When 60-year-old William Henderson was found unconscious inside his Long Branch, New Jersey, home in March 1922, police initially believed he had suffered a stroke. Doctors at the hospital, however, saw something far more disturbing.
Henderson had bruises on his head and face and appeared to have been severely beaten. Even more ominous was the message someone had written in soap across a bedroom mirror: “Paid in Full.”
Henderson remained unconscious and unable to explain what had happened. With mysterious lights seen inside his home during the night and a chilling message left behind, the case suggested that someone may have come to settle an old score.
“Paid in Full” Message Left by Man’s Assailants
LONG BRANCH, New Jersey. — William Henderson, 60 years old, was found unconscious yesterday morning on the floor of his bedroom at his home on Edwards Avenue, Long Branch, N.J.
The police insist that he suffered a stroke of paralysis, but physicians of the Monmouth Memorial Hospital said that he had been severely beaten.
Long Branch, New Jersey
Across a mirror in the bedroom were the words “Paid in Full.” The lettering was done with soap, and persons who knew Henderson said that it was not done by him.
From what could be learned, Henderson was alone early last night. Early this morning lights were seen in his rooms, and when insistent ringing of his bell failed to bring a response, the door was forced open.
Dr. Charles Gremer found bruises on the head and face. Henderson remains unconscious all day, and his condition is considered critical.
Source: New York Tribune. New York, N.Y. March 29, 1922.
