BRUTAL MURDER

New Zealand Herald, Volume 78, Issue 24132, 26 November 1941, Page 6

BRUTAL MURDER

WOMAN SEWING STRUCK WITH HAMMER FATAL HEAD INJURIES ESCAPE OF ASSAILANT (0.C.) PALMERSTON NORTH. Tuesday A woman was murdered while sitting at her sewing machine in the living room of her home, 245 Park Road, Palmerston North, shortly after nine o'clock to-night. The victim was: — Mrs. P. J. Speight, aged about .'So, wife of Mr. Frederick Joseph Speight, commercial traveller. A man was seen to leave the place hurriedly on a bicycle shortly after a woman's screams were heard by a neighbour, Mr. E. It. Harris, who was sitting in his kitchenette. Sound of Blows Mr. Harris went to the window and listened. There were further screams and the sound of blows. Mr. Harris called Mr, V. D. Christensen, who lives on the other side of him, and Mr. Christens A telephoned the police. Constable J. Gunn was soon on the scene and when lie was at the front door of the Speights' house a man rode a bicycle hurriedly clown the drive and out on to the road. Darkness prevented identification and the man was too far away from the constable to be stopped. Death Within An Hour Mrs. Speight was still breathing when the constable entered, although unconscious, and she died within an hour. Severe head injuries had been inflicted with a hammer wrapped in cloth. Apparently she was attacked from behind. Mrs. Speight was alone at the time. Her son, aged about 12, was at the pictures, while Mr. Speight was out of town. The boy returned home about 10. J do p.m., unaware of what had happened, The Speights' house is situated in a fairly closely-settled residential area and the family has lived there for at least 15 years. No arrest had been made at a late hour to-night.