MURDER CHARGE

Greymouth Evening Star, 26 June 1944, Page 2

MURDER CHARGE

CHCH. WOMAN ARRESTED. CHRISTCHURCH, June 25. Helen Lewis, aged 34, married, appeared before Mr. E. C. Levvey, S.M., at a soecial sitting of the Magistrate’s" Court, yesterday afternoon charged with the alleged murder of Fred Brazier, aged 61, a pensioner, who was found dead that morning in a back room at the home of Mrs. Lewis, 115 Aidwin’s Road. The accused, who was not represented by counsel, was remanded to appear on Friday next. She had nothing to say when charged. q . , , , The dead man is believed to have gone to board at Mrs. Lewis’s home about a month ago. He had been a resident of Christchurch for many years. „ . , Aircraftman II W. A. Harris, who resides next door to the house m which Brazier died, said on Saturday that he was awakened twice in trie early hours of that morning by a woman screaming. It also appeared, he stated, as if furniture was being moved about. The first occasion that he heard noise was about 2 a.m., and then again at 4 a.m. He did not ascertain the cause, and went to sleep again. Later in the morning the police were informed that Mrs.’ Lewis had reported a tragedy at her home. The report was investigated by Sergeant S. Holder and Detective E. G. Ward. On arrival at the house they found the blinds drawn ano the doors locked, and entry had to be forced. Brazier’s body, it was discovered, had been mutilated, presumably with an axe. 'Two axes found on the premises were taken by the ponce. * The investigation was continued yesterday by Sub-Sergeant J. B. Young and Detective-Sergeant J. JHalcrow, who were able to get m touch with Brazier’s relatives, also with the husband of the woman who has been charged with his alleged murder. Mrs. Lewis is the wife oi an employee in the Government Broadcasting Service, who has been painting masts nt the various radio stations.