Thursday 30 September 1993

September 30th: beginnings of the cross examinations



York Herald, September 30th, 1893. 
The Bath Murder Mystery.

At Western Bath yesterday, Arthur Stevenson Coombs (20), coach builder’s apprentice, was charged with murdering Elsie Adeline Luke, whose remains, as is supposed, were recently found in a cave at Bath. The accused was greatly agitated. Supt. Rutherford said that Coombs, when arrested, admitted having courted the deceased, but denied responsibility for her death. The defending solicitor reserved his cross-examination for this and other witnesses.

Mr D.S. Smith said he was speaking with Coombs last evening, when the latter asked how they were sure the remains were those of Luke. Mrs Kerry identified the linen produced as her property.

John Edwards, fishmonger’s assistant, said he had seen the prisoner and Luke together some time ago. He had a conversation with Coombs, who said she ought to be dead or killed. Witness supposed the girl Luke was referred to.

Kate Bullock, deceased’s fellow servant, said that a youth whom she would not positively say was the prisoner, frequently visited Luke and used to go into the cellar with her. Annie Hayman said deceased had told her she had been enceinte for three months. That was about August 1891.

The accused was remanded.

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