WIFE MURDERED

Southland Times, Issue 22351, 16 June 1934, Page 5

WIFE MURDERED

CEYLONESE BARRISTER SENTENCE OF DEATH PASSED DOCTORS DISAGREE (United Press Assn.— Telegraph Copyright.) (Rec. 11 p.m.) Colombo, June 15. Stephen Seneviratne, barrister, graduate of Cambridge University and a member of a leading Ceylon family, was sentenced to death for the murder of his wife on October 15 by the administration of chloroform while she was asleep. The case created extraordinary interest as it is believed to be the first of its kind in the Empire. Six doctors gave evidence, three being of the opinion that death was due to shock and asphyxia caused by the inhalation of chloroform. Two were opposed to that theory, while one put the chances of suicide or homicide as equal. The burial certificate stated that the cause of death was syncope of the heart. Deceased’s brother, however, noticed bums on his dead sister’s face and later informed the police.. The body was exhumed, resulting in the arrest of the husband. The jury’s rider condemned the family doctor, who is an eminent surgeon and a police officer,, and the Coroner for general laxity. It also urged a complete official inquiry with a view to tightening the procedure relating to sudden deaths.