William Russell

THE SELF-ACCUSED MURDERER.

William Russell, 28, steward, late of the American ship National Eagle, who confessed to having thrown a woman over Westminster-bridge, was brought up, on remand, at Maidenhead, on Monday, charged with having, on the 14th inst., attempted to commit suicide by strangling himself while detained at the police-station. A certificate was received from the surgeon at Reading gaol, under whose care accused had been for a week, setting forth that prisoner was not responsible for his actions, or fit to be at large, although he did not feel justified in certifying him to be insane. Russell was committed for trial. In the meantime further efforts were directed to be made to ascertain whether there is any foundation for his confession.

Source: Lloyd's Weekly London Newspaper, October 28, 1888, Page 4