ST. ALBANS MURDER Two “Vital” Clues Still Sought

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30924, 3 December 1965, Page 1

ST. ALBANS MURDER Two “Vital” Clues Still Sought

Christchurch people could assist the police in finding two missing items which were vital clues in the St. Albans murder case, said the head of the Christchurch C. 1.8. (Detective Superintendent F. A. Gordon) last evening.

One was the wooden base of the wall barometer which was broken when it was used to inflict severe head injuries on the murdered woman, 74-year-old Mrs Reta Jane Coxhead. The second was the weapon used to cut Mrs Coxhead’s throat.

The “banjo - type” wall barometer, in Mrs C'oxhead's home at 9 Albany street, was found broken, dented, and blood-stained by her body. “A portion of the wall I barometer—its wooden base! —has not yet been found in, spite of intensive searching! by detectives.” Mr Gordon! said "The base may have a! small. inscribed plaque screwed into it with the wording indicating that it was presented to F. W. Johnston. “Any person finding this portion, or who has seen it since 1 p.m. on Wednesday

or has any knowledge of its present whereabouts, is asked to get in touch with the C. 1.8. office at the Christchurch Central police station urgently,” Mr Gordon said. The police had combed the house and grounds at 9 Albany street but had not found the base of the barometer or the weapon used to cut Mrs Coxhead’s throat, he said. “Therefore, the public can also assist us greatly if they find a sharp knife, a razor blade, a razor, or any sharp object which may have been thrown away or concealed The weapon may have bloodstains on it. “The Christchurch public can also assist in the case if they report to the police the

finding of any abandoned men’s or women’s clothing." said Mr Gordon.

Inquiries for any person seen in Albany street, Kinloch street, or Abberley crescent between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Wednesday were continuing. Mr Gordon said.

“These inquiries, too. represent a vital aspect of the case. The public have responded very well to our appeal to report if they saw any person in the area at the time.

“We have received a great deal of information and checked much of it. However, we appeal again to any other person who may have seen somebody in the area at the time, but has not yet come forward.”