THE RAINHILL AND WINDSOR MURDERS.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2350, 30 April 1892, Page 4

THE RAINHILL AND WINDSOR MURDERS.

London, April 27. Walter Deeming denies that his father or mother was ever insane or were inmates of a lunatic asylum. Edward, the eldest brother, on the other hand, has made an affidavit that his father sometimes showed signs of insanity. The solicitors have also ascertained that Frederick, who is awaiting his trial in Melbourne, was frequently so strange and peculiar in his manner that his relatives thought he was not always responsible for his actions. Edward’s wife was has also made an affidavit to the effect that Frederick Deeming was known to the family as “ Mad Fred.” Melbourne, April 27. Affidavits have been filed in connection with the application for a further postponement of Deeming’s trial. Two doctors have certified that there is ample evidence to justify a further|investigation. Mr Lyle, his counsel, urges that the prisoner is subject to epilepsy; that there are cases of hereditary insanity; and also that he is afflicted with mental diseases of a horrible character. April 28. The application for a postponement of Williams’ trial for the Windsor murder was heard to-day. Lengthy medical evidence was adduced as to the state of prisoner’s mind. Dr Spring Thorope gave evidence to the effect that Williams made a statement to him, alleging that his dead mother had appeared regularly to him since he was sixteen years of age, and while he was in Sydney, she incited him to kill his wife. The witness explained that prisoner had contracted syphilis, and he stated in the presence of a Crown witness that he would kill any woman who was suffering from the same disease. He followed one women into four different places with the object of killing her, but he did not get an opportunity to commit the act. While in London Williams suffered severely from this disease. The Judge said that he failed to see why the doctors could not give a decided opinion as to the sanity or otherwise of prisoner at this stage, and declined to grant a postponement. Mr Lyle then threw up his brief. Mr Deaken subsequently agreed to defend prisoner, and the trial is proceeding.