Sensational Shooting Affray.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume II, Issue 230, 4 December 1888, Page 3

Sensational Shooting Affray.

Melbourne, Nov 20. A sensational occurrence took place on Wednesday last at midday in Sandhurst, in the most central portion of the city, and rerulted in the serious wounding of Mr Andrew O’Keefe,, railway contractor, and the death of Michael Russel, carpenter. Russel had taken some subletting work from O’Keefe, and at the last sittings of the Sandhurst County Court he sued O’Keefe to recover £5O for this work. Failing to p ove that the work was passed by the Inspector, the plaintiff was nonsuited, and he was ordered to pay £lB in costs. Before the case could oomo Q Q for trial the two men met to-day, and waked up to View Point, disputing as they went. When in the midd e of the street, opposite James Boyd’s surgery, they commenced to struggle, and Russel pulled out a revolver and fired two shots at O’Keefe. O’Keefe then wrenched the weapon from his assailant, but Russell ag tin recovered possession of it. Russel again fired twice at O Keefe, tha last bullet striking him on the forehead. 0 Keefe staggered back, bleeding profusely, and Rus sei fired the fifth charge into his own head. The bullet entered through the right temple into the brain, and he dropped dead on the spot, O’Keefe was taken into Dr Boyd’s surgery, but he was not seriously injured. Russel leaves a wife and family of four. O’Keefe h somewhat unfortunate in his rela tions with his workmen, and threats of violence towards him have been far from uncommon. A subscription has been started for the relief or Russel’s widow and fam ly, which Mr O’Keefe haa headed With out huu« dred guineas.