George Henry Parker

Background

George Henry Parker was a former marine who had turned to petty theft. He was convicted of the murder of William Pearson.

The offence

William Pearson was found shot dead in a railway carriage. Parker was short of money and had only been able to buy a ticket as far as Winchester. Knowing that when he reached London he would be fined for not having the correct fare, he decided to rob one of his fellow travellers.

On Thursday 17 January, Parker boarded a London bound train at Eastleigh, just north of Southampton, and settled into a third class carriage which had one other occupant, a middle aged woman called Mrs King. At Winchester, William Pearson, a wealthy farmer, entered the carriage. As the train reached Surbiton, Parker went into the lavatory and loaded a gun he habitually carried.

Parker re-entered the carriage and shot the farmer dead. He then turned the gun on Mrs King, who had witnessed the murder, and wounded her. Mrs King pleaded for her life as he demanded money. When she offered him only a few pence, he ignored it and rifled the pockets of the farmer instead.

As the train entered Vauxhall, Parker opened the door. As it slowed down, he jumped onto the platform, thrust the dead man's ticket at the collector and fled. Mrs King hurried onto the platform and began screaming, "murder!".

Investigation and arrest

Parker was chased and caught. When searched, he was found to be in possession of items identified as belonging to the dead man.

Trial

Parker was tried at Hampshire Assizes before Mr Justice Phillimore. He was convicted on overwhelming evidence.

After sentence of death was passed, Parker admitted carrying out the robbery to finance his liaison with a soldier's wife.

Sentencing

After sentence of death was passed, the sentence was carried out on the 19 March 1901 in Wandsworth.

Outcome

Parker was hanged.

Aftermath

Parker was hanged by James and Thomas Billington on 19 March 1901 in Wandsworth.