THE DUNEDIN TRAGEDY.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 3364, 15 January 1884, Page 2

THE DUNEDIN TRAGEDY.

PROOFS OP PEARCE’S GUILT. THE JURY DISAGREES. [By Telegraph.] Dunedin, Jan, 14. The charge of murder against Win. Pearce for having stabbed Matilda Hancock has occupied the Supreme Court all day. The evidence was much the same as given at the inquest, but was stronger against the prisoner, as a witness named Freeman deposed that the prisoner had admitted to him having committed the deed, saying that be had struck the woman when she had provoked him, but did not intend to kill her. To a detective Pearce had also admitted having thrown the knife with which be did the deed into the bay. His Honor also summed up strongly against the prisoner, telling the jury he could see no evidence of the provocation which would reduce the crime to manslaughter. He added that a recommendation to mercy would no doubt have due weight. At seven o’clock the jury returned to ask whether a verdict of manslaughter would be accepted, stating they were of opinion the prisoner had done the deed without premeditation. His Honor directed them that the absence of premeditation would not alone reduce the crime to manslaughter. They are now considering a verdict. Later. The jury in the murder case were locked up all night. The foreman said there not the slightest possi* bility of the jury agreeing. THIS DA7. On the Court assembling this morning the foreman announced that_ the jury were unable to agree. The jury were discharged and a fresh trial fixed for Monday next. Later. Ten of the jury in Pearces case were for murder and two for manslaughter. It came down to eleven to one at one time.