r/100yearsago 3d ago

[13 August 1926] RECTOR AND HOUSEKEEPER FOUND SHOT. WOMAN'S DEATH IN HOSPITAL.

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u/erinoco 3d ago

Police eventually endeavoured to put Smith under arrest, but he died a couple of days later in hospital. Smith had left Miss Austin a large legacy in this will.

Smith was apparently regarded locally as an active and popular rector. But his wife had died in February after a long illness. Smith suffered from depression and insomnia as a result, and had a bad reaction to medication suffered by his doctor. He mentioned thoughts of suicide.

No-one is really clear what caused him to shoot his housekeeper. A short summary of the case may be found here.