MURDER TRAGEDY

Hokitika Guardian, 2 January 1931, Page 5

MURDER TRAGEDY

WEISTRALIAN SENSATION

(Australian Press, Association)

PERTH. January 1

The police are investigating- the McCaskell menders, which occurred at Bruce Rock, where'Mns McCaskell, 28 and her eight months’ old baby , were found ba.tatered deaflii on her husband’s farm. William. Albert,. 2i, .who was employed on "the 'farm, was found hanged on the verandash of the farmliouse. .Albert .had been' given notico of dismissal by the' husband earlier in the day. 'Albert then said: “You will be sorry for this.” Albert, who was alive when cut down from the rafters had done terrible work with the axe.

The police, are . not satisfied with the theory tltat the murders were committed by the- farmhand who hanged himself, as reported. It is definitely established that Mrs McCasloell’a life was insured recently for two thousand sterling.

MoCASHELL SUICIDES

PERTH, January 1

The 3AcCaskell tragedy has had a sensatk >nal (sequel. * The •. murdered womanhs husband, Victor McCaskell, aged 25!, is now dead, making ■ the fourth victim. When lie learned the police find taken up the funeral.of Mrs iVtcCaskell and her daughter, the husband whs fourteen ’ miles away; awaiting the cortege. He suddenly motored back to his farm at high speed pursued by ji policeman. McCaskell drove right thorough a ' wire fence, halted near some haystacks, placed some gelignite .in his mouth, and blew his head and. portion of his body to atoms. The policeman arrived just in time to witness tine horrible deed.