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Source: Bell's Weekly Messenger, No. 1862, Sunday, December 11, 1831

Suspected Murder.

James Bryant was examined on suspicion of having murdered a young woman named Sarah Barter, and afterwards disposed of her body to prevent detection. It appeared from the evidence of several witnesses that the prisoner and a woman with whom he cohabited, named Ann Lethuliere, were committed from this office about three months since for robbing a Capt Tominson, of 30 sovereigns: the woman was convicted and transported, and Bryant, of whose moral guilt no doubt was entertained, from want of positive evidence against him, was acquitted. The young woman was the principal witness against them, and the prisoner has since been heard repeatedly to threaten "to do for her," and had actually laid wait for her, but she contrived so elude his vengeance. On the 23d of Nov. the young woman left her home to visit her sister at Bayswater, and has never since been heard of. On Wednesday the aunt waited on the magistrates, and in great distress, mentioned her suspicions that Bryant had murdered her niece, in consequence of which he was taken into custody and put to the bar. Several relatives spoke of the fear entertained by the young woman that he would carry his threats into execution, and one positively swore that Bryant had repeatedly told Barter that her days were numbered.

The prisoner said he knew nothing of the young woman, but he refused to say how be had spent his time on the day of her disappearance.

Mr. Broderip said he should not part with the prisoner until this case was fully investigated, as there was a strong presumption that he bad either murdered or improperly disposed of the young woman for the evidence she had given, and he hoped the police would use exertions to collect as much evidence as possible. The worthy magistrate then remanded the prisoner, and directed that a description of the young woman should be advertised.

Related: Brought before Judge