Son grasps gun, averts shooting

This story was published by The Ypsilanti Daily Press on Monday, June 4, 1934.

Gus Sandusky, 50-year old farmer living north of Popkins School, believed driven insane by financial worries, Sunday afternoon was prevented from shooting Mrs. Sandusky with a shot gun and is now lodged in county jail until mental treatment can be provided for him.

Sandusky had managed to eke out a living through the long winter and had, with high hopes, planted his spring crops. Then the drought came and he watched the scorching sun burn the newly started grain. He could not pay his rent and, and as a last straw, the owner of the farm, Dr. Alfred Lauppe, started action to have him vacate the premises. Distraught at the prospect of losing whatever might remain of the crops, Sandusky began fingering his shot gun at odd moments and his family, fearful that he contemplated taking his life, obtained possession of it and concealed it form him.

Sunday afternoon he found the weapon and came stalking out of the bedroom door pointing the gun in the direction of Mrs. Sandusky when his son looked up in time to strike his arm and deflect the aim. The charge passed over the boy’s shoulder within an inch of the flesh, officers were informed.

Sandusky was examined by Dr. E. C. Ganzhorn, county physician, and was ordered incarcerated until he can be placed in the proper institution where a cure may be effected.

A hearing was held Friday before Joseph C. Hooper, circuit court commissioner, Ann Arbor, in the proceedings to have the Sandusky family removed from the premises. Dr. Lauppe, through his representative, offered proof that he had been very lenient in the case and had provided the family with financial aid and shelter. A decision on the hearing was expected this afternoon.