ACCUSED OF MATRICIDE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18346, 12 March 1923, Page 7

ACCUSED OF MATRICIDE.

SON CHARGED WITH MURDER ARSENIC POISONING ALLEGED SENSATIONAL INQUEST. A. and N.Z. LONDON. March 9. At Newport, Monmouth, a coroner's jury returned a verdict of wilful murder against William Morgan, son of Jennie Morgan, who died under such mysterious circumstances that the doctor attending her withheld his certificate and reported the death to the coroner It was stated in evidence that the woman had bequeathed her property to her children, including William, and had excluded her husband. The startling character of the case developed rapidly A recalling many features of the Greenwood and Armstrong cases. The facts established were: Firstly, that the woman died of arsenical poisoning ; secondly, that she was too weak to feed herself: thirdly, that a mysterious box of arsenical weed.-killer was found in an office in which William Morgan was employed. Complications were increased by the extraordinary disappearance of a 21-year-old girl, Ethel Doris Andrews, Mrs. Morgan's maid, who was summoned as a witness. Mrs. Anthony, a neighbour, stated in evidence that strained relations existed | between the man and wife, and alleged that the former complained of being treated like a dog, and that his wife wanted a separation. She alleged further thfct the wife complained, when her husband prepared food, that it tasted salty and burned her mouth. The foreman of the jury here intervened and asked witness if she was not drawing on her imagination. The husband, examined by the coroner, 6aid that on no occasion did anybody take weed-killer home. It would not be brought home to kill weeds. Four fowls which had been fed on table scraps and corn died mysteriously. His wife's brother informed him that his wife had made a will by which her property could be sold after her death and the husband could be turned out. He was entirely ignorant of his wife taking arsenic. He and his wife were not estranged, but were on affectionate terms. William Morgan stated in evidence that he never touched the weed-killer kept in his office. He had noticed specks in his mother's arrowroot. He did not take the doctor's advice and make a full statement to the police. He had been worried because his mother complained of saltiness in her food. He admitted throwing away i a tin and a bottle. Deceased's brother-in-law gave evidence that he drew up a will at the request of deceased's . sons. William Morgan collapsed on hearing the verdict.