Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1910-07-16
DYING WOMAN'S SCREAMS
Probably Heard by Neishbor-Shot
and Then Body Cut Up.

initial of the crime, was told today by
a neighbor of DR.. Hawley H. Crippen
in the cellar of whose home was I'M
earthed the body believed by the po-
lice to be that of the physicians wife,
the American woman who was known
on the stage as Belle Gilmore.
Since the discovery of the body and
disappearance of DR.. Crippen and his
typist, Miss Ethel Clara Leneve, the
Scotland Yard detectives have inquir-
ed diligently among those living in
the vicinity of the Crippen home in
Hilldrop Crescent, North London. for
information that would throw light
upon the domestic habits and rela-
tions of the American doctor and his
actress wife. Nothing helpful was
learned until today, when the prophet
ress of small shop at the rear of the
Crippens residence told of hearing a
woman's screams and pleas for mercy
arising seemingly from the cellar in
which the burned and mutilated corpse
later was found.
Mrs. Crippen disappeared in Feb
ruary last. 1t was four or five months
ago when the screams were heard the
woman said To the police the shop
keeper said
II had often heard revolver practice
in the garden back of the Crippen
home. One night at midnight about
four or five months ago, l cannot place
the time more exactly, l was awaken
ed by Woman's cries. The screams
appeared to come from DR.. Crippen's
house l listened and heard woman's
voice pleading: Don't, oh don't To
me it seemed that the cries were from
occupied by Mr.. and Mrs. Crippen. AS
nothing developed further, l soon for
got the occurrence and did not recall
it until yesterday, when l learned of
the tragic discovery"
The Music Hall Artists Guild issued
an official statement today declaring
that all of the books and accounts OF
Mrs. Crippen, who was treasurer of
the guild. were found to be in perfect
order and that none of the funds was
missing.
While the police authorities were ex
hausting their resources today to lay
hands on DR. Hawley Crippen. the Amer
lean, and his woman typist, physicians
were examining the mutilated body OF
his wife with view to determining the
manner in which the murder was done.
The finding in the cellar of a revolver
gave rise this afternoon to the report
that the vaudeville artist had been shot
before the body was battered into an un
recognizable mass and buried in quick
lime in the cellar of the Crippen home al
Hilldrop Crescent, North London.
1t was also reported that traces OF
poison had been found by the doctors
The latter will present their theories as te
the cause of death at an inquest to be
held tomorrow.
1t has been long time since murder
case In England has attracted such gen
eral attention. The fact that the muir.
dered woman was an American, as is the
husband, who is charged with the crime
has spurred the police to unusual activ'
ity. The full force of Scotland Yard
under the personal direction of Supt. For
rest. are making thorough search for the
doctor and Miss Ethel Glare Leneve
They believe they will be successful Miss
Leneve was employed by DR.. Crippen as
typist 1t is stated that Mrs. Cripper
opposed the presence of the young woman
in her husbands office, and that his re-
fusal to dismiss her led to frequent quar-
rels between husband and wife. Some
time after Mrs. Crippen disappeared Miss
Leneve appeared in public with Dr. Grip
pen, who introduced her as his wife. TIC
acquaintances the doctor explained that
his former wife had left him, following
a quarrel, and that she had subsequently
died.
The police say that DR.. Crippen and
Miss Leneve left the Crippen home to-
gether some time in the latter part OF
last week. They are well convinced thai
the two fled the country. sailing either
for the United States or going to the
Continent. At the same time both have
been reported as having been seen in diff
ferent parts of this country and If thu
authors of these reports are not mistaken
the two have separated If this is the
case the police believe that they sepa
rated in the hope of avoiding detection
The officials have notified the authori
ties at every port to which steamers have
recently sailed from this country of the
possibility that Dr. Crippen and MISS
Leneve will be found among their pas
sengers and have asked for the arres
of the two wherever found. The police
are also searching and following ever,
clue throughout Great Britain.