Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1890-03-10
THE NIAGARA FALLS TRAGEDY
Bifchall and His Wife Held Responsible
for the Murder Of Benwell.

The coroner's jury at Woodstock, Ontario, In
the case OF F. c. Benwell, the murdered Young
Engiishman, found that he came to his death
BY two pistol shots fired into his head from be-
hind, and that the jurors have reason to be-
lieve that these shots were fred by Reginald
Burchen, alias Somerset, with deliberate pur-
pose to commit murder. on or about the 18th of
February, and that they are of opinion that
Caroline Burchell, the wife Of Reginald Bur-
chell, was accessory TO the murder after the fact
Birchall, the accused, is twenty-five years of
age, and was born in Church Lancashire, Eng
land. His father was the Rev. Joseph Birchall,
who was for years rector of Church Kirk and
rural dean OF Whalley, and who died In 1873
Reginald was educated at Harrow and Oxford.
where he mingled with the fast SET" spend
ing money beyond his means. In the summer
Of 1888 he arrived with his wife at Woodstock.
Ontario, telling different stories. saving al
times that they were Lord and Lady Somerset.
and at other times that he was the son of Lord
Somerset, and again giving the name Of Birch
all. They were received in the best society, he
being dashing young man and she pretty
and refined woman Of charming manners. He
drove fast horses and drank q great
deal Of champagne. He announced that
their purpose was to 60 into farming, but the
purpose was never put into practice. In May,
1889, they disappeared, leaving q 900 in debts
versity man having farm, wishing to meet
gentleman's son to live with him and learn
the business with q view to partnership; must
have f5O0 to extend stock; board. lodging and
per cent interest until partnership is arranged;
highest references"
He had many answers to this advertisement,
but the only ones with whom he had business
were Douglas Raymond Pelly Of Essex, Eng
land, and Frederick c. Benwell, son of Lieut.
Col Benwell Of Iseultdene Cheltenham, Eng
lam hal IN hnth pal IN nd
Benwell families He impressed all those he met
with his candor and business RESPONSE
bility. The two young men, accompanied
by Mr.. and Mrs. Birchall, sailed for the osten-
Friday, February IL They went to Buffalo on
Sunday following, and on Tuesday, February
Is. they went to Clifton, Ontario, Just across
the suspension bridge. They lounged about
for week. Finally, on February rs Birchsll
tanning an account of the finding Of the muir
dered man at Princeton ON February "a, with
the cigar case near him marked T. c. Benwell
Pelly was horrihed. Birchau said he would 70
ct once 70 Princeton and look at the body.
Birchall came to Pelly and said that he had
received telegram from the clerk of the STAFF
ford house at Buffalo saying that Benwen had
gone to New York and desired that all his lug
Pelly posted Oh 70 New York 70 see il Ben~ell
was there. and returned without finding him.
Birchall visited Princeton, identified Benwel
and was arrested. Mrs Birchall was arrested
. day or 20 after her husband. After BirchalI's
arrest came the welding Of the chain Of circum-
stsntial svidence connecting him With the muir
der. First Pelly told his story Of Birchall's
continual lies and dsceptions since leaving
England This was corroborsted BY scores Of
persons who had conversations with Birchsll.
COL Bsnwsll tslsgraphs nom England that HI
son did mot have 70 exceed E2o q money with
him.