The Warwickshire Herald. — 1890-04-17 (Birmingham, West Midlands, England)

SHOCKING TRAGEDY IN THE WEST END.  A terrible tragedy happened on Friday afternoon at the Hotel de l'Eurone, Leicester-square. A young Frenchman nearly murdered a young woman whom he had represented an his wife, and then committed suicide. Two weeks ago the couple, who were well - dressed and evidently people of superior breeding, arrived at the Hotel de l'Europe, and stated that they had just oorne from Brussels. They engaged a room, which they occupied as husband and wife. During the whole time they appeared to be on friendly terms, and no one at the hotel had seen or heard of any quarrel between them. The manager of the hotel says the man gave his name as Albert de Guedon, sod described himself as an agent, and went out good deal, presumably on business. On Fri• day the couple took lunch together, and afterwards called for their bill, which was taken to them in their room. The man told the waiter that he and his wife were leaving that night for Brussels. He ordered the waiter to come up to the room for the amount of the bill when he rang the bell. The waiter left the room, and shortly afterwards loud screams were heard proceeding from the apartment, followed by the sound of • pistol shot. A Mr. Hoffman rushed to the door, and as he opened it the girl rushed out bleeding from • terrible wound on the right side of her head. Stephen Stallelet • waiter, appeared on the scene by this time, and the girl was stopped when she had dewended the first flight of stairs. Mr. Hoffman went into the room where Guedon was, but Guedon, who had a revolver in his hand, pointed the weapon at him and threatened to shoot him. Hoffman retired, and had hardly left the room when two successive shots were heard. Hoff. man and the waiter then entered the room together, and saw Guedon lying dead, with two pistol shots in his head. The woman was taken to the French Hospital in Leicester-place, where her wounds were dressed. She was afterward, removed to Charingmoss Hospital. She was shot in the eyes, one being so badly injured as to necessitate its being taken out. She gives the name of Henrietta Grime. _ _  De Gut;lon came to London from Brussels about four months ago, and by himself. Be appeared to be not more than 18 years of age, and gave people to understand that he had run away from home. He said that his father was • wealthy man, and the lad was certainly well supplied with money at first. Shortly after his arrival he sent to Brussels for his sweetheart; and on her arrival the young oouple lived as man and wife. D• Guidon was undersized in every way, and had • very sallow corn. plosion. He was of gentlemanly appearance, and his luggage included • pair of fashionable riding boots. In his pocket was found • bill of The, for the hire of a hank from a stable in Jermymstrest. He also had nearly E. 3 in gold and silver,but this beim known to have borrowed. The proprietor had evinced some anxiety about his bill, amounting to nearly £B, and it has been suggested that a disposition was shown by Guidon to find some pretext for getting his luggage out of the house preparatory to hisjourneytoßruesels. All this leads to the belief that the unfortunate young man. driven almost to despair for want of money, had not sufficient strength of mind to con. front bil financial liabilities, and that in a moment of mental aberration he resolved to kill both his companion and himself. The six-chambered revolver with which Use attempted murder and suicide were committed 1,1111 one which the deceased had evidently carried about him person for some time. Several cartridges ware found loom in his pockets, and a packet of them was discovered in hiebox. The unfortunate girl fill lingers <mat the Charing. OTOS Hospital. •%. •  OA,