Stockton Herald, South Durham and Cleveland Advertiser. — 1883-04-14 (Stockton-on-Tees, Cleveland, England)

MENT.  HORRIBLE TRAGEDY AT NORTH ORMESBY.  IVIURDER OF A WIFE AND CAILD.  J conspiracy, , tie said, regard as directed against 1 tusked him what be bad done it  and he  said,  lose  The most horrible tragedy that has occurred in the Cleveland district for many years was committed on Tuesday about noon, at North Ormesby. It appears that a labourer nOzned James Porter, about 30 years of age, resided at 47, Lever-street, North Ormesby, along with his wife and three children. He was employed at Messrs Coclarane's works, and has been in their service for some considerable time. Lately, however, he has been in failing health, and has had to give up work, his medical attendant being Dr. Hedley. He was not depressed to any extent, BO far as could be observed, and received from various clubs 15s a week during his indisposition. Early on Tuesday morning he appeared to be in his usual health and spirits, and he and his wife Maria Laurie Porter, paid a visit to her father, who resides in Queen-street. As they were returning Porter's father, who lives at 34, Pennyman - street, saw them, and said, " Good morning" to his son in whose appearance he did not observe anything remarkable. Before eleven o'clock Porter went into a neighbour's (Mrs Barker's) house in Lever. street, and after some general conversation made the peculiar remark, "It is an anxious affair, but it will soon be over." Mrs Barker could not understand what was meant, but said nothing, and shortly afterwards Porter went out. He was scarcely absent five minutes, and when he returned he said, "It is all over. I have murdered them both." As may well be imagined, Mrs Barker was very much startled, and he at once ran into the street. Her husband happened to come up at the moment, and, on her telling him what had occurred, he at once went into the house, and took charge of Porter, who did not appear at all excited. Mr Barker next sent to the North Ormesby Police Station for assistance, and P.C. Hicks, who was in charge, at once went , to Lever-street, and found the house surrounded ,by a large crowd. On hearing the statement of Mrs Barker, he gave orders that Porter's house was not to be interfered with, and at once conveyed the murderer himself to the lock-up. Proceeding back to Lever-street, he entered Porter's house, when a horrifying spectacle met his view, for on the kitchen floor was the murdered bodies of Mrs Porter and her child, five weeks old. On examining the bodies he found that the skulls had been beaten in, evidently with some blunt instrument. Searching further he discovered a bolt about a foot and a half long, with a heavy square head, which had evidently been used as a poker, and which was covered with blood and hair. There can be no doubt but that with this instrument the murders were committed. No one appears to be able to attribute to Porter any motive for committing the horrible deed, and since his arrest he has made no statement. Luckily his two other children were not in the house at the time, or there can be no doubt, but that they would have shared the same fate as their mother.