The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser. — 1842-12-16 (Liverpool, Merseyside, England)

MURDEROUS ATTACK AND ATTEMPTED SUICIDE.  About a quarter before 1 o'clock on Tuesday morning a most determined, and, as it would appear, a long premeditated attempt at murder, was perpetrated on a female named Elizabeth Magnus, 40 years of age, barmaid at the Auction Mart Tavern, Throgmorton-street, London, by the pot-man at the same house, of the name of William Cannell, aged 21. At the time above-mentioned loud screams of murder were heard to issue from the area in front of the tavern, and on policeman Chapman, 618. who was close at hand, proceeding to ascertain the cause, he saw a female making her escape out of one of the windows, who implored his assistance, saying that murder had been committed in the house. He lost no time, in company with a young man who was passing at the instant, in climbing over the railings and forcing his way into the house. They then proceeded up one flight of the stairs, when they saw a female lying on the landing apparently dead, and Cannell close by her in the act of cutting his own throat. On the approach of the officer, the miscreant was observed to put something into his pocket, which proved to be a razor, he no doubt thinking that he had effected his purpose. He also had a clasp-knife, which, as well as the razor, was covered with blood, and had evidently first used that, but finding it not answer his purpose had recourse to the razor. The officer, however, seized him in time to prevent the infliction of any mortal injury on himself, although be had already made an incision in his throat from which a great quantity of blood had flowed. It was then discovered that prior to the attempt on his own life he had discharged a pistol at the barmaid (Elizabeth Magnus), the ball of which had entered her side. Cannell was taken to the station-house in Bishopsgate-street, and a surgeon sent for, who dressed his wounds, and he was then sent to St. Thomas's Hospital in a very exhausted state from loss of blood. Other medical gentlemen were called in to attend the unfortunate woman, when it was found that the charge had penetrated her side, just below the shoulder, and had passed out at the opposite hip, fracturing a rib in its progress. On lifting her up the bullet dropped on the floor She now lies with but little hope of recovery. The pistol with which the murderous act was committed is a small pocket one, which the prisoner stated he had kept .twat nim ivat,,l fu, vin vrclta east, tc,c,t6.a ti.ac. aLor and knife above alluded to, and from the fact of having before held out vague threats to the barmaid, it would seem that he had long contemplated his murderous intentions. It appears that in the evening Mr. Baker, the landlord, had gone to the theatre, leaving the house in charge of the barmaid, with another female servant and Cannell. The premises, as usual, were closed a little before 12 o'clock, and they all three retired to a back parlour to await Mr. Baker's return. They had been there but a few moments when the prisoner began to accost Mrs. Magnus, but apparently in good humour. She rebuked him for his folly, which seemed to make a considerable impression on him, and he then went along a passage to fasten a door, having done which, and while in the act of turning away, the wretch discharged the pistol at her (the report of which was heard by the policeman before he entered the premises), and struck her as before described. She then ran up stairs, and only proceeded to the first landing before she fell, and the other female gave the alarm. _ _ _ _  Mrs. Magnus, it is stated, is a widow, having a daughter nearly as old as the prisoner. She was a handsome woman, and of a lively disposition. She had held the situation of confidential servant for a long time at the tavern, and was much respected by every one who knew her. Her connexions also are respectable tradespeople in the city. Cannell has been in his situation about six months, and was looked upon as a very steady young man. Shortly after coming to the place he appears to have imbibed an ardent attachment to his intended victim, although nearly twice his age, and he soon made her acquainted with his passion. No encouragement, however, was given to him, but, on the contrary, he met with repulses only ; and it is supposed, that while smarting under this rejection, he first conceived his deadly intention. On Monday evening he took an opportunity again to press his suit, when he met the same reception as before, and then it was he determined upon carrying out his purpose. On being taken to the station-house, Cannell at first resisted the attempts of the surgeon to dress his wound, and appeared quite inconsolable; but on being told that Mrs. Magnus was still alive, he submitted, but afterwards attempted to remove his bandages. A policeman remained with him all night in the ward at St. Thomas's, where he frequently expressed his regret for the cruelty he had shown to the woman he so much loved.