SON SHOOTS HIS MOTHER AND THEN COMMITS SUICIDE

Manawatu Times, Volume LVI, Issue 5618, 6 April 1931, Page 6

SON SHOOTS HIS MOTHER AND THEN COMMITS SUICIDE

We Out on Probation DREADFUL TRAGEDY IN CHRISTCHURCH Per Press Association. CHRISTCHURCH, Last Night.' Arthur Charles Knight, aged 21, shot his mother Kate Knight, aged 57 at her home ,St. Albans Street, at 10.40 last night and then placing the muzzle of a shot gun to hl3 mouth shot himself dead. Knight was injured in a motor cycle collision in 1929, losing a foot from (he ankle and suffering paralysis of the right arm. He became very depressed owing to his physical condition and was committed to Sunnvsidc mental hospital on April 9, 1930, Until December, 1930 he was treated at the institution. On Denember .10 his mother applied for his discharge as she thought he was doing well. This was not granted, but ho was released on probation for six months to live with his mother. Knight was left at home on Saturday night while his mother and her two sisters, Mrs E. M. Inwood, who was on a holiday visit, and Margaret Latter, who lived with Mrs Knight, went out for the evening. They returned about. 10.40 and Mrs Knight went towards the kitchen to prepare the supper. As she reached the kitchen door Knight in the darkness fired at her inflicting terrible injuries. She fell dying to the floor. Mrs Inwood, who had followed her sister, rushed forward and Knight shot at her but missed. Mrs Inwood rushed nt Knight but he retreated through the kitchen door, locked it and then shot himself. Mrs Knight spoke to her sister but died in a few moments. . At the inquest to-day a verdict was icturned that Kate Knight died of a gunshot wound inflicted by Arthur Charles Knight when he was insane; that Arthur Charles Knight, died from a gunshot wound self-inflicted when insane . Mr H. A. Young was Coroner. In evidence Mrs Inwood said Mrs Knight was a very loving devoted mother who held to the belief that the boy was recovering. The son had his meals alone and rarely spoke to Ms mother. Her sisters were afraid of him, especially on his bad days. The gun was a prized possession of the young man before the accident and he had been very fond of shooting. Mrs Knight had said she allowed the. gun to remain in the boy’s room befause it pleased. him to have it there! She Lad previously buried all the caTtmges. Dr McKillop, superintendent; of Sunnyside, said the mother had jbeen warned that Knight might eopmit suicide if he became depressed. TJiere was no evidence of homicidal tendency.