Descendants of Frank Seppi, incarcerated at San Quentin State Prison in 1903, recently contacted the prison museum to learn more details.
Jeff Craemer, longtime volunteer and co-founder of the museum, asked if Inside CDCR could assist the family. The following was found through prison records and historic newspapers.
Seppi feud ends in wife’s murder
In 1902, Frank Seppi, a dairy rancher in Artesia, was charged with murdering his wife, Adelaide.
“The murder of Mrs. Seppi occurred on the evening of Oct. 28 and was the culmination of years of dissension,” according to the San Francisco Call, Nov. 14, 1902.
The victim immigrated from Italy while her husband came from Austria. Their arguing came to a head when she challenged her husband and impugned his heritage.
The oldest son, Louis, and his father spent the day working in the fields, milking 17 cows, and shucking corn.
Then the two discussed “ill-tempered” Mrs. Seppi. That’s when Frank Seppi said he might have to do something about her.
“When they went to the house (after their work), he said Mrs. Seppi sang a song ridiculing his father and his countrymen, which brought on the quarrel,” reported the newspaper.
As the argument escalated, the three children ran outside but watched through the windows and keyhole.
Finally, yelling at him to “shoot away,” he drew a small revolver from his pocket and shot her in the chest.
Life goals differed for Seppi husband, wife
According to news accounts at the time, Seppi was satisfied with a quiet farm life with his family, but she wanted more excitement.
“(She) thought his ease was neglect,” according to the Los Angeles Times, Nov. 14, 1902.
A neighbor testified he heard a gunshot. Shortly after, Louis Seppi, the 16-year-old eldest child, ran to his home seeking help.
“I went into the kitchen and found Mrs. Seppi lying on her right side. Her pulse was (faint) and I think she was breathing slightly. I called to Mrs. Seppi but she didn’t respond or show any signs of recognition,” A.W. Ellis testified. “Frank Seppi came in the door and I asked him what he had done. He replied, ‘I killed her.'”
The Seppi trial and a plea deal
The first trial ended in a hung jury with none of the children testifying against their father. The district attorney, announcing a new trial, said he would charge the oldest son as an accessory to the murder since he had prior knowledge. Frank Seppi agreed to plead guilty to manslaughter, as long as his son wasn’t charged.
The 57-year-old Seppi was sentenced to the maximum 10 years for manslaughter. He was received at San Quentin State Prison on May 17, 1903, and given the number 20140.
In 1905, he issued notice to the Los Angeles County District Attorney of his plans to apply for parole.
On Nov. 10, 1906, he passed away, according to prison records. His place of burial is unknown.
By Don Chaddock, Inside CDCR editor
Office of Public and Employee Communications
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