LSU PROFESSOR BRUTALLY MURDERED WITH AX BY UNKNOWN ASSAILANT
Baton Rouge, Louisiana (JFK+50) On June 9, 1925, The Evening Star reports "the mysterious ax killing of Oscar B. Turner*," agronomy professor at Louisiana State University here in Baton Rouge.
The professor was "found breathing his last at 5 o'clock" on the morning of June 7, 1925 in the Agronomy Building** on campus. According to Associated Press, Professor Turner died "soon afterward" at Lady of the Lake Sanitarium.
His face had been "laid open...from forehead to chin and his throat hacked." The ax reportedly used in the murder was found on a "dusty shelf" in the hallway of the Agronomy Building.
According to www.rockmnation.com, the murder has never been solved.
*Oscar B. Turner was a native of Illinois & graduated from Carthage College. OBT was said to be one of the best liked professors at LSU.
**The Agronomy Building, formerly a U.S. arsenal, was built in 1925 & "reputed among...janitors" who worked there to be haunted. In 1886 LSU was given permission to use the grounds of the U.S. Military Post (now site of State Capitol) & received title in 1902. The Old Arsenal Building is now a museum.
SOURCES
"Assassin Murders Professor With Axe, Dr. Turner Attacked From Behind in Louisiana State University Building," The New York Times, June 8, 1925, www.nytimes.com/
"Better Know An Opponent: LSU," by ghtd36, July 6, 2012, www.rockmnation.com/"
"Student Probing Slaying Of Teacher," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., June 9, 1925, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/
