SUICIDE AT TIMARU.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume IV, Issue 815, 11 December 1882, Page 2

SUICIDE AT TIMARU.

[by telegraph.] Timaru, To-day. A startling case of suicide occurred here at u o’clock this morning. The Supreme Court criminal sessions had just opened, and one of the .first cases on the calendar was that of John Shepherd, the storekeeper who committed extensive frauds and levanted to San Francisco about six months ago. He returned to the colony three months ago,, crossing on his way the" detective who was sent after him. He was arrested at Auckland and brought to Timaru, where he was : committed for trial on six charges of forgery and uttering. Shepherd’s uncle’s residence is almost opposite the Supreme Court, and Shepherd went into his office a little before 11 o’clock. A few.mmutes afterwards a shot was heard from the office, and on some people running in they found Shepherd lying on the floor in a dying state. A revolver was lying beside him, and on examination if wasfound that he had shot himself,through the heart. Medical assistance arrived promptly, bill life was pronounced extinct, and the body was removed to Stone’s hotel, where an inquest will be held. It is stated that Shepherd who was out on had been advised that his defence was useless, and the-only chance was for him to plead guilty.