The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1890-05-29
THE MONTREAL MYSTERY.
YOUNG THOMAS HIMBER'S BODY
FOUND IN A RESERVOIR.
Many Facts Point TO Murder. Though tho
CorOner's Jury Brings in Verdict of
SuicIde-Is It Another BenweH Cnseg

Many Facts Point to Murder, Though tho
Coroner'S Jury Brings In n Verdict of
SuicIde-Is Il Another BehweI Cnseg
MONTREAL, May 2s.-The mystery surround.
ing the disappearance OF Thomas Kimber, the
young Englishman who disappeared from this
city In the middle of April, has been solved by
tho discovery of his body to-day in the city
reservoir. The case Is believed to he another
Benwell Affair." Kimber arrived in Canada
from Topsham, Exeter, England. where his
parents who arc well to do reside, by the
Dominion line steamer Sarnia on April H. He
took up his quarters with three companions,
whom 1t is supposed he met on the
voyage at the Grand Central Hotel, q
second class house. kept by Thomas Styles,
on st. James street. After big
spree he suddenly disappeared. When the
door Of his room was forced open the floor and
furniture were found despatched with blood,
and razor covered with hair and blood and n
number of bloody handkercbiefs were discov-
cred. His disappearance was kept a secret by
the proprietor OF the hotel for couple OF
weeks. when 1t became known. and tho whole
detective force OF the city was employed.
The efforts of the detectives TO discover
clue proved utterly futile, but an accident re-
suited in tho discovery Of hs body to-day.
Montreal draws its water supply from two
large reservoirs. What is known as the High
Level reservoir is at the base of Mount Royal.
Passing to his work early this morning An
toine Berrichon, stone mason. crossed over
tho mountain park by the side OF tho High
Level reservoir. Suddenly his attention was
attracted by something white in the water, and
the next instant human head came into view.
Berrichon, who know nothing OF tho kimber
mystery. called to park policeman and they
removed the body from the reservoir. Marks
Of violence were discernible. There were
three cuts In the left side OF the neck. besides
long and deep cut across the throat towel
marked I. STYLES" was wrapped tightly round
the neck. and furnished the clue.
On the body being examined at the MorGus
three stones, weighing from six to eight
pounds each. were found in the coat pockets.
Kimber is supposed TO have had considerable
money when he disappeared, but all that was
found on his person was fifteen cents in
change. On his flannel undershirt was worked
1T. s. Kimber."
No sooner had the remains been removed to
the Morgue than a Jury was sworn in, and,
after several witnesses had been examined. q
verdict that the deceased man had committed
suicide was returned without an autopsy
being held. DR.. Mount. the only medical man
Examined. said The thought 1t was a case OF
aucide, but could not say positively until he
had made an autopsy. There Is great indig-
nation over the way in which the investiga-
tion has been conducted. and it is denounced
on all hands as disgracefuL
There Is strong suspicion that there has
been foul play in the case. and that 1t may turn
out repe.i0n Of the case e bs1T It i
to the extent Of FIVE inches quickly leave the
hotel In. tho lower portion Of the city, at II
towel wrapped round his necE eek. weak with loss
Of blood. stagGes through the public streets
&c Crowded %h peopo at hs
sssG5yST hS
the water. such proceeding is pronounced by
leading medical men as absurd; The fact OF
oe een cents s being oa
his person, also adds TO the strong suspicion OF
Detective Crosse Of this city. who has been
employed by the Dominion Government in the
to 10
ment; He is OF the opinion that Kimber was MUIR
dered by some OF his acquaintances who came
or in a row. and that after the killing they took
his body by cab TO theIreseryoir. put the stones
The blood stains in the. room we're probably
placed there after the killing He regards 1t as
Kimber d and then walk through the en- c TaS
ed thoroughfares OF the city without attracting
According to the statements of people who
came out to this country on the Sarnia. and
saw Kimber he did not look like a. man who
several rather suspicious characters, while on
board ship. 1t is feared they may have had
something to do with his death. Styles, the
hOte! proprietor, PERSISTS in saying that he saw
Kimber leave the hotel on the morning OF
April II, and that he was walking quickly at
the time and did not seom TO have anything
the matter with him.
Major Sherwood. chief OF the Dominion Secret
Service who is acting at tho request OF Kim
ber's people in England through the Colonial
OllIce. is also of the opinion that it is another
Benwell case. kimbers relatives will be COM
municated wit, with, md it f. expected that a
the probability is that it will never be known |
whether Kimber committed suicide or was
murdered.