HUSBAND CONVICTED

Evening Star, Issue 21748, 16 June 1934, Page 15

HUSBAND CONVICTED

MURDER IN CEYLON WIFE CHLOROFORMED WHILE ASLEEP Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright. COLOMBO, June IS. Stephen Seneviratne,/ a barrister, a graduate of Cambridge University, and a member of a leading Ceylon family, has' been sentenced to death for the murder of his wife on October 15, by the administration of chloroform while she was asleep. The case created extraordinary interest, as it is believed to be the first of its kind in the Empire Six doctors gave evidence, three being of the opinion that death was due to shock and asphyxia caused by the inhalation of chloroform. Two were opposed to that theory,.while one put the chances of suicide or homicide as equal. The burial certificate stated that the cause of death was syncope of the heart. The deceased’s brother, however,, noticed burns on his dead sister’s face, and. later informed the pojice. Tho body was exhumed after a fortnight, resulting in the arrest of the husband.

The jury’s rider condemned the family doctor, who is an eminent surgeon, and the police officer and coroner for general laxity, and also urged a complete official inquiry with a view to tightening the procedure relating to sudden deaths.