This story was published in The Chronicle, I only have the clipping with no location but I think it is Dallas/Ft Worth area. The Byline was Marshall Bannell. The date noted is the date of the shooting not the date of the article.

John Race, 43, cattleman from Dallas, was buried here in the General Cemetery Jan 4, the victim of typical Central American "Wild West" shooting.

Race came to Costa Rica some two months ago to help Kent Qualls, also of Texas, operate a large cattle ranch in a remote section of the country known as Guanacaste. Qualls had been suffering cattle losses from rustlers and his local ranch administrator had been unable to stop the losses.

The ranch owner felt that Race, who had had experience in cattle in British Honduras as well as Texas and Montana and knew Spanish well might be able to help. In addition, he employed another Texan from Big Spring, Harry Jacks to help him.

Cattle Rustling

Race's investigations disclosed to his satisfaction that a Nicaraguan employed on the ranch was at the bottom of the cattle rustling. However, the man knew of Race's suspicions, as it turned out.

On Dec 28, as Race was finishing his dinner with Mrs. Jacks, the Nicaraguan suddenly approached him, drew his .45, which habitually is carried by most cattlemen in that section of Costa Rica and fired six shots into Race who was unarmed. He then turned the gun on Mrs. Jacks, but it clicked harmlessly, empty. He then mounted his horse and fled.

The Texan, mortally wounded, was brought to the nearest town with hospital facilities, Liberia, but he died within three hours.

Cops Uninterested

Local police were notified and they conducted a investigation "without much interest," Qualls reported. They state that the killer "probably" crossed the border into Nicaragua and that there was nothing they could do.

Next night, however, Jacks who had promptly been appointed ranch administrator by Qualls, found the assasin on the property . In an attempt to capture him there was an exchange of shots, the killer was wounded in the leg, and Jacks being slightly wounded.

Local authorities jailed the new ranch administrator, Harry Jacks, and placed the assasin in a hospital without guard. Jacks was refused bail.

Efforts by the American Counsulor officials in distant San Jose, Costa Rica's capital, to have Jacks released were unavailing. Taking what is described as "the usual antigringo attitude,"police authorities showed little inclination to press the case against the Nicaraguan, according to observers, even though it is reported he is wanted in Nicaragua by police for murder.

Race, a veteran of the last war, was laid to rest in the American vault here in San Jose ina flag draped casket provided by the American Embassy. Catholic rites were performed, attended by four Americans including American Consul Camden L. McLain.

John R Race