Edward O'Connor

Murderer

1known / alleged victims

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Case Facts

Gender: male
Country: United Kingdom
Location: Stafford, Staffordshire, England, United Kingdom
Date of birth: ???
Characteristics: parricide, murder for hire
Victim profile: Thomas O'Connor (his five year old son)
Method of murder: Cutting the throat with a razor
Date(s) of murder: July 31, 1921
Years active: 1921
Date of arrest: Same day (surrenders)
Status: Executed
Executed by hanging on the 22nd December 1921 at Birmingham

Case Summary

Case record: Edward O'Connor

Edward O'Connor was convicted of the murder of his five year old son, Thomas.

The offence

On Sunday 31st July, Edward O'Connor killed his five year old son, Thomas, at Stafford.

That morning, he went to his local police station and told the desk sergeant:

"Come on, I'll find you a job. I've killed three or four of my kids with these,"

He offered a pair of blood stained razors.

He also said:

"I could not find the missus and youngest or I would have done them in too!"

Police accompanied him back to his house. One child was found dead from neck injuries, and three others were found in a serious condition.

Investigation

Police recovered the seriously injured children after they accompanied Edward O'Connor back to his house.

Trial

On 16 November, Edward O'Connor stood trial at Stafford Assizes.

He blamed his mother-in-law for his unhappy marriage, which he said had led him to commit the crime.

Sentencing

He was executed by hanging.

Outcome

Edward O'Connor was hanged by John Ellis on the 22nd December 1921 at Birmingham.

Aftermath

Edward O'Connor left a last letter for his wife on the morning of his execution. The letter read:

"Well, Lizzie, by the time you get my letter I will have gone to my maker... It is God's will that I leave this world of trials. I am reconciled to that fate ... I shall remember you, Lizzie, my wife, and I ask you sometimes to remember me in your prayers." "Kiss the children for me. God bless you all. As I think, I hear you as of old, calling 'Ted, good-bye."

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