Serious Altercation - 1937
One man lies in a serious condition at Axtell Christian hospital and a 21-year-old youth is being held in the county jail for investigation following an early morning slugging match here Sunday.
The injured man, Henry Venso, 58, was reported to be about the same this morning and still in an unconscious condition, more than 24 hours after he was knocked to the sidewalk by Truman Fisher, employee of a local dairy.
The two had been attending a dance in an upstairs hall Saturday night and became embroiled in an argument after Venso had called the boy names, officers learned. About midnight they met at the corner of Broadway and Main and resumed the argument, and Fisher, allegedly spurred on by remarks of Venso, followed him about a half block east on Broadway and knocked him down, according to information given Sheriff Lester Monroe by eyewitnesses.
Venso’s head hit the sidewalk and he was rendered unconscious. More than a score of witnesses fled and Fisher also ran from the scene. The injured man was picked up by LeRoy Harris and Henry Anduss and taken to the hospital.
Fisher, who was found at the home of a relative a few hours later by officers, came here a few months ago from Oklahoma. It is probable that assault charges will be filed against him, with the possibility of a manslaughter charge being preferred if Venso fails to recover. Persons at the dance hall and who saw the fight told the sheriff that Venso had been drinking but that Fisher had not. Venso operates a broom factory at the east edge of town.
The Evening Kansan-Republican, Newton Kansas. Monday, April 18, 1937. Page 1.
Bring Charges Against Fisher
Death of John Venso Turns Brawl To Manslaughter Case
A fourth degree manslaughter charge will be issued against Truman Fisher, 21, as a result of the death of John Venso, County Attorney J. Rodney Stone said today. Venso died Tuesday night in a local hospital, failing to regain consciousness after being knocked to the sidewalk early Sunday morning by Fisher, following an argument.
Fisher, who said the fight started after Venso had called him unbecoming names, has been held in the county jail since Sunday. He has obtained Goodson Wright as his attorney.
The Evening Kansan-Republican, Newton Kansas. Wednesday, April 20, 1937. Page 1.
