Warden Bert Blanchard, Killed on February 2, 1913

Based upon various newspaper accounts of the event, here is what has been pieced together regarding the death of Warden Bert Blanchard on February 2, 1913 in Contra Costa County. Apparently, Warden Blanchard left home on Sunday for a day of patrol. His body was found two days later in Wildcat Canyon in the Sobrante Hills two miles East of Stege. He had been shot in the back of the head by a shotgun. He had dead robins in his pockets; and it was believed he had taken someone into custody and that person or persons had managed to overpower and kill him. His revolver and badge were missing. The investigation by the local authorities lead to the arrest of two men, Lugi Scalzo and C. Casquale, known to have made threats against the Warden in the past. Neither man was prosecuted. There were no other arrests. Hard to imagine a person being killed over a couple of robins, isn't it?

Links
San Francisco Call, February 6, 1913
San Francisco Call, February 7, 1913
San Francisco Call, February 8, 1913
Topo Map of Wildcat Canyon Area