MURDER IN WALWORTH.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 8956, 13 August 1892, Page 2 (Supplement)

MURDER IN WALWORTH.

Shortly after four on June 28 a shocking murder, attributed to jealousy, occurred at Walworth. A man named James Banbury, living at SI, Grosvenor Park, Walworth, fired at and killed Emma Oakley, aged 19, with whom he had been living for two months. Banbury, who is described as a betting man, returned to the house in the afternoon, and the door was opened by the girl. He followed her into the house, and whilst her back was turned drew a revolver and fired several times, ail the shots taking effect. He then hurriedly loft the house. The cries of the girl attracted the attention of a neighbour, who called in the police, but before medical assistance could be obtained she had expired. Banbury was captured shortly before midnight. The prisoner, a stout man, and aged 22, described as of no occupation, upon entering the dock at the Lambeth Police Court on June 29, seemed indifferent to his position. Emma Foster stated that she was the landlady at the house, 81, Grosvenor Park, The deceased had lodged there since Christmas, and said she was a dressmaker. The prisoner used to come there. Witness believed they were living together asi man and wife. On Wednesday night whilst she was in the washhouse she heard a noise. On going upstairs she saw the prisoner in the passage near the parlour door. Tho prisoner had his hand behind him, as if at his coat pocket. She said, " I see you,'" and he made no reply, but went out. Witness went into the parlour. She then saw the young woman Oakley lying on the floor on her back near the door. Witness spoke to her, but she made no answer. There was smoke in the room, and a strong smell of powder. Witness saw the girl was not dead, and after putting a pillow under her head sent for a doctor.

Detective sergeant Leonard, of the L division, stated that oh Wednesday evening he went to 81, Grosvenor Park. He saw the deceased lying on the floor in the parlour, on her back. She had four bullet marks on the neck, three being on the right side. He searched the place, and in a cupboard in the back room found letters and photographs. Witness took possession of a letter and a photograph, and at once from inquiries made "in company with Detective Brogden went to 6, Brewer street, Pimlico. About eleven o'clocktheprisonercamein and went to a top room. Witness knocked at the door of the room, which was locked, and called out, " Somebody wishes to see you." After getting the door open witness seized his hands, and Sergeant Brogden searched him. Witness said, " You will be charged with the murder of » woman at Grosvenor Park." He looked dazed at first, and then said, "I know nothing about it." He was evidently recovering from drink. Prisoner was then remanded.

coroner's inquest. Mr. Wyatt opened an inquesb at the Coroner's Court, Manor Place, Walworth, on June 29, on the body of the young woman. Henry Oakley, coachman, of 15, Alder-son-mews, South Kensington, identified the deceased as Lis daughter. She called on him on Tuesday, but did nob ask for assistance. Deceased had been out of service about two and a-half years. He had no idea how she had been living. Henry Richard Brings, of 18, Wellsstreet, Caunberwell, hackney carriage driver, No. 10,558, said that at 12 o'clock on Wednesday afternoon he saw the accused on the top of an omnibus. The latter hailed him, and on his descent from the 'bus he requested witness to drive him to Southampton Buildings, Chancery Lane. On arriving at a tavern they doth descended from the cab and entered. Prisoner had a"go "of gin, and witness had a glass of ale. The former said that he had won £38 at the Alexandra Park Meeting on Saturday. They had their glasses replenished, when the accused said, " Look here, Briggs ; I have a number of pawn tickets representing about £20." Witness said, " You must be doing well, when you have to pawn your jewellery for money." Prisoner replied, "Never mind; let's have another drink." Witness then drove the accused to the Grosvenor Arms, where the latter paid him 2s 6d. Banbury said, " Don't get away, I waufc you to drive me to Victoria." Witness drove the horse and hansom to the Clarendon Stables, where he changed horses, and eventually took Banbury to Charing-cross. On entering the refreshment department, where they had another drink, accused said "I am going to leave you ; I have shot a girl." Witness treated his remarks as a joke. After leaving the tavern the prisoner placed his hands in his back coat pocket and pulled out a six-chamber revolver. It was loaded in six chambers. Witness immediately seized hold of the accused's arm and snatched away the revolver. The accused attacked him, but a railway porter interfered. Witness was then requested to drive a lady and gentleman to the Criterion Theatre. Witness never heard any more of the affair until the following morning, when he heard of the murder.

Mrs. Emma Foster, of 81, Grosvenor Park, Walwdrth Road, the landlady, repeated the evidence she gave at the Lambeth Police Court on the 30th ult.

Dr. Joseph Parrctt, of 82, Camberwell Road, stated that the deceased died from the first shot. She had received five bullet wounds. One had passed from the left to the right eye. A second one had passed just below the ear, while the three other wounds were just above the clavicle and the small left finger was shattered. Death was due to haemorrhage from bullet wounds.

The jury returned a verdict of " Wilful murder" against John James Banbury, and thanked Detective-Sergeant Leonard for the prompt action he had taken in the apprehension of the accused.