University of Virginia Library

University Graduates Killed
In New Orleans Shootout

By HANK EVANS

Two University graduates
were killed by a sniper's bullets
last Sunday during a gun battle
at a Howard Johnson's Motor
Lodge in downtown New
Orleans, La.

Dr. and Mrs Robert V.
Steagall Jr., found slain in their
room, were among six persons
killed in the two-day shootout.

Dr. Steagall, 28, was
graduated from the College in
1967, and received his M.D.
degree here last June. Since
then, he has been an intern at
Roanoke Memorial Hospital.

Mrs. Stegall received a
masters degree in speech
pathology from the University
last June. She was employed as
an audiologist at the Roanoke
Valley Speech and Hearing
Center.

Couple Buried

The couple was buried
Wednesday in Martinsville, Dr.
Steagall's hometown. A
memorial service was held
earlier in the day for Mrs
Steagall in her hometown.
Roxboro, N.C.

William Pittar, a University
Hospital intern and a former
roommate of Dr. Steagall's,
said "He (Dr. Steagall had a
way of getting along with
everyone doctors in the
hospital and custodial workers.
I think he put being a doctor
on a pedestal."

"Was One Of Finest Young Men"

Dr. David E. Smith,
chairman of the pathology
department, said, "He was one
of the finest young men I have
ever known, in the tradition of
the good Virginia student."

Dr. Steagall had planned to
join the medical practice of a
close family friend, Dr. Phillip
Sprinkle of Morgantown, W.
Va. upon completion of his
internship. Dr. Steagall was the
only child of Robert V.
Steagall Sr., a Martinsville
mechanic and tow truck driver.

High School Therapy Worker

Mrs Steagall worked
at Walker Jr High School in
therapy for children with
hearing loss Mrs John Horner,
a co-worker, called her "a
warm girl who enjoyed working
with people."

"She was just a delightful
young lady," said Assoc.
Speech Pathology Prof. Ralph
C Bralley

The Steagalls were married
in July. They were in New
Orleans for a vacation and a
second honeymoon.