The Sun. — 1861-11-13 (London, England)

GREENWICH.—EXTRAORDINARY CHARGE OF MURDER.—George Inkpen, a young man 20 years of age, described as a hammerman, of 37, Ameliaterrace, Deptford, was placed in the dock on a charge, as described in the police-sheet, of attempting to commit suicide by throwing himself into the Surrey canal, in company with Margaret Edwards, who was drowned.  Inspector Ellis, R division, said from information received he went, at half-past ten on Monday night, to a house in Amelia-terrace, Deptford, where he saw the prisoner. Witness took him out, and on proceeding up the street, questioned him concerning the deceased being in the canal, and asked him if he could point out the sr ot where it occurred, when the prisoner said he would tell him all about it. The prisoner then said he been to a race or running match in London that day, and got out at the railway station, High-street, Deptford, that evening, and after going to Bennett's, a barber, he proceeded to the Lord Duncan public-house, New-cross-road, and had something to drink. While there, the deceased, who lived in the neighbourhood as domestic servant, entered for the family's supper beer, when he spoke to her, and they went out together. She then wished him to drink some of the beer, which he did, and she drank some also, and then they finished the whole of it. Having done this the prisoner remarked that the deceased said, " no use living, my friends are always nagging me," adding, " Will you follow me." He replied, " Yes ; wherever you go I will go," and that they then turned down the Mornington-road, and went together to the Surrey canal, where the deceased asked if he had got a handkerchief; but she said it would not be long enough to go round them both, and that he then said he had got some bootlaces, which he had bought in London, and that, on her saying they would do, they tied themselves together. Previous to entering the water, the deceased said, " I do not think I shall sink," when he asked her why she said so, and she replied, " because of my crinoline." The prisoner then said they both got into the canal and rolled over and over ; that she soon turned, but did not for some time sink, nut that the bootlaces breaking, he got out on the opposite side and tried to save her, but not being able to do so, he got into the canal again, swam across, and returned home. Witness and the prisoner then proceeded towards the canal bank, and on asking the prisoner if he felt himself better, he replied, " I was very bad, and she had to hold me up, but I am all right now, and if I had been as well a while ago, should not have done this." Witness asked. him if he had been drinking, and he said he had been drinking freely. The prisoner then pointed out the spot where they entered the water, and the drags having been procured, the body of the deceased was found, and brought ashore. The prisoner said her name was Margaret Edwards, and that he had been keeping company with her three years. Prisoner appeared anxious to see the body of the deceased, and on allowing him to do so be said it had made a great alteration in her features. Witness then took the prisoner to the police station, and the charge having been taken, the prisonersaid he would give his word that what he had told was the truth. Witness assisted in taking the body of deceased to the deadhouse, examining it to see if there were any boot laces or handkerchief tied about it, but could find neither. There was a bruise on the left temple. On going to the prisoner's house, witness saw some wet clothes in the room. This being the whole of the evidence produced, A friend of the prisoner asked the nature of the charge against him. Mr. Traill said it would resolve itself into a charge of murder against the prisoner, who was then remanded until Wednesday next.