A SHOCKING TRAGEDY.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 7728, 11 June 1903, Page 3

A SHOCKING TRAGEDY.

DEATH OF MR FRANK LEON, ATTEMPTED MURDER OF MISS LIZZIE KIRK. SUICIDE BY SHOOTING. Tho many friends of Mr Frank Leon and his wife, Miss Lizzie Kirk, two popular variety artists who are well-known in Christchurch, will regret to learn of the tragic death of Mr Leon under most painful circumstances. The " Daily Chronicle " of April 25 gives the following particulars of tne lamentable occurrence: — Considerable sensation was caused in Kennington last night by the report of a tragedy that had' just been enacted at No. 1, South Place. Shots were heaird in the house in question between seven and eight o'clock, and the house, being practically next door to the Kennington Theatre, where a. considerable number of persons were awaiting admission, a large crowd quickly gathered round. It transpires that the house in question is occupied by aMr Leo, a theatrical agent, and towards half-past seven Mr Walter Charles Allen (professionally known as " Frank Leon") drove up in a brougham. He entered: the house, where, in the front parlour, 'he found his wife and Mr Leo sitting down in conversation. He sat down himself and joined 1 in the conversation. A dispute was followed by high words, and Leon went out of the house. He proceeded to his carriage, and, securing a revolver, returned to the room. Seeing the weapon in the excited artist's hand Mr Leo made a movement towards him, but Leon fired four shots in rapid succession. Ono of these smashed his wife's thumb» a second went through Mr Leo's 'hand, a third smashed! a picture on the wall, and with the fourth Leon shot himself, the bullet en j tering the brain from the centre of thft forehead. Death was instantaneous. It is said the deceased had not lived with his wife for some considerable time. This lady, who is also a music-hall artist, was, it is understood, consulting Mr Leo with regard to a"professional engagement, and her husband's reason for his rash act' is therefore merely a matter of conjecture. The body of the deceased was subsequently placed in a coffin and conveyed in an undertaker's conveyance to the mortuary. An inquest will be held in due course.