The Sun. — 1844-07-10 (London, England)

DREADFUL MURDER AND ATTEMPTED SUICIDE.  MANCHESTER, TUESDAY MORNING.—On Sunday night last the inhabitants of Salford were thrown into a state of great alarm by the discovery of a most brutal and coldblooded murder which had been perpetrated by a man of the name of Thomas Stew, who afterwards attempted the destruction of his own life. It appears that the perpetrator of this deed was a labourer, and of rather indifferent character. He kept company with the unfortunate victim of his cruelty, and appeared to be passionately fond of her. Her name was Alice Nolan. She was a factory girl, about 28 years of age. On Saturday night last they met at the house of a friend, where they passed some time together. In the course of the evening Stew told the deceased that he had bought the ring, and by her consent ordered the banns to be published, and requested her to get ready to be married in three weeks. Deceased was angry, and told him that as he had done so without consulting her she would not be married then. Some words of an unpleasant nature were exchanged on the subject, but nothing to attract the attention of the parties in whose house they were. It appeared, however, that the deceased was alarmed at something which he had said to her, as she went home in a state of considerable excitement. On Sunday morning they again met at, the same house, where they spent the day together. They appeared perfectly friendly, and in the afternoon went out together and stayed away for nearly two hours. About five o'clock the deceased returned by herself, and was shortly followed by Stew. He was then labwring under great excitement. Shortly afterwards he went out to a neighbour's house and borrowed a razor and brush, as he said, to shave himself. The parties had tea together and appeared quite friendly. Between nine and ten o'clock they left the house of their friend with a view of going home. The villain appears to have taken the unfortunate female down a back street and walked her to a vacant plot of ground, known as "Shaw's-brow," where they got into conversation, and whilst talking to her he drew the razor from his pocket and cut her throat from ear to car. There were numbers of people within sight of the spot where the murder was committed, but none of them observed them standing together. The poor creature staggered about 40 yards and then fell upon the flags, with her head against the wall of a cottage. She was first seen by a girl about 16 years of age, named Bury, who flew to her assistance and screamed out " Murder." A working man, named Thomas Barber, came up at the same time and put his handkerchief round her throat; but in less than five minutes she expired. The murderer having effected his purpose ran off, and on reaching the house of their friend, where they had spent the day, he came down the yard singing very loud, and making, a great noise ; he placed his finger upon the latch of the door, and attempted to open it, but could not. He was then heard to say, "Here goes," and in another instant the door flew open and he fell flat upon the floor, bleeding profusely. On being taken up and examined, it was found that he had inflicted a deep wound upon his throat, from which the blood was flowing in all directions. The woman of the house put her arms round his neck, and held the wound together, until a surgeon arrived, when it was sewed up. The unfortunate man never spoke during the whole of the operation. He was immediately conveyed to the Manchester Infirmary, where he now lies without the least prospect of recovery. Last night an inquest was held on view of the body, before Mr. Rutter, when some of the above facts were given in evidence; but the inquiry being considered incomplete, the inquest was adjourned till Thursday afternoon, at five o'clock.