SUITCASE MURDER

Evening Star, Issue 22954, 11 May 1938, Page 8

SUITCASE MURDER

ACCUSED CHARGED AT WEL-. LIHGTOH REMANDED FOR A WEEK A CROWDED COURT [Per United Press Association.] WELLINGTON, May 11. Handcuffed to Acting Detective E. M. Grace, with a light overcoat thrown over his hands to conceal his captivity, Douglas Alexander Armstrong alighted from the Limited shortly after 9.45 this morning. Detective W._ E. Turgis was also in attendance. A fairly large crowd was at the staiton, but outwardly Armstrong appeared quite calm. He was wearing a navy, blue suit with no overcoat. . He appeared as if he was merely helping another man to carry a case. He was led to the police van immediately. Later Armstrong was charged before Mr Luxford, S.M., with the murder of his father, Edwin Armstrong, at Wellington on May 6. Public interest was evident in the large number of spectators which crowded the back of the court, a steady stream arriving until 10 a.m., when the court was timed to open. The space for the public was jammed with a crowd estimated at about 300. There were a number of people outside, including many women who were unable to gain admission. The accused was the first defendant called. He stepped calmly into the dock. The charge was read by the clerk, after which Mr D. Foster intimated that he was appearing on behalf of the accused.

Detective-sergeant T. Doyle asked for a remand till Wednesday. “It is not likely we will be able to proceed on that day, sir, and it may be necessary to apply for a further remand.” The Magistrate (to the accused) ; You will be remanded to appear next Wednesday. The accused was then taken from the court.

A buzz of conversation immediately broke out at the back of the court, and the orderly called loudly for silence, but it was several moments before there was silence in the court.

THE MISSING LIMBS i PIGTOH HARBOUR TO BE SEARCHED WELLINGTON, May 11. Now that the wharf at Pictou is clear of shipping, an exhaustive search is to be made of that portion of the harbour by the police officials, who are anxious to recover the missing head and limbs. To assist in this search a diver has been engaged by the department, and ho was to leave Wellington this afternoon by the Tamahine to commence to-morrow. Armstrong is 20 years of age, not 21.