The Sun. — 1865-04-25 (London, England)

BOW-STREET POLICE COURT.  The great mystery which has surrounded this dreadful murder ever since its perpetration in 1860 has at length been dispelled by the confession of the murderess, who proves to be no other than Miss Constance Emile Kent, half-sister of the murdered child.  At four o'clock this afternoon, Miss Constance Emile Kent was placed before Sir Thomas Henry, the chief magistrate, charged, on her own confession, with the wilful murder of Francis Saville Kent. She was attired entirely in black, and wore such a thickly-worked veil that. her features were nearly entirely concealed. She made the confession at Brighton, and without resorting to the police authorities in that town she decided at once on proceeding to London, and there undergoing the first examination. She was accompanied to town by the Rev. Mr. Douglas. Superintendent Durkin of the F division, and Inspector Williamson, of the detective department, Scotland-yard, were present during the examination. Mr. Burnaby, having read over tho charge to the prisoner, asked her whether her name was spelt Emily or Emile. Miss Kent (in a low and faltering voice)—lt does not matter which.  Mr. Burnaby—You are charged on your own confession with the wilful murder of Francis Kent.  The prisoner merely bowed her head slightly. The following evidence was then given :  The Rev. Mr. Wagner Douglas said—l am perpetual curate of St. Paul's Church, Brighton. I have known Constance Sent for nearly two years. She was first introduced to me for the purpose of being admitted into St. Mary's Hospital, at Brighton. She entered the institution about eighteen or twenty months ago, and has resided there ever since.  Sir Thomas Henry—Has any persuasion been used to induce the confession ?  Mr. Douglas—None whatever. I offered no inducement for her to make the confession to me.  Sir Thomas Henry—Then I take it that none was made ?  Mr. Douglas—Quite so. So far from any inducement, I may say that, to the best of my belief, the confession she has made has been entirely of her own free will. It first came to my knowledge about a fortnight ago, and it was entirely her own proposition. She wished to confess and give herself up. It was at her own proposition that we came to London to enable her to surrender herself to the law. She stated to me that she, alone and unaided, on the night of the 29th of June, 1860, murdered, at Road Hill House, 'Wiltshire, one Francis Saville Kent. I never said anything to the prisoner to persuade her from confessing. She did everything of her own free will. I have been perfectly passive in the matter, feeling that she was doing the right thing. it is certainly her own free act. She thought of it herself, without any suggestions. This was all the evidence offered on this occasion.  Sir Thomas Henry then cautioned the prisoner in the usual manner, and told her that whatever she said would be taken down in writing and used against her at her trial.  Constance Kent, in replying, said, I wish it to be heard that I have done all of my own free will. I have been actuated by no persuasion. The piece of paper I now deliver is in my own handwriting. ,The paper was read by Mr. Burnaby, the chief clerk, and was as follows :  "I, Constance Emile Kent, alone and unaided, on the night of the 29th of June, 1860, murdered, at Road-hill House, Wiltshire, one Francis; Saville Kent. Before the deed was done no one knew my intention, nor after of my guilt."  Sir Thomas Henry—Did any one assist you ? Prisoner—No. None assisted me in the crime. Sir Thomas Henry—Or assist you afterwards? Prisoner—Nobody assisted me in the evasion of my dis