FOUND DEAD.

Tuapeka Times, Volume III, Issue 105, 12 February 1870, Page 7

FOUND DEAD.

(From the " Brisbane Courier."

One of the most horrible murders that has yet occurred in Queensland Avas committed in Brisbane on the night of Sunday, the 2nd ult., and created great excitement in the city. The folloAving are the particulars of the case, so far as we feel Avarranted in publishing them without interfering with the action of the police authorities in endeavouring to bring the guilty Avretches to justice : — About 8 o'clock on Monday morning, tAvo lads were roAving doAvn the river, they saw the body of a man lying on the muddy rocks of the bank, the tide being low. They at once informed one of the ferrymen, who reported the matter to the police stationed at Kangaroo Point. The officers immediately proceeded to the spot, and, with assistance, the body Avas got on shoi-e. It was quite naked, and a large stone and firebar Avere tied to the right thigh by a stout piece of Manila rope. The rope Avas also fastened around the neck. The head was fearfully battered, the Avhole of the back part being driven in, apparently by the repeated use of some blunt instrument. The left arm Avas raised in a defensiA r e attitude over the chest, and the other Avas straight by the side. There Avere traces of blood all abotit, but no evidence of any struggle, and no clothing could be found. About noon it was identified as Patrick Hartnett, or Hanny, who resided in Fortitude Valley, and possessed some house property there. In the meantime a photograph of the face was taken by Mr. Marquis, in order that, should it be found necessary to bury before more positive identification, the features Avould still be preserved. The deceased is said to have been a man of very penurious habits, and it Avas also reported that he was supposed to carry all his ready money on his person. He was aged about twentysix years, and lodged at the BrunsAvick Hotel, in the valley. He Avas last seen alive Avalking alone along Kent-street, towards Jane-street, and beyond this all is at present shrouded in deep mystery. Rumor has, of course, been busy, and in the matter of the name alone no less than seven or eight veisions have been given. Amongst the reports is one to the effect that a boatman hearing cries in the locality roAved close to the bank, and saw a man scraping the earth Avith his foot, as if to hide something; but further than this Aye 'know nothing. The murderers evidently took plenty of time over their diabolical work, for the stripping of the body and tying of the Aveights to it must have taken some time. Their intention in removing the clothes Avas to prevent identification. No clue to the murderers has been obtained, and the Government have offered £300 reAvard for such information as will lead to their conviction.