Carlisle Journal 01 May 1891 Suicide with a Revolver

Suicide with a Revolver

A suicide of the most extraordinary and determined character was committed at Wigton on Wednesday. Between 12 and 1 'o' clock a Railway Labourer named Jonathon Denwood, who lived about half a mile from the town, went into the house of his Son in Law, named Nicholson, a Joiner living in Tickell's Lane. He sat down and entered into conversation, and after a short time Nicholson went out, leaving Denwood in the house with two children. Denwood then took a revolver out of his pocket and pointed it at one of the children, a girl of 14, on which she ran to the door. He then put the muzzle of the revolver into his mouth and fired, this time with fatal effect. Dr. Palm was sent for and was soon on the spot, but death had been instantaneous. One of the children was much splashed with blood. An inquest was held upon the body last night by J. B. Lee, coroner for East Cumberland, at the police Office, when a great amount of evidence was heard as to the deceased's habits. After considering their verdict for a time and not being able to agree, the jury were allowed to retire. On their being again questioned, the Foreman said they could not agree, as ten on them were returning a verdict of suicide while in a state of temporary insanity, and two of them that suicide was caused through excessive drinking. The Coroner said that the jury must decide upon the evidence they had, not upon what their feelings were upon the case. In accordance with the wish of one of the jury, the Coroner recalled one of the witnesses and questioned him as to the deceased's drinking habits. The witness (Richard Nicholson) said that he thought the suicide was caused through the deceased being under the influence of drink. The jury returned a verdict that "The man committed suicide whilst under the influence of drink". The enquiry lasted for an unusually long time.