SENSATIONAL SHOOTING AFFRAY.

Press, Volume XLV, Issue 7214, 27 November 1888, Page 5

SENSATIONAL SHOOTING AFFRAY.

[fbom our correspondent.] [Bt Telbqbafh feoh th> Blot*.] MELBOURNE, November 20. A sensational occurrence took place on Wednesday last at midday in Sandhurst, in the most central portion of the city, and resulted in the serious wounding of Mr Andrew O'Keefe, railway contractor, and the death of Michael Russell, carpenter. Bussell had taken some subletting work from O'Keefe, and at the lost sittings of the Sandhurst County Court he sued O'Keefe to recover £50 for this work. Failing to prove that the work was passed by the Insiector, the plaintiff waa nonsuited, and he was ordered to pay .£lB in costs. Before the case could come on for trial the two men met to-day, and walked up to View Point, disputing as they went. When in the middle of the street, opposite Dr. James Boyd's surgery, they commenced to I struggle, and. Russell pulled out a revolver and fired two shots afr O'Keefe. O'Keefe then wrenched the weapon from his assailant, but Bussell again recovered possession of it. Bussell again fired twice at O'Keefe, the last bullet striking him in the forehead. O'Keefe staggered back bleeding profusely, and BusseU fired the fifth charge into hie own head. '! he bullet entered -through the right temple into the brain, and he dropped dead on tho spot. O'Keefe was takea into Dr Boyd'e surgery, but he was not seriously injured. Bussell leaves a wife and family of four. O'Keefe ia somewhat unfortunate in his relations with his workmen, and tbre&te of violence towards hint have been far from uncommon. A subscription has been started for the relief of Russell's widow and family, which Mr O'Keefe has headed with one hundred guineas. '.