This page and the ones following recount the story, told by means of newspaper articles published at the time, of the murder of the wife of prominent businessman Ah Luis in 1909. Settle in for a fascinating read.
This article, "The Murder of Gon Yin Luis," is copyright
protected 2008 by Judy Hendricks.
It may not be used or copied by any means, written or electronic, without prior permission of the author.
Quoted material is owned by The Tribune.
You may also view Jeff Radding's article on this murder by clicking here. (Pdf file) It is reprinted from the July-August 2009 Bar Bulletin with the permission of the San Luis Obispo County Bar Association. All rights reserved.
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SLO Tribune
September 30, 1909
AH LUIS’ WIFE WAS MURDERED
Deed of Unknown Burglar Thursday Morning
At twenty minutes to seven o’clock Thursday morning, some person unknown to the authorities, as yet, entered the two story building used as a store and residence by Ah Luis, the wealthy merchant and land owner of this county. Ah Luis had just left his home but a short time before the shooting to go to his Arroyo Grande ranch when some person stole up the stairway leading to the second floor where Ah Luis and his wife and eight children made their home. Placing a thirty eight calibre pistol again the right temple of Luis’ wife, the burglar sent a bullet crashing through the head of his victim and then fled taking with him a box containing gold coins and jewelry valued at about five thousand dollars. A bank book on a local bank was taken with several deeds, which are worthless to the burglar.
Mrs. Luis was asleep at the time she was shot in her bed with two children, one fifteen months and the other three years of age by her side. She made no struggle and the body was in a state of natural repose. The burglar made good his escape without being seen by any member of the family or by any one in Chinatown or the residence section adjoining. The officers are at a loss for a clew, but there is a suspicion that ----some Chinaman or hop head frequenting the Chinese quarter did the deed.
