The Pontypridd District Herald and Rhondda Valley, Llantrisant, Caerphilly, and Mountain Ash News. — 1892-01-16 (Pontypridd, Mid Glamorgan, Wales)

MYSTERIOUS AFFAIR AT WOOD GREEN.  A FAMILY POISONED.  Early on Monday morning the usually quiet neighbourhood of Bowes-park, Wood-green, near London, was thrown into a state of great excitement by the rumour that a double murder and suicide had takes place. It appears that for sorne time past there resided at a pretty suburban villa a Mr. Francis Weare, a jeweller, aged 65, his 3 ife, aged 29, and a son three years old. On Saturday they all three went out, and returned about halfpast 8, when they were seen and spoken to by a Mrs. Wood, who resided next door. On Sunday it was noticed by several of the neighbours that the blinds were down all day, and when some workmen went to the house in the morning they were unable to obtain admission, no one answering the door. At about 11 o'clock Mrs. Root, mother of Mrs. Wears, arrived on a visit from Stratford, and she also, after a continuous knocking, failed to make anyone hear. Having her suspicions aroused she fetched Sub-divisional Inspector Barnett from Woodgreen Police-station. his officer proceeded to the house, and going to the 3ack of the premises broke the kitchen window d effec•ed an entrance. He then went to the front and ad , itted Mrs. Root and Mr. Wood, the next, door neighbour, who is also a foreman in Mr. Waste's employ. On going upstairs the inspector found the front bedroom door locked with the key in the lock inside. The door was forced open, and the body of Mrs. Weare was then discovered lying on the bed as if asleep, but quite dead. By her side, but with his head covered with a pillow, was Mr. Weare, and on the pillow being removed it was seen that he al‘o was dead. On searching the room further Inspector Barnett discovered the child in a cot with his head covered with a pillow, and dead, Drs. Hocken (divisional surgeon) and Wilde, were quickly sent for, and they, after a minuto examinatiSM, gave it as their opinion that death in each case was due to poisoning. On a chair by the side of the bed was a glass which contained some liqui3, and on a table in the room were two 'umblers containing a portion of dark fluid, which has been retaised for analytical purposes. The whole affair at present is shrouded in mystery. Inquiries have been made in the neighbourhood respecting the character of Mr. Weare, and it has transpired that some few years ago he was in a good way of business as a jeweller, and was possessed of several thousands of pounds, which he invested in various ways, and eventually lost. Of late he has been working at his trade as an enameller and jeweller. Lately he has been greatly troubled over monetary matters, and has attempted on several occasions to obtain a loan, but without success. The local tradesmen have also been pressing him for the payment of outstanding accounts, and it is supposed that these circumstances led to the commission of the dreadful deed. The deceased man obtained a quantity of prussic acid from a local doctor on the understanding thrt it was for business purposes, and probably it was this that was used in the carrying out of the crime.