George Russell

Background

George Russell was described as 45 years old at the time his prints were traced.

Mrs Minnie Freeman Lee was a 94-year-old eccentric recluse who lived alone in her dusty, cobweb-ridden house in Ray Park Avenue, Maidenhead.

The offence

On 1st June 1948, the previous day’s milk delivery had not been taken in.

A large, black trunk in the house contained the tied-up body of Mrs Minnie Freeman Lee. She had head injuries and had asphyxiated, probably from her internment in the trunk. It was assumed that robbery was the motive for the killing.

Investigation

After the police forced their way into the house, officers found a woman’s shoe and some keys on the floor near the large, black trunk.

In the dust on top of a cardboard box, police discovered the partial prints of a possible assailant.

The partial prints were soon traced to George Russell.

George Russell had previous convictions for theft and housebreaking.

Police discovered, in Russell’s possession, a scarf that had belonged to Mrs Lee.

Arrest

George Russell was arrested in St Albans.

He initially denied any involvement in the murder.

Russell then admitted that he had approached Mrs Lee about a job as gardener.

Trial

George Russell was tried at Berkshire Assizes.

He was found guilty.

Sentencing

George Russell was hanged at Oxford Prison on 2nd December 1948.

Outcome

George Russell was executed by hanging at Oxford Prison on 2nd December 1948.

Other details

Mrs Minnie Freeman Lee’s tied-up body was found in a large, black trunk in her house on Ray Park Avenue, Maidenhead.