Pool Hall Altercation Turns Fatal in Milan
A former justice of the peace is accused of murder after intervening in a dispute between young men.
During an altercation in a pool hall at Milan, north of Spokane, on Monday, C. A. Palmer, a job carpenter and former justice of the peace, shot and instantly killed George Verbeck. Verbeck had attempted to prevent Palmer from shooting another young fellow. Palmer also shot Nels Verbeck, the father of George, through the throat during the incident.
“George Verbeck, who attempted to prevent him from shooting another young fellow, and also shot Nels Verbeck, father of George, through the throat.”
The volatile nature of public spaces like pool halls often served as a flashpoint for violence in rural Washington during the early 20th century. This incident mirrors modern concerns about gun violence in community spaces and the tragic outcomes when individuals resort to lethal force during disputes.
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