A TRAGEDY.

Hokitika Guardian, 29 May 1919, Page 4

A TRAGEDY.

The story of an extraordinary tragedy was told in the Coroner’s! Court at Perth (W.A.), a few days ago, when an inquest was held on tiie bodies of Eva Downey, barmaid, and A. E. B. Murray; a married man, formerly a station manager on the, Murchison. The evidence showed that on the evening of ist inst, with two married women friends; Miss Downey went for a motor drive with Murray., The party first went to Canning Bridge, where they had a crao and stout supper, and then to Guildford, where they had some drinks. Then the car returned, to Perth. The " two women friends were dropped at their homes, and at about midnight, while the car was taking Miss Downey home, two revolver shots, which the driver thought were backfiring reports, were heard. The car stopped opposite Miss DoWney’s home, but the passengers did not get out. The driver waited, and in waiting fell asleep. At 530 a.hi. he awoke, and, finding the passengers still motionless and silent he attempted to rouse them Then to his horror he found they were dead, and he drove to the police station. Both bodies were cold. Death had been caused by a shot through the head with the revolver found on the floor of the car With two discharged cartridges in the chambers. 111 a pocket of Mut ray’s coat were letters addressed to his wife and relatives concerning the disposition of his property, and insisting that his insurance policy for belonged absolutely to-his family. A verdict that Murray murdered Miss Downey, and then committed suicide, was recorded.