The Cheyenne Daily Leader

THE STORY OF THE KILLING.

What the Sole Eye Witness to the Champion Killing Swore.

Lusk Herald.

Comment on the affair is unnecessary as the following testimony of D. Matthews, the only eye witness to the tragedy is sufficient for all to draw their own conclusion.

Mr. Matthews says: I saw Champion on horseback before the killing. He came to our camp and dismounted and talked to the outfit. Four miles west of the 77 ranch Champion got on his horse and followed the wagon. After going a half mile I saw Shonsey coming across the prairie. I went to meet Shonsey and left Champion at the wagon. While I was talking to Shonsey Champion loped up and said, "Hello, Mike." Shonsey said, "Hello, I heard you threatened to kill me on sight," at the same time drawing his six-shooter.

Champion said "no, hold up," and made a motion to draw his gun. Shonsey then lowered his gun and Champion started after his. Shonsey fired while Champion had his gun in hand and he fell from his horse. Shonsey fired two more shots before Champion moved. Shonsey then got down and stood by his horse and Champion tried to rise and shoot.

Shonsey ran out from in front of the gun, leaving his horse, sat down and fired another shot at Champion, but did not say a word. Shonsey then mounted his horse and rode away.

Champion motioned to Matthews to come up to him, and said: "Tell the boys Mike Shonsey killed me." - I asked him if he was shot in the head and he said "No, he broke my back." I asked what was the matter (having referred to why he did not shoot,) and he said, "I could not cock my gun."

He offered me the revolver and I took it and put it in his scabbard.

Before the killing occurred Champion said several outfits had tried to hire him, but he would not work for any of them, for if he had it would be but a few days until they would have knocked him off his horse, meaning some would shoot him.