September 1929, Kansas City, MO: Bridge makes headlines when Myrtle Bennett shoots and kills her husband, John, after he is unable to make a four spades contract. After the play of the hand goes horribly wrong, the alleged conversation between the husband and wife was as follows:
“You overbid,” said John Bennett.
“You’re a bum bridge player!” said Myrtle Bennett. To which John Bennett reached across the table and slapped his wife several times and folded up the bridge table.
“Nobody but a bum would hit a woman in the presence of friends!” said Myrtle.
“I’m going to spend the night at a hotel, and tomorrow I’m leaving town,” said John.
John Bennett went to his room to pack a suitcase, but Myrtle Bennett went to pack heat.
(Bridge experts later concluded that the four spades contract could, in fact, have been made!)
John Bennett
Myrtle Bennett
Bennett Murder Trial