Gatton Murders - The Crime

The Crime

M’Neill found the victims in a field 1.2 miles (1.9 km) from Gatton. Michael and Ellen were lying back to back, within 2 feet (0.61 m) of each other, Norah lay in the same east/west orientation, on a neatly spread rug, 28 feet (8.5 m) to the east. Both women had their hands tied behind their backs with handkerchiefs. Forming a triangle, the sulky faced south, 17.5 feet (5.3 m) from Michael and 36 feet (11 m) from Norah. The horse had been shot in the head and still lay between the shafts. Their legs were arranged with the feet pointing west. This signature behaviour has never been repeated in Australian crime and, like the Gatton Murders themselves, remains a mystery to this day.

Inexplicably, M’Neill called at the Gilbert's "Brian Boru" hotel in Gatton (now the Imperial Hotel) and informed the patrons of the murder leading to a rush of up to forty people to the scene which possibly destroyed much of what little evidence there may have been. M’Neill then contacted Acting-sergeant William Arrell, who was in charge of the Gatton police station, who later arranged for police from Brisbane to attend. This led to further delays with the investigating officers not arriving until 48 hours after the discovery of the bodies.

The bodies were moved to the Gilbert's hotel and at 4pm Dr. Von Lossberg, the Government Medical Officer at Ipswich arrived and between 4-5pm began an autopsy. Michael had been shot and struck with a blunt instrument to the right side of the head. Ellen had her skull fractured by a two blows to the left side of her head. The wounds and position of the bodies when found indicated that Michael and Ellen were sitting upright and back-to-back when struck. Norah, had also been struck on the left side of her head, pulverising her skull to the extent that her brain was protruding. Norah was also struck and had a harness strap tied around her neck, tight enough to have caused death. It is alleged both women had been "outraged."