Agnes MUSZYNSKI

21 JAN 1913 - 20 NOV 1926

• BIRTH: 21 JAN 1913, South Bend, St Joseph, IN
• DEATH: 20 NOV 1926, South Bend, St Joseph, IN

INDEX

[N28889] Agnes Muszynski

BIRTH 21 Jan 1913
South Bend, St. Joseph County, IN

DEATH 20 Nov 1926 (aged 13)
South Bend, St. Joseph County, IN

BURIAL
Saint Joseph Cemetery
South Bend, St. Joseph County, IN
PLOT Section F
MEMORIAL ID 185825091

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From the SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE, Sunday, November 21, 1926, page 1:

Accidental Discharge of Rifle Kills Young Girl

Agnes Muszynska, 14, victim of Brother's Weapon.

Youth is Exonerated

Invalid Asleep in Adjoining Room is Instantly Killed as Bullet Speeds Across House.

Agnes Muszynska, age 14, of 802 Bendrix dr., was instantly killed about 8:30 o'clock last night by the accidental discharge of a rifle in the hands of her brother, Joseph, age 16. The tragedy occurred in the Muszynska home. It was witnessed by Edward Krakowski, of 816 Bendix drive, next door neighbor and friend of Joseph and his invalid sister. Krakowski's corroboration of Joseph's story caused Coroner C.B. Crumpacker to tentatively exonerate the youth and withhold arrest.

Parents at Home.

In the home at the time were Muszynska parents. They did not witness the fatal accident. The were in another room when it happened. The first intimation they had that death had stalked into their home was the report of the discharge and Joseph's cry for help. The shooting happened shortly after Joseph had finished cleaning the rifle. He had but recently purchased it. He was cleaning it preparatory to selling it. He was handling the rifle which was lying on the dining room table. His sister was lying in a bedroom which opens from the dining room.

Never Made an Outcry.

Joseph had ejected two shells from the weapon and was about to withdraw the third when he was startled by the report of the rifle as it sent its messenger of death. His sister, who is believed to have been asleep, never made an outcry. Sensing the tragedy young Muszynska and his friend rushed into the girl's bedroom. She was dead and bleeding. A physician was summoned and police notified. Subsequently, the coroner was appraised of what had happened. When he arrived shortly and heard Joseph's story he indicated he believed the youth. The latter was not arrested.

The girl's parents are grief stricken. Joseph is on the verge of prostration. The bullet, of 40:65 caliber, entered Agnes' left shoulder, emerged, then entered her neck and came out at the edge of the chin. She is believed to have died almost instantly. The gun which cost the girl's life is a repeating rifle.

[Information submitted by Find a Grave member Paul #48889809]