Friday, January 21, 2011

Jan. 21, 1959: So Long, Alfalfa


Carl Switzer, best known as "Alfalfa" in the Our Gang (aka The Little Rascals) film series, died from a single gunshot wound in Mission Hills, CA. Switzer, age 31, was rushed to the hospital after being shot, but was pronounced DOA due to massive internal bleeding.

Switzer and friend Jack Piott had been drinking heavily that night and went to the house of Moses "Bud" Stiltz to collect on a perceived $50 debt over a lost (then found) hunting dog. Witness testimony varies, but this much is known for certain: Switzer threatened Stiltz and a fight ensued. Piott smashed a glass-domed clock on Stiltz's head. Stiltz grabbed a .38 caliber revolver and fired two shots -- the first went into the ceiling and the second struck Switzer in the groin.

It was first reported that Switzer had wielded a hunting knife, but investigators only found an unopened pocket knife at the scene. Still, Switzer's death was ruled a justifiable homicide. Sadly, Switzer was just one of many former child actors to meet a tragic end.

READ MORE: The Crime Library

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