The West Point Herald

The West Point Herald

March 28, 1868

Horrible Murder in Jackson

From a passenger train from Jackson, yesterday morning, we learned that a horrible murder was committed in that city about 9 o'clock, Monday night. Col. Wm. M. Estelle, a gallant soldier, a lawyer by profession, and a most genial gentleman, was brutally murdered while passing along the street on his way to his home. When he had reached the residence of the Rev. Mr. Crane, which is immediately opposite the Executive Mansion, he was met by an unknown man who, without a word, plunged a bowie knife into his stomach. Col. Estelle at once fell, and commenced crying murder! His cries soon brought persons to his assistance, who immediately carried him to his home, and sent for a surgeon. The murderer escaped. When Col. Estelle was stabbed e was within one square of his own house. When the train left yesterday, Col. E. was rapidly sinking, and no hope was entertained of his recovery.

Later - By the train last evening, we learned that a man named Gibbon, formerly in the service of the Internal Revenue department, was yesterday arrested on suspicion of having committed the dastardly deed. The bloody knife, which was dropped near the scene of the stabbing, was traced to him, and makes a strong link in the chain of circumstantial evidence - What makes this terrible affair more melancholy, is the impression which prevails that the blow, which cost Col. Estelle his life, was intended for another and not him! Col. Estelle was a native of Tennessee, but has been a citizen of Mississippi from his boyhood, and was about forty-five years of age. He served as a Captain in the 2d Mississippi Regiment, during the Mexican war, and held the rank of Col. in the Confederate Army during our late troubles. He was a widower and leaves two children. - - Vicksburg Daily Times, 25th inst.