Today in SCV History September 14, 1924, a violent confrontation in Tunnel Canyon near Newhall killed Los Angeles County Deputy Constable John Edward “Ed” Brown, a well-known and respected peace officer in the Santa Clarita Valley.
Brown, 43, was fatally shot during a gun battle with Gus Le Brun, a laborer whose troubled obsession with former silent film actress Bonita Darling (born Nellie Bayles) had escalated into threats and violence.
For nearly a year, Le Brun performed chores at Darling’s ranch, misinterpreting her friendliness as romantic commitment. Convinced she had promised to marry him after borrowing money, he became enraged when Darling denied any engagement and sought to distance herself.
After a confrontation, Darling turned to Justice of the Peace P.C. Miller, who ordered Le Brun to stay away from her property. The decision, coupled with a promissory note intended to settle his claims, only fueled his anger…