WESTPORT TRAGEDY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21409, 10 August 1931, Page 8

WESTPORT TRAGEDY

FURTHER PARTICULARS WIFE MARRIED WHEN SIXTEEN (Per United Press Association.) WESTPORT, August 8. Further particulars were revealed today of the tragedy which occurred in an unoccupied shop in Lower Palmerston street, resulting in the death of Frederick Upham. The discovery was made at 4.30 p.m., and Upham had then been dead for several hours. A search was made for Lena Upham, and she was found on the railway line and apprehended on a charge of murder. Apparently the murdered man had been sitting on a box when the shot was fired. Death must have been instantaneous, as the bullet, fired from a .44 repeater, had penetrated the heart. Upham been living at the shop for about two years. At one time husband and wife bad been separated, but later had lived together again. Recently their three children were placed in the care of the State, and since then Mrs Upham has been living with friends.

The rifle was recovered by the police under an outhouse at the back of the shop. The prisoner is 21 years of age, and was married when 16. Her married life was beset with domestic trouble, and prisoner had on several occasions complained of cruelty by her husband. The deceased, aged 32 years, was of 'athletic build. OPENING OF THE INQUEST WIFE REMANDED ON MURDER , CHARGE. (Per United Press Association.) WESTPORT, August 8. An inquest touching the death of Frederick Upham was held to-day before Mr E. R. Fox, coroner. Detective Holmes represented the police. JSdward Upham, coal dealer, gave evidence of identification, stating that the deceased* who was his nephew, was 32 years of age. Detective Holmes asked for an adjournment sine die. Messrs Moloney and Black, who watched the proceedings on behalf of Mrs Upham, consented, and an adjournment was granted. Lena Maud Upham was then formally charged with the murder of Frederick Upham, of Westport, on August 7. Detective Holmes applied for a remand till August 26, and this was granted.