Ruth Velda Buesing Malone, a 23-year-old woman, tragically lost her life on December 7, 1927, in Los Angeles, California. Ruth had moved to Los Angeles from Aberdeen, Washington, to escape her husband, John Malone, who was known to be a jealous and violent alcoholic. She initially stayed with her mother but later moved in with a friend, keeping her new address a secret to avoid being found by John.
Ruth worked at a drug store on East Twelfth Street, and it was there that the fatal incident occurred.
On the morning of December 7, 1927, John Malone, who had been drinking heavily for weeks, confronted Ruth at her workplace. He pleaded with her to return to him, but Ruth refused, accusing him of being drunk. John left but returned around noon, still intoxicated, and continued to beg Ruth to reconcile. When she refused again, John pulled out a revolver and began shooting. Ruth tried to escape but was trapped by partitions in the store. John fired multiple shots, hitting Ruth in the chest, face, and hip, before turning the gun on himself. Ruth died at the scene, while John survived his self-inflicted wounds and was taken to General Hospital.
The police arrived shortly after the shooting, and John Malone was charged with Ruth's murder. Despite his severe injuries, he was able to speak and expressed regret for killing Ruth. Investigators discovered that John had a criminal record, including arrests for burglary and drug-related offenses. He had been staying at a hotel near Ruth's workplace for several weeks before the incident.
John Malone's trial began in February 1928, after he had recovered sufficiently from his injuries. His court-appointed attorney attempted to use his prolonged drinking spree as a defense, but the prosecution's objections were sustained. John was ultimately convicted of first-degree murder without recommendation for leniency. The case highlighted the tragic consequences of domestic violence and the impact of substance abuse on individuals and their relationships.
