Murder at Abbotsford Suspected

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26842, 5 August 1948, Page 4

Murder at Abbotsford Suspected

EARLY ARREST LIKELY Alexander Sickels, aged 54, a grocer of Abbotsford, six miles south of Dunedin, was shot dead in his home about 8 o’clock last night. The police expect to make an arrest at any hour.

Mr and Mrs Sickels were sitting quietly at home when, it is understood, a man carrying a 12-bore shotgun knocked on the door. He demanded ‘to see his wife, .who he thought was in the house but who was not there. It is believed that a scuffle ensued.

The man with the shotgun entered the house and, it is alleged, shot Sickels at fairly close range in the stomach. Sickels died immediately. Mrs Sickels had managed to get into another room, locked the door, left by the window and summoned a neighbour who had heard the shot. A call was made by telephone immediately to the police in Dunedin, who quickly arrived on the scene. The man with the shotgun, it is alleged, hurriedly left after the shooting. It is believed that both Mrs Sickels and the neighbour saw the man with the shotgun and recognised him. He is said to be a relative by marriage of Mrs Sickels.

The tragedy occurred in a small alcove off the kitchen, between the kitchen and the stoi'e. The house is a fairly modern brick building, and includes a general store at the front It is situated on the North'Taieri road, on the north side of the road bridge over the railway line from the Abbotsford road.

A well-known and highly-respected member of the Abbotsford community for many years, Sickels was about to retire and to take a long holiday. It is believed that he had sold his home and store, or was negotiating the sale. Inspector A. H. McHugh, officer in charge of the Otago police district, and Chief .Detective T. Y. Hall led the police party which included the police photographer, Constable G. P. Dwan, Detective Sergeant R. J. A. Berry. Detective J. Lahmert, and a number of constables. . , A post-mortem examination will be conducted to-day by the pathologist at the Otago Medical School, Dr E F. d’Ath.

Inquiries by the police continued at a late hour last night and further investigations and inquiries will be made to-day. The hunt for the wanted man began last night and an early arrest is expected.