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Persy RushManiac
Country:
 Great Britain |
Content:
- Vera Page: The Disturbing Unsolved Murder
- The Grisly Discovery
- The Crime Scene
- The Medical Examination
- The Suspect Emerges
- Percy Orlando Rush
- A Connection to Vera?
- A Web of Circumstantial Evidence
- The Bandage
- A Scientific Shortcoming
- Acquittal and Controversy
- A Lasting Impact
Vera Page: The Disturbing Unsolved Murder
The DisappearanceOn the evening of December 14, 1931, 11-year-old Vera Page vanished while visiting an aunt nearby her home. Newspapers published her photographs, pleading for information. Sought by the community as an exceptionally charming child, her disappearance left a profound impact.
The Grisly Discovery
Early on December 16, a milkman on Allison Road stumbled upon Vera's lifeless body on the garden path leading to the servants' entrance at No. 89. Despite the thick layer of coal dust on her face, he recognized her resemblance to the girl in the news.
The Crime Scene
Investigators determined that Vera had been killed on December 14 at approximately 8 pm. Evidence suggested that her body had been kept in a warm place before being deposited at the Allison Road address. Coal dust and candle wax on her clothing and body raised further suspicions.
The Medical Examination
Dr. Kellwell noted signs of strangulation. The post-mortem examination by Bernard Spilsbury revealed signs of a brutal sexual assault. A bandage discovered in Vera's clenched fist contained traces of ammonia.
The Suspect Emerges
Investigators traced a bloodstained bandage matching Vera's through laboratory analysis. It contained a mixture of gauze and linen and had been in contact with ammonia and water. The presence of blood cells indicated that it had been applied to a fresh, infected wound.
Percy Orlando Rush
A laundry worker, Percy Orlando Rush, emerged as the sole individual who had a bandaged finger on December 14 or 15. On December 18, he was brought in for questioning. Forty-two years old, unassuming in appearance, Rush possessed distinctive bushy eyebrows and a mustache. He wore thick-rimmed glasses that concealed his eyes.
A Connection to Vera?
Rush had lived near the last known sighting of Vera. His parents resided in the same building as the Payges, and he visited their apartment several times a week, having a key. While he claimed to have no close contact with Vera, his knowledge of the girl aroused suspicion.
A Web of Circumstantial Evidence
Rush's clothing bore coal dust, matching that found on Vera's body. A candle wax stain was discovered in his home, corroborating Vera's injuries. His inconsistent statements about his whereabouts on December 14 added to the mystery.
The Bandage
Rush's colleagues confirmed that he had wounded his little finger on December 9. However, Rush claimed to have lost the bandage on December 13, in contrast to eyewitnesses who saw him wearing it on December 14 and 15.
A Scientific Shortcoming
Forensic analysis of potential matching bandage materials from Rush's home proved inadequate. The materials did not match the dimensions or the composition of the bandage found with Vera.
Acquittal and Controversy
Despite the compelling circumstantial evidence, Percy Orlando Rush was acquitted when he appeared before the London Coroner, Ingleby Oddie, on February 12. He denied any connection to Vera's murder, steadfastly maintaining his innocence.
A Lasting Impact
Vera Page's case highlighted the challenges of forensic science. The inability to positively link the bandage with Rush's materials remains a haunting reminder of justice denied. Many believed in Rush's guilt, and his acquittal sparked public outrage. The case played a significant role in advancing the field of forensic textile analysis, leaving a lasting impact on the pursuit of justice.
