ALLEGED WIFE MURDER

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 2240, 17 February 1921, Page 3

ALLEGED WIFE MURDER

MALAQUJN NOT GUILTY

Christchurch, Feb. Hi,

The case in which Frederick MaI a quin, aged 23 years, was charged with the attempted murder of his wife, aged 21, at New Brighton, on November 7th, was concluded at (lie Supreme Court to-day.

Dr. Ackland described the course of the bullet, and its subsequent removal.

Mr Gresson explained, by the aid of a pistol and two law hooks representing twin pillows, how the revolver could he placed under the left pillow by Malaquin in such a way as to produce a wound similar to that inflicted on Mrs Malaquin. Dr. Ackland admitted that counsel’s explanation was a feasible one. Accused, in the course of his evidence, said he heard a sound as of a match being struck, and got up to investigate. He found nothing, and went hack to bed. As he was placing the revolver under the pillow it exploded. His wife gave a shiver and a groan, and then she lay still. Witness thought he had killed her. He jumped out of bed and lit a candle. His wife turned on her left side and raised herself in bed. Witness helped her out. He remembered saying somemthing about her being shot, and told her he would go for a doctor. His wife would not let him leave her. In the morning he thought it looked bad for him Ilml he hadn’t got a doctor. When hi> wife made the suggestion that lie had been sleep-walking he grasped it and stuck to it. When he was told by the authorities that the wound could not have possibly been self-inllictcd he was sick of the whole business and came out with the true slow.

Thu judge's .summing up was generally in favour of accused. The jury, after an hour's retirement, returned a verdict of not guilty.