The Fred. Coombs Murder and Suicide
The Fred. Coombs Murder and Suicide.---One of the most appalling affairs that ever happened in Napa County, occurred in Napa City, February 20, 1871, under the following circumstances: During the previous term of the District Court, proceedings in divorce had been begun between Fred. Coombs and his wife, who had been living previously on Howell Mountain. The matter was referred to the Court Commissioner, Mr. F. E. Johnson, who had been taking testimony on the day of the fatal affair, in the office of Messrs. Pendegast & Stoney. Between five and six o'clock in the afternoon, he adjourned the session, and all parties were preparing to leave the room. Coombs asked his wife to accompany him. She replied that the time for a reconciliation was past. Coombs thereupon drew a revolver and fired twice at her, the first ball passing through her arm, while the other penetrated the center of the breast-bone. He then turned his pistol on himself and fired, the ball taking effect in the right temple and lodging under the scalp, killing him instantly. Mrs. Coombs was taken to the office of Dr. M. B. Pond, but she was beyond the reach of medical aid, and died within twenty minutes. Coombs left a letter stating what disposition to make of their children and property. It was thought that he was laboring under a fit of temporary insanity.
Source: [Lyman L. Palmer], History of Napa and Lake Counties, California (San Francisco: Slocum, Bowen & Co., 1881), page 151.
This record was transcribed by Regina Gualco and is posted on CAGenWeb with permission.