One hundred years ago on this date in 1923, 18 year old Rosa Maes shot and killed her 26 year old husband

One hundred years ago on this date in 1923, 18 year old Rosa Maes shot and killed her 26 year old husband, Joseph, in the Airedale Hotel of Denver. The couple had been quarreling for a few weeks prior over his alleged affairs, and she claimed that he attempted to force her to earn her living on the streets.

On the day of the killing, Joseph reiterated his demand that Rosa earn her own living through a life of shame. She left the room, purchased a derringer for $6 in a shop on Larimer, and returned. Upon her return, he once again made the demand and threatened her with a heavy object from the dresser, when she drew the weapon from her coat and fired, the bullet piercing his heart and killing him. Rosa then calmly locked the room, left the hotel and went to a barber shop owned by her brother where she was arrested.  




Rosa was acquitted of the crime by a jury in December of 1923. Joseph is buried in Mt. Olivet cemetery in an unmarked grave. 

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