Frank Sperling, Magdalena Merchant Murdered in 1890

He had recently discharged a Mexican employee after catching him stealing ^[1][2]. Sperling was discovered lying outside his desk railing with his throat cut from ear to ear, his head nearly severed, the back of his head crushed by a heavy blow, a knife-cut in his mouth, and three of his teeth lying beside his body ^[1][2]. Evidence suggested he had been grabbed by the wrist while holding a student’s lamp, as the flesh on his wrist was torn off during a struggle; the lamp was broken and water had been thrown on it to extinguish it ^[1][2]. The store was robbed and his watch taken ^[1][2]. Tracks from the store led to the Mexican’s house, where blood-covered boots and clothing were found, and the suspects were arrested ^[1][2].