SHOOTING AT OWHANGO

Taranaki Daily News, 5 September 1933, Page 9

SHOOTING AT OWHANGO

CORONER OPENS INQUIRY POLICE SEEKING YOUNG MAN. RIFLE BULLET THROUGH HEAD. CARTRIDGES FOUND ON FLOOR. By Telegraph—Press Association. Taumarunui, Last Night. An inquest into the death of Jean Rosoman, who was shot at Owhango, was opened to-day, and after evidence of identification had been given was adjourned. The victim was apparently shot through the head with a pea-rifle. The bullet entered the head at the back of the ear, coming out on the right side below the eye. The detached whare where the shooting occurred was occupied for some time by a young man, John Grylls. From facts observed it is believed this whare was occupied before the tragedy but vacated immediately afterwards. The police are endeavouring to get into touch with Grylls but so far have not located him.

Mr. Lang, the girl’s employer, states that no gun was on his property prior to the tragedy so far as he knew. The victim had lived with her sister, Mrs. Lang, for the past twelve months and assisted with the milking. Apparently two shots were fired, one of which missed as two spent cartridge cases were found by the police on the floor of the separator room. The fatal shot was fired through the wall of the separator room at the girl, who was standing in an open space near the door, a few yards away, washing cans. DISAPPEARANCE OF YOUNG MAN. POLICE SEARCH CONTINUED. Taumarunui, Last Night. So far no arrest has been made in connection with the Owhango murder. The police traced the footmarks of a man from the cowshed across a ploughed field to the bank of the Whakapapa River nearby. In addition to the local police and detectives ten constables from other districts arrived to take part in the search for the missing man. John Grylls, who occupied the whare close to the cowshed, was employed by Mr. L. Lang on the farm, but his engagement was terminated Friday last and he was to have vacated the whare to-day. Grylls was last seen at a dance which Miss Rosoman attended at Owhango on Saturday night. No trace of him has since been seen.