December 9th: jury returns its verdict

Lancaster Gazetter, 9^th December, 1893. 

The Bath Cave Mystery.

At Bathampton, on Wednesday, Mr. Samuel Craddock brought to a conclusion a prolonged inquiry concerning the death of Elsie Adeline Luke, alias Wilkie, who mysteriously disappeared about Bank Holiday, 1891, and whose remains were discovered in a cave at Hampton Down in September last. In summing up, the Coroner said there could be little doubt that a horrible murder had been committed. A great deal of evidence had been taken to show motive against Arthur Commbs, but he appealed to the jury to dispel from their minds any preconceived suspicion they might have formed with regard to him. If the evidence were true, it only proved that he was carrying on an intrigue with Wilkie when he was absolutely engaged to Miss Sheppard. Suspicion might be entertained against a man, but that would not hang him. The police had experienced great difficulties. There was a lapse of time, and contradicted evidence; and he feared, much suppression of truth. Words failed him to denounce the action of Dill in not communicating with the police when he discovered the watch and chain and blood-stained articles. There was no doubt that had Dill done his duty the murderer would have been discovered. – The jury returned a verdict to the effect that the deceased was murdered by some person unknown.