On the night of October 7, 1911, it was a normal work night for 60-year-old Joseph Wilson. He was the station master at the Lintz Green Station in County Durham, England. He would see off the last train around 11 p.m. that night. After it had left Joseph walked to his home 50 yards from the station.
Someone would ambush the stationmaster on his doorstep. Sand would be thrown into his eyes and there was an attempt to gag him with a linen cloth. During a struggle, he would be shot in the chest. This would not automatically kill him, but he was unable to say who did. Four Miners who were on the last train weren't very far when they heard the gunshot.
By the time they arrived to Joseph's aid, his killer had disappeared unseen. His daughter was in the house and came out when she heard the sound. The miners and his daughter brought Joseph into his home and tried to help him. He seemed to have tried to talk but was unable to do so before he died.
Police believed that the motive for the murder was a robbery. Though the day's takings weren't with him and he had brought them home earlier that day.
The prime suspect in this case was 25-year-old Samuel Atkison. Samuel was a relief porter for railroad. Someone stated that they saw him at the station that night. Samuel said that he had went home after work and went for a walk around 7. He would be arrested and arraigned at the local Magistrats Court. At the trial, there was no evidence against Samuel and this allowed him to be released. This case was never solved.
SOURCES:
The Times October 9, 1911
The Guardian October 13, 1911
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