ARTHUR THIBODEAUX KILLED AT DANCE

Crowley Signal June 27, 1921

Arthur Thibodeaux, 18 year old son of Felix Thibodeaux, was killed at midnight Sunday in the vicinity of Castille.  The accused came to Crowley and gave himself up to the authorities.  He claims self defense.  Thibodeaux and Bergeron were best of friends before the trouble which ended in the murder.  Mr. Thibodeaux says he regretted the fact that had killed Mr. Bergeron.

In an interview with Coroner Frances and also with Mr. Thibodeaux, a reporter for the Signal learned the following information:  The men were returning from a dance at Alex. Allemand’s hall near Castille, when the trouble which started at the ball over a girl was resumed.

Mr. Thibodeaux claims Mr. Bergeron rushed to the side of the buggy and grabbed the reins.  It was impossible for him to tell what the aggressor held in the either hand, and as he expected trouble Mr. Thibodeaux said he opened fire when it was evident that the other man, who had kicked him at the dance wanted to open the trouble.  The first shot made a wound in the left side of the nose entering the brain.  The second shot was just below the clavicle (center).  Mr. Thibodeaux said he asked Mr. Bergeron to turn loose the lines, but he still held them, and it was then that he decided to protect himself.  It later developed that Mr. Bergeron was unarmed.

When Mr. Thibodeaux came to the authorities and notified them of the murder, Sheriff Fontenot took charge of the investigation and the facts in the case are substantially as given here.

J.B.A. Bergeron came to the residence of Deputy Sheriff Joe Amy about 4 o’clock this morning and reported that his nephew.