ATTEMPTED MURDER AND SUICIDE.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXVII, Issue 10976, 16 June 1903, Page 6

ATTEMPTED MURDER AND SUICIDE.

Frank Leon and his wife (Miss Lizzie Kirk) were two of the most popular artists who figured on the stage of the Alhambra Tlieatre, and were well known in New Zealand. The London Daily Chronicle of April 25 gives the following particulars concerning the tragic death of Mr Leon: — Considerable sensation- was caused in Kennington last night by the report of a tragedy ,that had been enacted at No. 1 South Place. . -Shots >wer£ heard in the house in question between y and 8 o'clock, and the house being practically next door to the Eennington Theatre, where a considerable number of persons were awaiting admission, a large crowd quickly gathered 'iv>iind' l '

It transnires that the house in question is occupied by a Mr Leo, a theatrical agent, and towards tialf-past 7 Mr Walter Charles Allen (professionally known as 'Frank Leon"), drove up in a brougham. He entered the house,' where, in the front parloui'l he fouhjd his wife and Mr Leo sitting down in conversation. He sat down himself and joined 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 tlie -excitccl artist's hand Mr Leo .made a movement towards him, but Leon fired four shots' in' rapid succession. One of these smashed hia wife's thumb, a second went, through Leo's hand, a third smashedj. a^pffitiire on the wall, and with the fourth Lebn 'shot himself, the bullet entering the brain from the centre of the forehead. Death was instantaneous.

It is said, that deceased had not lived with j'his f wifp ior> 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 the rash act is theretb¥e:'nferely l 'aritatter for' conjecture. The body of the deceased was subsequently placed in "ar coffin and conveyed in an undertaker's conveyance to the mortuary. An inquest will be held.