The Warwickshire Herald. — 1890-05-22 (Birmingham, West Midlands, England)

SHOCKING MURDER AT MITCHAM.  At Croydon Police-court, on Monday,George Bow. hog, a middle-aged man, described as a labourer, of Miles'-cottages, Mitcham, was charged with the wilful murder of Elizabeth Eightingall,'by striking her on the head with a hammer, thereby breaking her skull.  The fint witiseas called was Sophie Collins, a widow, living at Mitcham, who stated that the des maned was her sister. She last saw her alive on Friday. Between 5 and 6 o'clock on Saturday evening she saw her lying on her own bed, quite dead and covered with blood. Witness had gone in to shut the window. The prisoner and deceased had been living together as man and wife. Directly witness found her she came downstairs and sent for the police and a doctor. The prisoner went to bed at 8 o'clock on Friday night, and the deceased came in between 9 and 10. Witness did not see her, but she heard her and Bowling "swearing and going on at one another," after which Bowling came down stairs. When he retained t, the bedroom the quarrelling was noon over. The prisoner went out at about half past 5 on Saturday mornisig, and witness took it for granted thatdecentsed lied gone to work. Witnese did not leave the house during the day, and she thought if anyone had gone into the room she must have heard After Bowling went out no one entered the house.— The prisoner here said the witness had spoken a lot of untruths. Dr. Henry Love, of Mitcham, stated that he was called to prisoner's cottage on Saturday evening, and found the deceeneo lying on her left side, with her head covered with blood. On examination he found that the right side of the skull had been smashed in, apparently by some blunt instrument. The dash over the bone was pulpy and absolutely bruised. He should say the body had been deeds good many hours. There had not been the least struggle. There was a wound above the eye, which seemed to be contused, end close to the principal wound. He should say that several blows were struck. There wan another wound between the temple and right ear. By the bedside was a smell table, off which he picked a heavy hemmer such as masons use, which was covered with dry blood and hair. Polic•-constable Cowley said that in company with Dr. Love he went to the room, and found the deceased, as described by last witness. Dr. Love handed him the hammer. Impactor Butters, W division, stated that he received information of the nourder,and went in search of the prisoner, whom lie found at a public-house. Calling the accused o.itzide, witness sail, "What time did you leave hone this morning?" He , replied, "At a quarter to 6." Witness continued, "Was Elina alive when you left home this morning?* and lie answered. "Yes ;" whereupon Wiioooo said. " She is dead now, and I am going to take you into enetody for causing her death." When charged at the station he made no reply. Pol ice-conetable Basfieldmeed to being on duty when the prisoner was brought in. The inmost voluntarily said, "I thought they would have fetched me before. It was in my temper I done it." Prisoner. 011 being asked by the 011111111111101 whether he had any question to ask. said." Ho, sir Fll tell the Mali, thsit's the beet way. I dia tell him so."— Prisoner at this Mace was remanded in austodir.