Huddersfield Chronicle (02/Jan/1892) - The Linthwaite Murder
THE LINTHWAITE MURDER.
THE DAY OF EXECUTION FIXED.
The High Sheriff of Yorkshire (Mr. Arthur Wilson) has fixed the execution of James Stockwell (32), farm labourer, who was sentenced to death at the recent assizes, at Leeds, for the murder of a servant girl, named Catherine Dennis, at Linthwaite, near Huddersfield, for Tuesday next. He has been visited by several of his relations. The interview took place a few days ago, and was brief. Stockwell was very much affected at the parting. Having been informed of the efforts that are being made in Huddersfield to obtain a respite for him, he expressed his thanks to all those who had given their assistance in this direction. He also dictated a letter, which was written by one of the prison officials, and, at the culprit's request, this was sent to one of his intimate friends. In the event of an unfavourable reply to the memorial being received, the culprit will be executed as above stated, in the same building as that in which Walter Lewis Turner, the Horsforth murderer, was hanged on the 18th of August last. Billington, of Bolton, will be the executioner.
Stockwell has written to his wife declaring his intention of living a better life for the remainder of his term, and, while confidently hoping for a reprieve, is fully prepared to meet his fate.
At Armley Gaol, on Thursday, it was stated that Stockwell had not been visited by any of his friends since Monday last. The governor of the prison (Major Lane) has not yet received any communication from the Home Office with reference to either of the memorials that have been sent for a reprieve, and, meanwhile, arrangements are being made for the execution, which is to take place at eight o'clock on Tuesday morning next. Stockwell is confined in the same cell that Walter Lewis Turner, the Horsforth murderer, occupied during his incarceration at Armley, the apartment being only a few paces from the new coke-house at the east end of the gaol, in which a permanent scaffold has been erected. Stockwell is strictly guarded by a couple of warders, and takes regular exercise in the prison yard. He continues to eat and sleep well, and has not yet made any statement to the prison authorities relating to the tragedy.