Newll, Susan (1893–1923)

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Newll, Susan (1893–1923)

Scottish murderer. Born 1893 in Scotland; hanged at Duke Street Prison, Glasgow, Oct 10, 1923; m. John Newell; children: (by a previous marriage) Janet McLeod.

With 8-year-old daughter, was seen pushing a handcart containing a bundle in Glasgow suburb of Coatbridge (June 1923); left bundle, which contained body of 13-year-old newsboy John Johnstone (or Johnston), at a tenement entrance; was arrested as she then tried to escape over a wall; at trial for murder (Sept 1923), received death sentence in a case noteworthy for its lack of motive; was 1st woman to be hanged in Scotland in 50 years.

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