MAN FOUND DEAD

Otago Witness, Issue 4039, 11 August 1931, Page 24

MAN FOUND DEAD

FATAL BULLET WOUND WIFE ARRESTED ON MUkDER CHARGE. WESTPORT. August 7. Following a report made to him, Constable Matches proceeded to an old store in Lower Palmerston street about 4.30 p.m., and burst in the door, which was locked. He found Frederick Upham, a married man, 32 years of age, lying dead on the floor with a bullet wound just below the heart. The bullet had emerged under his shoulder blade. Subsequently, Mrs Upham, aged 22 years, from whom the deceased was separated, was arrested on a charge of murder. Mrs Upham is stated to have been brooding over the loss of her children, ■who had been taken from her and boarded out. The eldest child is 3j years old and the youngest eight weeks. FURTHER PARTICULARS WIFE MARRIED WHEN SIXTEEN. 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 w’as 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 had been living at the shop for about two years. At one time husband and wife had 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 com-

plained of cruelty by her husband. The deceased, aged 32 years, was of athletic build. OPENING OF THE INQUEST WIFE REMANDED ON MURDER CHARGE. 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. Edward 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.