The Dunedin Murder Case.
(Peb Pbess Association.) Dttnedin, Yesterday.
The charge of murder against Wm. Pearce, for having stabbed Matilda Hancock, has occupied the Supreme Court all day. The evidence was much the same as that given at the inquest, but was stronger against the prisoner. His Honor summed up strongly against the prisoner, telling the jury he could see no evidence of the provocation which would reduce the crime to manslaughter. He added that a recommendation to mercy would no doubt have due weight. At 7 o'clock the jury returned to ask whether a verdict of manslaughter would be accepted ? stating they were of opinion prisoner had done the deed without premeditation. Plis Honor directed them that absence of premeditation would not alone reduce the crime to manslaughter. The jury were locked up all night. The foreman said there seemed not the slightest possibility of their agreeing.
Lateb.—This day.
On the Court re-assembling, the fore* man announced that the jury were unable .to agree, and they were discharged. A fresh trial has been fixed for Monday. Ten of the jury were for murder, and two for manslaughter. It came down to eleven to one at one time.
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Thames Star, Volume XV, Issue 4687, 15 January 1884, Page 2
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198The Dunedin Murder Case. Thames Star, Volume XV, Issue 4687, 15 January 1884, Page 2
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