July Murder Mystery:

Death in Them Thar Hills – July 24th, 6:00 PM

It is 1883 in Cactus Gulch, Arizona, near the Grand Canyon. Prospector and gold mine owner “Dusty” Jones dropped dead during a dinner in his honor that was hosted by the residents of the town.

Jones had arrived in town five years before, flat broke and relying upon the generosity of the locals to help him get by. Now, he was one of the wealthiest men in Arizona Territory. The source of Dusty’s riches was the gold mine that he discovered during his forays into the wilderness four years ago. Ever since, he made weekly visits to town with bags of gold nuggets and gold dust to be assayed at the Cactus Gulch Bank. It was widely known that the gold was graded as 22-carat, the purest strike ever in these parts.

Dusty named his mine TAqIlA. Since he never went to school and couldn’t spell very well, it was understood that he meant to name it after his favorite drink, Gila Gold Tequila.

Jones was being honored at a dinner organized by residents and prominent local figures. Everyone drank their beverages of choice (supplied by The Short Stump Saloon) and socialized prior to the start of the festivities. After listening to tributes by the mayor, several business owners and other townspeople, Dusty had his say, speaking his mind about the town and its people. He then raised a glass of Gila Gold, toasted the crowd and sat down. A few minutes later, he slumped over in his chair. The town doctor, present at the festivities, rushed to him, but it was too late. Dusty was dead.

U.S. Marshal Nate Dillman is investigating the incident. Because Dusty was in relatively good health, the marshal believes he may have been murdered. He intends to deputize citizens to investigate.