MIDNIGHT MURDER.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 8374, 21 July 1905, Page 2

MIDNIGHT MURDER.

AMBUSCADE ARRANGED IN A HOUSE. Late on Saturday night, May 27, a terrible tragedy was enacted at Gravesend. It appears that a waterman named Jairuis Lygo Rowo, who had for some time been living apart from his wife, caused a telegram to be sent to her at Gloucester, stating that her mother, who resides at Peppercroft, Gravesend, was seriously ill, and desired the presence of her daughter. A similar telegram was received by the wile's brother, James Pearce, of Stepney, asking for his immediate attendance at Gravesend. As a result of these messages, the brother and sister at once proceeded to their mother's home. * About midnight on Saturday, Kowe, it is stated, made his appearance in the room where the three were assembled, and, producing a revolver, pointed it at his wife. Pearce, a young man of twenty-four, immediately went to his sister's protection, and was shot dead on the spot. The man, next fired at his mother-in-law, hitting her in the back, . and wouding her very seriously. llowe then left, and was seen by several of the neighbours, who had been aroused by the sound of the shots, hurrying from the house with the smoking revolver still in his hand. Before any attempt could be made to detain him he had made good his escape.