April 27, 1917 – St. Paul Police Chief John O’Connor told reporters this morning that he expects to arrest a man he thinks was paid a large sum to commit the murder of Alice McQuillan Dunn. The chief also stated that while Mr. Dunn has proven to have an airtight alibi for the murder, he believes Dunn knows a great deal more about the murder than he has told police, and that Dunn will not be discharged from custody at this time.
St.
Paul Police Chief John O’Connor1
In truth, O’Connor has heard from a mysterious Madam D who claims to know who the murderer is and about a previous attempt on Mrs. Dunn’s life when she worked as a stenographer in Mont. about a year ago.
Frank J. Dunn, the estranged husband of Alice McQuillan Dunn who was murdered early yesterday morning, is being held in the Ramsey County jail. The police are tracing all of his movements and actions over the last few months.
Dunn is said to be weeping in his cell, reiterating his innocence in the murder of his wife. “I loved her and I still love the little girl and before God I swear I did not harm a hair or cause a single act against her.”
The
late Alice McQuillan Dunn and her husband Frank Dunn2
At the same time, he has voiced his concern over the ruin of his reputation. “The disgrace has broken me and ruined my reputation I suppose, but I want to cooperate with the authorities in every way possible.”
According to Edward Dunn, his brother Frank J. Dunn first met his estranged wife Alice when she was about three years old. Alice’s father J. F. McQuillan farmed with Dunn about 25 years ago. “He watched Alice grow to girlhood and then to womanhood. And then he married her.
“He was an older man and she was just a girl, probably that is why they did not get along. It is horrible to think that she was killed that way. I knew her quite well and had often spent a pleasant hour with her and my brother.”
Alice McQuillan and Frank Dunn were married Aug. 14, 1914. On Sept. 7, 1915, Mrs. Dunn was granted a legal separation from her husband on grounds of cruelty by District Judge O. B. Lewis. Mrs. Dunn was also granted $70 per month for her support and attorney fees.
St. Paul Dispatch; “Slayer Known, Paid Big Sum Says O’Connor; Detectives Leave to Make Arrest in Case of Mrs. Dunn, and Police Chief Promises Solution of Mystery Tomorrow. Declare Killer Cornered. Blackmail, Intrigue, Threats and Failed Attempts at Assassination Expected to Be Revealed—Husband Still Held. Weeping Cell, Dunn Vows Love For Wife. ‘I Loved Her Always,’ Husband Says, ‘and Never Sought to Harm Her’—Bewails Loss of Reputation.”; April 27, 1917; pp. 1 & 9.
St. Paul Dispatch; “Murder Clue Given By ‘Madam D.’ Mysterious Woman, Said to Be Related to Slayer, but Estranged. Gives Tip to Former Move to Kill Mrs. Dunn. Husband Denied Liberty. Police Chief Tells Delegation of Elks Who Believe Spouse Innocent That Prisoner Will Be Held Unconditionally.”; April 28, 1917; p. 1.
St. Paul Dispatch; “Beautiful Woman of Old Family is Slain in Home; Night Crime on Hill One of Mystery; Mrs. Alice Dunn Shot to Death by Man Who Entered Room While She Slept by Sister”; April 26, 1917; pp. 1 & 2.
1http://www.mnopedia.org/thing/oconnor-layover-agreement
2St. Paul Daily News; April 27, 1917; p. 1.
Murder of Alice McQuillan Dunn; see April 26, 2015 blog
Elks are willing to pay the expenses of detectives; believe Dunn innocent; see April 28, 2015 blog
Two St. Paul detectives are in Mont. interviewing people who knew Mrs. Dunn when she worked there; see April 29, 2015 blog
Two Montana men claim Dunn paid them to kill his wife; see May 1, 2015 blog
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If you are interested in finding out more about your family history in Minnesota, I specialize in researching genealogical and historical records in Minn. and western Wis., including: census records, birth records, death certificates, obits, grave site photos, ship passenger lists, marriage records and declarations of intent/naturalization records. I will visit locations to research local history and county records, as well as take photos. Quick turnaround on MHS records. Both short searches and family history reports.
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