PARENTS MURDERED

Hokitika Guardian, 30 April 1932, Page 3

PARENTS MURDERED

1 SON STANDS HIS TRIAL. ALLEGATIONS OF INSANITY. (By Teleyraph — ter tress Associationj WELLINGTON, April 29. Tlie hearing and the inquest into tiie Mangainnhoe murder was continued at the Magistrate’s Court, before Magistrate J. Miller anthv,,Coroner E. 0. Eton, of Masterton,. >flien John Dillon Corrigan, aged 23, was charged that on .March 28 last ; at Mangamahoe, he did murder his parents.

In the ease of murder Lewis .Joseph Corrigiht’ continuing his evidence, sa.id- that he knew hiy brother had a shotgun, Ajdis brother was nof-mal ,in his disposition and showed no eccentricities. Only a week before, the accused told him that ho had never felt better in his life. On the day of the tragedy, the accused was in his usual spirits. Witness did not notice anything strange about his behaviour at anv tine.

Asked if he could give any reason why his brother should shoot their parents, witness said: “Well, I don’t think he liked them himself! T don’t know why he disliked them, but I think he did not like them.”

Agnes Elizabeth CVrrigga'n aged 16. said that at about half past two in the morning Mie was awakened by her brother John calling out to her to get up, as lie walked up and down the passage carrying a light. .Tlie accused said that- there had been a tragedy, and that their, mother and father had been shot. >he later said to accused :

“What are we going to do now?” Hr answered: “Just keep quiet until the police come!” He telephoned for the police immediately. He then made a cup of tea. after lighting the fire. Witness thought ho was a bit mad

generally, but her parents thought he was all right. Other members of the family gave evidence regarding the accused's movements and behaviour after the tragedy. Doctor H. T. Dawson, of Pahiatua, said that in December 1930, lie examined accused. He then advised the i parents that lie should be sent to a mental hospital. He formed the conclusion that he might be dangerous, or might commit suicide. He. told the parents to put away razors and firearms. Mrs Corrigan would not hear of her son being sent way. Witness issued instructions for the accused to ! be sent to the Pahiatua Hospital next day for observation, as a palliative; but lie was not sent. At that time lie was prepared to certify that the accused was insane. Tlie accused was afraid that something might be done to his food. John Corrigan’s skull was cracked in every direction. Mrs Corrigan had apparently s<nt up in bed when the husband was fired at and threw up her arm to ward off the next shot, and screened her body half way. The courthouse was crowded. The accused maintained a perfac-tly calm demeanour. He took an intelligent interest in the proceedings.