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Story
September 6, 1942
Imperial Valley Press
El Centro, Imperial County, California
What is this article about?
In Santa Barbara, California, Major Buell Hammett of the Home Guard was exonerated by a grand jury for the April 2 shooting deaths of Major William Wenstrom and his wife, ruled justifiable homicide in self-defense after a quarrel over unit operations.
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Court Exonerates Major in Shooting
SANTA BARBARA Cal., Sept. 5—(UP)—Maj. Buell Hammett, of the California Home Guard, today was exonerated of any blame for his gun duel with Maj. William Wenstrom, who died with his wife in the hail of bullets exchanged by the two men six months ago.
The Santa Barbara county grand jury last night ruled that Major Hammett's duel with Major Wenstrom was in self-defense and was "justifiable homicide."
After only five minutes of deliberation, the grand jury returned a verdict not to prosecute Major Hammett, stating that "in view of all facts and circumstances surrounding the case, the death of Major and Mrs. William H. Wenstrom was the result of self-defense."
TOLD VERSION
Still suffering from the effects of bullet wounds he received in the groin during the gun duel April 2 on the porch of Major Wenstrom's home, Major Hammett told his version of the fight to the jury yesterday.
Major Hammett admitted that he and Major Wenstrom had quarreled over operation of the Santa Barbara Home Guard unit.
Hammett said that, on the day of the shooting, he telephoned Major Wenstrom "about an article he had given a local newspaper criticizing my plans for organization of the guard. He was furious that I disagreed with him and cursed me over the telephone."
"I wanted to talk things over with him," Major Hammett stated, "and I wanted to peacefully settle our differences, so I agreed to come over to his home."
BEGAN CURSING
"When I arrived and rang their bell, Major Wenstrom came out on the porch and began cursing at me again. I told him not to get excited, and then he drew his gun and fired. I ducked low and pushed Wenstrom's hand down . . . and that probably saved my life."
"Then I guess I drew my own gun, after I was wounded, and began firing. I don't know how many times I fired, but I tried only to wound him in the shoulder."
Major Hammett told the jury he was not aware that Mrs. Wenstrom had rushed between the two soldiers and received fatal wounds "until after the shooting was over."
Mrs. Wenstrom died the next day from her wounds.
SANTA BARBARA Cal., Sept. 5—(UP)—Maj. Buell Hammett, of the California Home Guard, today was exonerated of any blame for his gun duel with Maj. William Wenstrom, who died with his wife in the hail of bullets exchanged by the two men six months ago.
The Santa Barbara county grand jury last night ruled that Major Hammett's duel with Major Wenstrom was in self-defense and was "justifiable homicide."
After only five minutes of deliberation, the grand jury returned a verdict not to prosecute Major Hammett, stating that "in view of all facts and circumstances surrounding the case, the death of Major and Mrs. William H. Wenstrom was the result of self-defense."
TOLD VERSION
Still suffering from the effects of bullet wounds he received in the groin during the gun duel April 2 on the porch of Major Wenstrom's home, Major Hammett told his version of the fight to the jury yesterday.
Major Hammett admitted that he and Major Wenstrom had quarreled over operation of the Santa Barbara Home Guard unit.
Hammett said that, on the day of the shooting, he telephoned Major Wenstrom "about an article he had given a local newspaper criticizing my plans for organization of the guard. He was furious that I disagreed with him and cursed me over the telephone."
"I wanted to talk things over with him," Major Hammett stated, "and I wanted to peacefully settle our differences, so I agreed to come over to his home."
BEGAN CURSING
"When I arrived and rang their bell, Major Wenstrom came out on the porch and began cursing at me again. I told him not to get excited, and then he drew his gun and fired. I ducked low and pushed Wenstrom's hand down . . . and that probably saved my life."
"Then I guess I drew my own gun, after I was wounded, and began firing. I don't know how many times I fired, but I tried only to wound him in the shoulder."
Major Hammett told the jury he was not aware that Mrs. Wenstrom had rushed between the two soldiers and received fatal wounds "until after the shooting was over."
Mrs. Wenstrom died the next day from her wounds.
What sub-type of article is it?
Crime Story
Historical Event
What themes does it cover?
Crime Punishment
Justice
What keywords are associated?
Gun Duel
Self Defense
Home Guard Quarrel
Justifiable Homicide
Grand Jury Exoneration
What entities or persons were involved?
Major Buell Hammett
Major William Wenstrom
Mrs. William H. Wenstrom
Where did it happen?
Santa Barbara, California
Story Details
Key Persons
Major Buell Hammett
Major William Wenstrom
Mrs. William H. Wenstrom
Location
Santa Barbara, California
Event Date
April 2
Story Details
Major Hammett visited Major Wenstrom's home to discuss a quarrel over Home Guard operations; Wenstrom fired first, Hammett defended himself, fatally wounding Wenstrom and his wife who intervened; grand jury on Sept. 5 ruled self-defense and no prosecution.