The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle. — 1870-12-03 (Stourbridge, West Midlands, England)

MURDER OF A GERMAN GENTLEMAN  IN LIVERPOOL.  A most diabolical and fatal outrage has been committed upon a welLknown German resident of Liverpool, Mr. Christian Flueck, who wee in extensive practice rui a teacher of languages, and has a large school at 4, Dinglrbil', a fashionable quarter of the town, where he resides.  During the absence of his wife on Friday evening in last week, Mr. Flueck was in his parlour alone, and it is supposed, from the successful stature of the assault committed upon him, must have fallen asleep on the sofa, an he was found about six o'clock in the evening in A frightfully injured and unconscious state. lie had been eudilenly attacked by aline one with a heavy door hinge, which has bees found, and with which the assailant inflicted the znost deadly gashes upon the head ttf his victim, through one of which the brain protruded. The unfortunate gentleman remained utterly unconscious, and died on Sunday.  At the Liverpool Police•eourt, on Monday, Richard Edward Howchin was charged with the murder of Mr. Christian Flueck.  Detective Superintendent Kehoe said that the prisoner was in the service f the deceased as Mot:. On Friday evening, between five and sir o'clock, gr. Flueck was found to have been greviotudy assaulted in his own sitting room and he had since died. Tuere was a considerable body of evidence to be brought forward in the case, but it was not in such • state that it could be gone into that day. Under the circumstances, he asked that the prisoner might be remandel for seven days, and Mr. Cobb, who appeared for the prisoner, raising no objection, the apphcation was at once granted. The following details have been ascertained :  - Mr. Flueck had returned home, after • short absence, about half-put five o'clock on. Friday evening, and retired to his customary siLtlng.roum over the kitchen of the house, where his servants were at the time taking their tea. Shortly after th-lr master's return they heard a heavy fall on the floor above, but supposing It to result from the romping of some of the pupils they did not investigate the cause Mrs. ',Meek Woe absent at the time, but on returning home she at once repaired to the sitting-room referred to, and discovered her husband lying on the floor to front of the fire utterly insensible. Supposing his ailment, to be a temporary Si, she immediately procured cold water for the purpose f hathing his face, but on • closer examination she found that hit head was covered with blood. On • closer examination it was ascertained that his skull was fractured In several places, and a portion of the brain was protruding. Medical aid was Immediately procured. and the extensive Injuries demonstrated a, once that they had been inflicted with an iron her or staple which lay close to the victim. Dr. Barrett and Messrs, hickersteth and Rodin,, were prom-oily convened for consolation, and pronounced the case to be of the most perilous charaeer. Sippicion attaching to Mr. Ilowchin, the tutor, he was apprehended. It Is stated that Mr. Flueck had iffyra him notice to leave at Christmas, and there is something said abut his refusine to give Mr. Hood:an a character, or such an one as he desired. It Is also reported that there had been some difference between them during the week. The schoolroom is on the same floor a. Mr. Flueck's sittiniproom, The fall on the fl or was heard shortly before mix o'clock. lir. Howdah left the schoolroom—so it is said —tor shout ten minutes between half-past five and six. Whtu Mrs. Flueck subsequently raised the alarm llowchin and others went to the sitting room, and he was the hest to go for medical aid. Ills hat was noticed on the table during his absence, but it Was afterwards accounted for by his having placed it there before going out. A handkerchief bdonging to Mr llowchin was found marked with blood. As, however, he had assisted In lifting Mr. Flueck from the ti,or the state of the handkereilef may be accounted for In a simple manner. Ile Is quite a young matt, very intelligent, about Mt. bin. in height, anti of a form not at all suggestive of great strength  An inquest was held on the body, on Tuesday, and the order for interment made, the coroner stating, that for very weighty reasons, not necessary or desirable to particular ise, he had determined to PO ourn the inquest to Wednesday, December 7.