The Madison Daily Leader

CASE OF SUICIDE. Investigation Proves that Rena Nelson of Pierre Poisoned Herself.

Des Moines, dispatch, 19: State's Attorney Goodner and Sheriff Laughlin of Pierre, who have been at Boone to investigate that end of the Rena Nelson poison case, left Des Moines this morning for home. They are taking with them a story of duplicity and hardihood on the part of Miss Nelson that will shock the relatives and friends of the dead girl Mr. Goodner says that Miss Nelson bought the candy at the drug store of Dahoss & Company at Pierre. The bonbons were made in Mankato and none manufactured in the Minnesota town is sold at Boone, the home of the Dyes. Both Goodner and Laughlin coincide in the belief that the girl did not intend to kill herself. They are satisfied that the intent was to make herself sick with the poison, and upon her recovery, to prosecute Mrs. Dye for attempt to murder her. She reasoned that in this manner Dye could secure a divorce from his wife and be in position to take another wife herself. Mr. Goodner is satisfied that this is a true explanation of this extraordinary case. "I cannot comprehend," says Mr. Goodner, "how Miss Nelson had the nerve to frame and adhere to the stories told by her. Even when she was dying she said to me that she suspected Mrs. Dye. Many in Pierre will question the veracity of our conclusions and the story we have to tell, so great was the confidence in Miss Nelson, but I am certain that we have unraveled the mystery. Miss Nelson died by her own act, but I am certain she did not contemplate that extremity but simply designed to make herself sick and then to charge Mrs. Dye with an attempt upon her life. Mr. and Mrs. Dye are guiltless of sending the poisoned package."