Elwell was associated with Mr Richard F. Carman in the ownership of his stables, and had a number of entries for American racecourses this season.