Popular

.com

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

January 4th, 1926

The Osage murder mystery,

as dramatic as any created by novelist's pen, today seemed nearer a solution.

Federal and state officers working in unison were closing a net around suspected members of a murder ring

that is believed to have been responsible for the deaths of nearly a score of Osage Indians and white persons.

Action was divided today between Guthrie, where a federal grand jury is convening to consider

the testimony of about 140 witnesses, and the Osage country, where state officials are

expected to arrest several suspects. The murders are believed the

outgrowth of conspiracy to gain possession of the fortunes of the victims estimated to total

$2 million. Although the most recent of the crimes was committed about three years ago,

none of the perpetrators has yet been brought to justice. Numerous investigations

have been launched and seemingly have been abandoned because it seemed impossible to obtain information.

Federal Secret Servicemen have been working quietly on the cases, however, and two weeks ago

the state was invited to participate in a roundup of the suspects.

It seemed probable solution of the case would revolve around the dynamiting of the W.E. Smith home in Fairfax three years ago.

Smith, his wife, and Anna Brookshire, a servant, were killed by the explosion.

Some of the persons whose deaths were seemingly connected with the case were

Anna Brown, wealthy Osage woman, shot to death.

Ace Kirby, white man, shot.

...