The Deadly Knife Fight at the South End
A fatal stabbing in Tacoma reveals a web of tavern disputes, jealousy, and police misconduct in the South End.
The story, cleaned up
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The coroner's jury has agreed upon a verdict that Patrolman Minor Cudihee came to his death by a knife wound inflicted by David Seales, with Demorest M. Borders named as an accessory. Testimony from Officer Jack Kenna suggests that when the officers encountered Seales and Borders, the men became aggressive, leading to a struggle where Cudihee was stabbed in the armpit. It is alleged that Seales and Borders had been drinking throughout the day and had previously threatened a local barkeeper over a domestic dispute, potentially mistaking the plain-clothed officers for rivals. Seales later claimed the officers kicked him and spoke roughly, prompting him to retaliate with a knife he was using to whittle a stick. The case has raised questions regarding police conduct and the suppression of statements by the prosecution.
“Seales has made a statement pleading guilty to assault, and confirms the interview with a South End man to the extent that the officer kicked and talked roughly to him and he resented it.”
This incident highlights the volatile nature of 1890s street life, where domestic grievances and saloon culture frequently intersected with the era's often-brutal policing. Today, the 'South End' of Tacoma has evolved from a rough-and-tumble industrial frontier into a collection of diverse neighborhoods still grappling with similar issues of police-community relations.
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