Paul and Barbara – both have Cowan in their blood – the Thomas Cowan accused of the murder was Barbara’s third cousin! They have between them gathered a lot of newspaper cuttings and other information about their clan.
This story certainly caught the eye! A murder in Caerlaverock? Read on…
We’ll start with a ‘warning’:
Bearing that in mind, here a few of the press cuttings reporting the murder itself, which took place on Sunday 17th April 1920.
The pdf links below may be easier to read:
READ HERE>>> Caerlaverock Tragedy; Terrible End to Love Affair; Young Woman Done to Death; Assailant Commits Suicide
READ HERE>>> Caerlaverock Love Tragedy; Victims’ Close Friendship; Large Funerals at Dalton and Bankend
And about the funeral:
READ HERE >>> Funeral of The Victims
Some ‘after-thoughts’ from Paul:
There are many strange issues relating to the murder and suicide.
From the medical reports Barbara has her throat cut, causing almost instant death, however, when tossed into the river she manages to remove her shoes in an effort to swim to the bank.
Thomas Cowan’s self inflicted injuries, described as almost decapitating, are hard to believe.
The force such aggressive injuries would require, to be able to cut “ear to ear“ on one’s own throat and then manage to throw yourself off the bridge suggest something was either wrong with the later medical reports or that perhaps the event was not as was reported.
John Murray seems to have made no attempt to intervine in the attack on his betrothed. He is reported as “running off for help“.
No murder weapon was ever found.
Surely if Thomas Cowan almost depapitates himself the murder weapon would be very close by.
From the date of the attack to Murray sailing from Southampton back to Canada, less than three weeks elapse, during which short time the enquiry and funerals take place.
The events will remain a sad part of history but remain somewhat disturbing to the relatives of Thomas Cowan.
Perhaps a Caerlaverock mystery worthy of further examination?
Does anyone know any more about the murder? Do you have any newspaper cuttings you could share? Had you heard about it before? What had you been told?
What do you think?
Let us know by email at caerlaverockcommunity@gmail.com or by commenting or messaging us on our Facebook Page. We will pass on any further info to Paul and Barbara.