Dan Wright
Obituaries
Eagle County Blade page 1 - January 8, 1903
KILLING AT MINTURN
The New Year Begun With a Murder
NICK MOLINARO SLAYS DAN WRIGHT
Inflicted a Mortal Wound With a Revolver -- Feeling Against the Italian Runs High But He Is Safely Lodged in Jail -- Held On a Murder Charge Without Bail.
On New Yedar's eve, between 8 and 9 o'clock, Natale Molinaro, an Italian, better known as "Nick," shot and mortally wounded Dan Wright, at Minturn.
Wright was in the "Mint" saloon in an almost helpless state of intoxication when Molinaro entered. During the past summer Wright was craneman on the steamshovel, knew all the Italians, and, it is said, had had some trouble with them. At any rate, his attention was directed to "Nick" by the latter's entrance into the place, and he threatened to whip the Italian. The two men, with two or three others, had met in front of the bar, and Wright was easily passified temporarily, but soon again addressed the Italian, asking him if he wanted to fight. Wright was partly leaning on the bar and the Italian replied he would flight him, at the same time taking Wright by one arm and turning him face about shot him through the body with a revolver held in the other hand. The bystanders had no time to interfere and were horror-stricken at the tragedy. The Italian, keeping the crowd covered with his gun, backed out of the place. Wright was assisted to a chair, and Dr. Coffman sent for. He was found to be mortally wounded through the body.
As fast as the news of the tragedy spread throughout town citizens armed themselves and the hunt for Molinaro begun.
The sheriff's office was notified by telephone and the officers informed that a lynching was imminent should the Italian be found. It was ascertained that there would be no train west over the road for several hours and Sheriff Farnum and Under Sheriff Nims at once set out on foot for the scene by way of the railroad track, with the hope of intercepting the murderer had he escaped from Minturn and be headed this way. Three miles east of Minturn an armed posse of five men looking for the Italian were met, who reported he had not been captured.
Arriving at Minturn the officers were quietly informed that Molinaro had been apprehended and was being guarded at a private house awaiting their arrival. It was apparent that trouble would follow did the capture become generally known, as the citizens were much incensed and lynching was freely threatened.
County Commissioner Mack Fleck, former sheriff, and Engineer George Buffhre, made the capture and to the nerve and tact of these gentlemen is due the successful manner in which the case was handled. Olof Wohl, being unarmed and without a coat, saw Molinaro crossing his wagon bridge across Eagle river, and Mrs. Fleck, being the first man he met, was informed of the direction taken by the fugitive. Mr. Fleck at once armed himself and and started in pursuit, Mr Buffhre, who was unarmed, having watched the direction taken by the retreating form. The Italian was overtaken standing in the shadow of a home near his own cabin, and Mr. Fleck soon had him covered while Mr. Buffhre relieved him of his arsenal, a 44 caliber revolver and a belt of about fifty cartridges. Molinaro was at once taken to the residence of Justice Maynard. Mr. Fleck guarded him while Mr. Buffhre secured the assistance of Constable Terrill. A complaint charging assault with intent to kill was filed, and defendant arrested and allowed to plead not guilty and was held without bail.
C.G. Miller was engaged to furnish a rig, and Sheriff Farnum and Under Sheriff Nims soon quietly took charge of the prisoner and with Mr. Miller as driver made the trip safely to Red Cliff with Molinaro and placed him behind the bars before daylight.
Wright lingered until nearly noon the next day when he died. Molinaro was re-arrested on a warrant charging murder, issued by Justice Farnum of Red Cliff. He pleaded not guilty and waived preliminary hearing and is held to the District court without bail.
Coroner W. H. Farnum held an inquest on the body of Wright at Minturn on Saturday. Four eye witnesses of the shooting testified substantially as detailed above, and the jury found that Dan Wright came to his death from a gun shot wound inflicted by a revolver held in the hands of Natalie Molinaro. Wright's correct name is believed to be Charles M., though he was generally known as "Dan."
F.V. Wheeler, of Lafayette, Indiana, a brother-in-law of the deceased, arrived from the east this morning. Mr. Wheeler says that Wright's father died two weeks ago and that he had not been located and informed of his father's death; that Dan's sudden taking off makes four deaths in the family in four months. Mr. Wheeler has not decided whether the remains will be taken east or not.
