<Archive Obituary> Carl 'Alfalfa' Switzer (January 21st 1959)

[Bill Schenley]

Alfalfa, Child Star, Is Killed On Coast

Photo: Loading Image...

FROM: The New York Times (January 22nd 1959) ~
By The Associated Press

NORTH HOLLYWOOD, Calif., Jan. 21

Carl Switzer, freckle-faced Alfalfa of the "Our Gang"
comedy series, was shot and killed tonight by a friend
in an apparent argument over money, the police said.

The off-key singer of the "Our Gang" series was shot in
the abdomen by a friend, Bud Stills, the police reported.

The shooting was preceded by a quarrel over finances
involving a bear hunting guide business in which Mr. Stills
and Mr. Switzer were partners.

Mr. Switzer, 32 years old, accompanied by a friend
identified as Jack Pilott, confronted Mr. Stills in the San
Fernando Valley community and argued with him about an
unpaid debt.

Detective H.C. Clark said there was a struggle for a pistol.
It discharged, resulting in Mr. Switzer's death, he said.

Until last October Mr. Switzer worked as a bartender in
the "Wolfe's Den" in near-by Studio City.

He appears in the current picture, "The Defiant Ones."

Mr. Switzer's pictures included "General Spanky,"
"Scandal Street," "Barnyard Follies," "Reg'lar Fellows,"
"Mrs. Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch," "Going My Way,"
"State of the Union," "High and the Mighty" and "Dig that
Uranium."
---
Photo: Loading Image...
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Killing Held Justified

Suspect Cleared in Shooting of 'Our Gang' Comedy Star

FROM: The New York Times (January 27th 1959) ~
By The Associated Press

LOS ANGELES, Calif., Jan. 26

The shooting of Carl Switzer, a film actor, during a fight
over $50 was justifiable homicide, a coroner's jury ruled
today.

Mr. Switzer, 32 years old, known as Alfalfa, was famed
for his role in the "Our Gang" comedy films of a
generation ago. They now are on television. Mr. Switzer
was a bit player in recent years.

Moses S. Stiltz, 38, a welder, testified: "Alfie charged me
with a jackknife. I was forced to shoot, and he closed the
knife as he fell to the floor."

Testimony brought out that Mr. Switzer and a friend,
Jack Pilott, 37, had been drinking before they sought out
Mr. Stiltz last Wednesday night. They found him at a
friend's home and Mr. Switzer demanded $50 that he
contended Mr. Stiltz owed him. Mr. Stiltz denied any debt.

The scuffled and Mr. Stiltz got a gun. He said he fired in
self-defense. Charges against him were dismissed.
---
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Other notable "Our Gang" deaths:

Pete the Pup (? 1930) - An unknown assailant poisoned
the original Pete.

Robert Hutchins "Wheezer" - (3/29/25 - 3/17/45) - Died in an a
irplane accident at the age of 19.

William Robert Laughlin "Froggy" - (7/05/32 - 8/31/48) - Died in a
bicycle accident at the age of 16.

Robert H. Young "Bonedust" (9/15/17 - 9/10/51) - Died in a hotel
fire, which started when he fell asleep smoking in bed.

Dorothy Dandridge "Dorothy" (11/09/23 9/08/65) - Committed
suicide after an investment scheme caused her to go bankrupt.

Harold Switzer "Deadpan" or "Slim" - (1/16/25 - 4/14/67) As was
the case with his brother, Harold was also killed following a dispute
with another man.

Scotty Beckett "Scotty" - (10/04/29 - 5/10/68) Died in a Hollywood
nursing home after being severely beaten two days prior to his
admittance. A bottle of pills and a note were found at the scene,
however the coroner never determined the exact cause of death.
He was just 38 years old.

Darla Hood "Darla" - (11/08/31 - 6/13/79) - Hospitalized for hepatitis
in 1979, she soon died under what was later ruled to be "suspicious
circumstances."

Kendall McComas "Breezy Brisbane" - (10/29/16 - 10/15/81) - Two
weeks before his 65th birthday and apparent forced retirement from the
U.S. Naval Weapons Center in China Lake, California, he committed
suicide.

Robert Blake "Mickey" - (9/18/33 - present) - On April 18, 2002,
he was arrested and charged with the murder of his wife, Bonnie
Lee Bakely.

Darwood Kaye "Waldo" - (9/08/29 - 5/15/2002) - Killed by a hit and run
driver while walking on the sidewalk.

Jay R. Smith "Jay R" - (8/29/15 - 10/05/2002) - Stabbed to death
and left in the desert by a homeless man he had befriended.

[A]

x-no-archive: yes

Post by Bill Schenley
Alfalfa, Child Star, Is Killed On Coast
Photo: http://www.vaiden.net/alfalfa.jpg
FROM: The New York Times (January 22nd 1959) ~
By The Associated Press
NORTH HOLLYWOOD, Calif., Jan. 21
Carl Switzer, freckle-faced Alfalfa of the "Our Gang"
comedy series, was shot and killed tonight by a friend
in an apparent argument over money, the police said.
The off-key singer of the "Our Gang" series was shot in
the abdomen by a friend, Bud Stills, the police reported.
The shooting was preceded by a quarrel over finances
involving a bear hunting guide business in which Mr. Stills
and Mr. Switzer were partners.
Mr. Switzer, 32 years old, accompanied by a friend
identified as Jack Pilott, confronted Mr. Stills in the San
Fernando Valley community and argued with him about an
unpaid debt.
Detective H.C. Clark said there was a struggle for a pistol.
It discharged, resulting in Mr. Switzer's death, he said.
Until last October Mr. Switzer worked as a bartender in
the "Wolfe's Den" in near-by Studio City.
He appears in the current picture, "The Defiant Ones."
Mr. Switzer's pictures included "General Spanky,"
"Scandal Street," "Barnyard Follies," "Reg'lar Fellows,"
"Mrs. Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch," "Going My Way,"
"State of the Union," "High and the Mighty" and "Dig that
Uranium."

They left out his funny bit role in "It's A Wonderful Life" (1946)
where he appears as the guy with the key that opens the dancing floor to
reveal the pool underneath.
See two other comments below.

Post by Bill Schenley
Photo: http://entimg.msn.com/i/150/mo/mo6/cswitzer_150x200.jpg
---
Killing Held Justified
Suspect Cleared in Shooting of 'Our Gang' Comedy Star
FROM: The New York Times (January 27th 1959) ~
By The Associated Press
LOS ANGELES, Calif., Jan. 26
The shooting of Carl Switzer, a film actor, during a fight
over $50 was justifiable homicide, a coroner's jury ruled
today.

What a measly amount to die over.

Post by Bill Schenley
Mr. Switzer, 32 years old, known as Alfalfa, was famed
for his role in the "Our Gang" comedy films of a
generation ago. They now are on television. Mr. Switzer
was a bit player in recent years.
Moses S. Stiltz, 38, a welder, testified: "Alfie charged me
with a jackknife. I was forced to shoot, and he closed the
knife as he fell to the floor."
Testimony brought out that Mr. Switzer and a friend,
Jack Pilott, 37, had been drinking before they sought out
Mr. Stiltz last Wednesday night. They found him at a
friend's home and Mr. Switzer demanded $50 that he
contended Mr. Stiltz owed him. Mr. Stiltz denied any debt.
The scuffled and Mr. Stiltz got a gun. He said he fired in
self-defense. Charges against him were dismissed.
---
Photos: http://www.tbcmo.de/mediac/400_0/media/alfalfa.jpg
http://mercerfamilyhistory.com/userimages/CarlDeanAlfalfaSwitzer.jpg
http://www.crimelibrary.com/graphics/photos/notorious_murders/celebrity/carl_switzer/3-3-Carl-Switzer-1954.jpg

All of them had short, sad lives; exc. 'Waldo' (who died at 72 but in
another sad way) and Robert 'Mickey' Blake--who has had his own problems in
recent years.

Post by Bill Schenley
Pete the Pup (? 1930) - An unknown assailant poisoned
the original Pete.
Robert Hutchins "Wheezer" - (3/29/25 - 3/17/45) - Died in an a
irplane accident at the age of 19.
William Robert Laughlin "Froggy" - (7/05/32 - 8/31/48) - Died in a
bicycle accident at the age of 16.
Robert H. Young "Bonedust" (9/15/17 - 9/10/51) - Died in a hotel
fire, which started when he fell asleep smoking in bed.
Dorothy Dandridge "Dorothy" (11/09/23 9/08/65) - Committed
suicide after an investment scheme caused her to go bankrupt.
Harold Switzer "Deadpan" or "Slim" - (1/16/25 - 4/14/67) As was
the case with his brother, Harold was also killed following a dispute
with another man.
Scotty Beckett "Scotty" - (10/04/29 - 5/10/68) Died in a Hollywood
nursing home after being severely beaten two days prior to his
admittance. A bottle of pills and a note were found at the scene,
however the coroner never determined the exact cause of death.
He was just 38 years old.
Darla Hood "Darla" - (11/08/31 - 6/13/79) - Hospitalized for hepatitis
in 1979, she soon died under what was later ruled to be "suspicious
circumstances."
Kendall McComas "Breezy Brisbane" - (10/29/16 - 10/15/81) - Two
weeks before his 65th birthday and apparent forced retirement from the
U.S. Naval Weapons Center in China Lake, California, he committed
suicide.
Robert Blake "Mickey" - (9/18/33 - present) - On April 18, 2002,
he was arrested and charged with the murder of his wife, Bonnie
Lee Bakely.
Darwood Kaye "Waldo" - (9/08/29 - 5/15/2002) - Killed by a hit and run
driver while walking on the sidewalk.
Jay R. Smith "Jay R" - (8/29/15 - 10/05/2002) - Stabbed to death
and left in the desert by a homeless man he had befriended.

[R H Draney]

Post by A
All of them had short, sad lives; exc. 'Waldo' (who died at 72 but in
another sad way) and Robert 'Mickey' Blake--who has had his own problems in
recent years.

Some of them did all right for themselves...Jackie Cooper is one I always cite
when we're talking about actors who were successful both as children and as
adults (Natalie Wood's on top of that list)...Jackie's contemporary Dorothy
"Echo" DeBorba is still around too, and last I heard was still making occasional
appearances....

Checking a few other names, I was surprised to see that Ernie "Sunshine Sammy"
Morrison was still acting as late as 1976, and appeared in an episode of "Good
Times" (too bad he didn't stick around to give Jimmie Walker acting lessons; he
was a natural from infancy)....r

[Chris]

Post by Bill Schenley
Alfalfa, Child Star, Is Killed On Coast
Photo: http://www.vaiden.net/alfalfa.jpg
Suspect Cleared in Shooting of 'Our Gang' Comedy Star
FROM: The New York Times (January 27th 1959) ~
By The Associated Press
LOS ANGELES, Calif., Jan. 26
The shooting of Carl Switzer, a film actor, during a fight
over $50 was justifiable homicide, a coroner's jury ruled
today.
Mr. Switzer, 32 years old, known as Alfalfa, was famed
for his role in the "Our Gang" comedy films of a
generation ago. They now are on television. Mr. Switzer
was a bit player in recent years.
Moses S. Stiltz, 38, a welder, testified: "Alfie charged me
with a jackknife. I was forced to shoot, and he closed the
knife as he fell to the floor."

So he had a closed knife in his hand ???
makes me wonder if it was ever open and who may have
placed it in his hand ...
If I had knife in my hand and took a bullet to the
gut I don't think I would be too concerned about closing the knife

Post by Bill Schenley
Testimony brought out that Mr. Switzer and a friend,
Jack Pilott, 37, had been drinking before they sought out
Mr. Stiltz last Wednesday night. They found him at a
friend's home and Mr. Switzer demanded $50 that he
contended Mr. Stiltz owed him. Mr. Stiltz denied any debt.
The scuffled and Mr. Stiltz got a gun. He said he fired in
self-defense. Charges against him were dismissed.
---
Photos: http://www.tbcmo.de/mediac/400_0/media/alfalfa.jpg
http://mercerfamilyhistory.com/userimages/CarlDeanAlfalfaSwitzer.jpg
http://www.crimelibrary.com/graphics/photos/notorious_murders/celebrity/carl_switzer/3-3-Carl-Switzer-1954.jpg

[Bill Schenley]

Post by Chris

Post by Bill Schenley
Moses S. Stiltz, 38, a welder, testified: "Alfie
charged me with a jackknife. I was forced to shoot,
and he closed the knife as he fell to the floor."

So he had a closed knife in his hand ???
makes me wonder if it was ever open and who may
have placed it in his hand ... If I had knife in my hand
and took a bullet to the gut I don't think I would be
too concerned about closing the knife

Post by Bill Schenley
Testimony brought out that Mr. Switzer and a friend,
Jack Pilott, 37, had been drinking before they sought
out Mr. Stiltz last Wednesday night. They found him
at a friend's home and Mr. Switzer demanded $50 that
he contended Mr. Stiltz owed him. Mr. Stiltz denied
any debt.

'Alfalfa' had borrowed Stiltz's hunting dog ... and then lost the dog.
He offered a $35.00 reward in the newspaper for the dog's return.
Someone answered the ad and brought the dog to the bar where Switzer
(Alfalfa) was working. Switzer then, supposedly, bought the guy $15.00
in drinks. That was what the $50.00 debt was over.

Post by Chris

Post by Bill Schenley
The scuffled and Mr. Stiltz got a gun. He said he fired
in self-defense. Charges against him were dismissed.

A few years ago (after all primary parties involved had died), Stiltz's
step-son, who was there, gave a different account. He stated that
Switzer and Pilott, both of whom were drunk, charged into their home
demanding the $50.00 and that Jack Pilott hit his step-father over the
head with an object taken from their house. At that point, Stiltz ran
into the bedroom and got a gun. Switzer and Stiltz fought over the gun
and it discharged. The round struck something and the step-son was hit
in the thigh with shrapnel.

The boy was outside the home (I think it was an apartment) when the two
men agreed to stop fighting because the boy had been hurt. He said
Switzer had not opened the knife and was leaving the home when his
step-father shot Switzer.

[Gary Edstrom]

Post by Bill Schenley
Alfalfa, Child Star, Is Killed On Coast
Photo: http://www.vaiden.net/alfalfa.jpg
FROM: The New York Times (January 22nd 1959) ~
By The Associated Press
NORTH HOLLYWOOD, Calif., Jan. 21

[snip]

A photo of his grave marker:

http://gbe.dynip.com/Celebrity_Graves/Q0010116A_JPG.htm

[Garrett]

Post by Bill Schenley
Alfalfa, Child Star, Is Killed On Coast
Photo: http://www.vaiden.net/alfalfa.jpg
FROM: The New York Times (January 22nd 1959) ~
By The Associated Press
NORTH HOLLYWOOD, Calif., Jan. 21
Carl Switzer, freckle-faced Alfalfa of the "Our Gang"
comedy series, was shot and killed tonight by a friend
in an apparent argument over money, the police said.
Mr. Switzer's pictures included "General Spanky,"
"Scandal Street," "Barnyard Follies," "Reg'lar Fellows,"
"Mrs. Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch," "Going My Way,"
"State of the Union," "High and the Mighty" and "Dig that
Uranium."
---

And 1954's "Track of the Cat", now on DVD ... a ponderous western with
Robert Mitchum. Switzer played a mute Indian character, Joe Sam, and he's
completely unrecognizable under what looks like clay and paint for make-up.
Switzer was 26 at the time, and it's anyone's guess how old the character
was supposed to be.