MURDER OF FATHER

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLV, Issue 21088, 14 July 1938, Page 7

MURDER OF FATHER

YOUNG WOMAN- CHARGED VERDICT OF NOT GUILTY United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright PERTH, July 13. The trial concluded of Eunice Mary Hornby, aged 18 years, charged with the murder ot her father, whom the Crown alleged she shot through the head as he sat on a chair in the kitchen of his home at Hester Siding on June 18. At the inquest evidence was given that Hornby had for a long period been violent and cruel to members of his family. The widow gave evidence that deceased had threatened to kill her and had said he would torture her to death. Detective-Sergeant Jackson said members of the family told him that Hornby had been kicking his wife and family w’ith clogs. A neighbouring farmer said Hornby once kicked a cow to death with his clogs. Accused’s Story The jury after only fifteen minutes deliberation, returned a verdict of “not guilty”. The girl was discharged. Explaining co the jury, the circumstances of the crime, the girl said that her father had a terrible temper, and had threatened to "get mother when she returned from the neighbours.” I decided that I would shoot father, rather than allow the other members of the family to do so. I obtained my brother’s rifle, and saw father reading the paper in front of the radio, I came behind him, took careful i.m, and fired. Father’s head dropped forward.”