The Tragic End of the Johnson Household

Church bells were ringing this morning when Mrs. Karl Johnson died from the effects of a .38-caliber bullet wound, inflicted by herself with suicidal intent three days ago. Last Sunday, Karl Johnson was found hanging by the neck to a rail in the corridor of the city jail, expiring shortly after being cut down. Mrs. Johnson, who had no relatives in this country, was described by acquaintances as a woman of high social standing in Norway who had fallen into extreme poverty. When she learned of her husband's death, she became hysterical, remaining in that state until she took her own life. Before she died, Mrs. Johnson revealed that while Karl had been kind when sober, their life had been defined by hunger and scarcity. Preparing for her final act, she attired herself in her best clothes, put her affairs in order, and, holding a picture of her husband to her breast, she fired a bullet through her left lung. She left instructions with Officer Crawford to ensure she was buried by her husband's side, with her remaining household goods covering the funeral expenses.