WAS INSANELY JEALOUS

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 687, 12 June 1929, Page 9

WAS INSANELY JEALOUS

BENNISON, MURDERER OF MARGARET LAWRENCE LURID DETAILS PRESENTED (Australian and N.Z. Press Association) NEW YORK, Monday. Investigations have not disclosed a scintilla of evidence or any further fact to explain the reason for the murder of the actress, Miss Margaret Lawrence, by Louis Bennison, who had often appeared with her on the stage. Considerable interest has been aroused by disclosures by the friends of the victims concerning their lives together. The city toxicologist has confirmed the fact that both had consumed a large quantity of alcohol, and a medical examiner has confirmed the original view, saying, “Miss Lawrence came to her death by homicidal shooting, and Bennison’s death Was suicidal.” Miss Lawrence was 40 years old and was the mother of two children by her first husband, Mr. O. D. Munn, and Mr. Bennison was over 50, but they both aspired to continue to keep leading positions in the theatrical world. Miss Lawrence had expressed disappointment recently over her failure to secure good parts, and only a week ago she consulted her solicitor, asking his advice whether she should play in the talking movies. Less recently Miss Lawrence had incurred the ill-favour of Equity, which is an American actors’ association, when she failed to keep a contract to appear at an advertised performance, and it was rumoured that her failure was due to intoxication. NO MONEY TROUBLES Miss Lawrence’s solicitor says monetary difficulties could not have entered into the tragedy, as she had considerable property, and was to have received a half share of the estate of her second husband, Wallace Eddinger. Bennison, who had played in the old western films, is believed to have had difficulties when he attempted to secure a movie contract. It is reported that he had been expected to appear in a play in New York this evening, but was asked to withdraw last week, without explanation. MOROSE AND UNHAPPY A short time ago they appeared together in a vaudeville sketch which was a failure. Various friends have stated that their life together was a morose and unhappy one, with much heavy drinking. Bennisqn was said to have been insanely jealous, and to have preferred to remain in their flat, instead of visiting places of amusement. Various members of the Lambs Club say Bennison during his drinking spells would talk wildly, and usually brandish two revolvers, as it reminiscent of his cinema roles. The whole affair appears extremely sombre, and the newspapers, according to their own investigations, present many lurid details that were allegedly responsible for the undoing of the pair. It will probably be some time before accurate information will be obtained.