Murrell Griffith
Feb. 4, 1904-Jan. 14, 1952
Niles Daily Star, Monday, January 14, 1952; page 2, col. 6, microfilm, Niles District Library from K. Alton
Gunshot Wound Proves Fatal to Niles Man
Murrell Griffith, 47, of 509 South Fifth street, died about 9 a.m. today while en route to Memorial hospital in South Bend for treatment of a severe gunshot wound in the head. A preliminary police report said the wound was self-inflicted.
Niles Police were called to the home at 8 a.m. after Mrs. Griffith found her husband mortally wounded in a bedroom of the home.
He was admitted to Pawating hospital at 8:10 a.m. and examination indicated that an emergency operation was necessary. He died enroute to the South Bend hospital.
Police said the coroner’s report would not be available until later today.
Mrs. Griffith told police that she did not hear a gunshot, but her attention was drawn by an unusual noise in the bedroom. She found her husband lying near the door when she investigated.
Police said a 22-calibre rifle was found nearby.
Mrs. Griffith told police that her husband had been despondent because of illness. He had not worked since Jan. 3. He was employed as a machinist at The Kawneer company.
Griffith was born Feb. 10, 1904 in Cass county and had lived in Niles for 28 years. He was a member of the Eagles lodge here. His wife Ruth, and two sons, Robert L. and Larry L., all at home. He is also survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Griffith, also of Niles, and one sister Mrs. Kathleen Miller, of South Bend.
The body was returned to the Kiger funeral home where funeral arrangements are incomplete at this time.