THE SIGN OF “S.”

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 3147, 17 February 1911, Page 7

THE SIGN OF “S.”

MYSTERIOUS CUTS ON A DEAD MAN’S FACE.

TRAGEDY OF A COMMON.

The inquest on the Russian Jew Leon Beron, of Stepney, who was found murdered on Clapham Common, was remarkable for the announcement by the police surgeon that the murderer or murderers had cut certain, marks on the victim’s face after death. These marks contitute a roughly formed “S’’ on the right check, starting about the level; of the eye and extending about two inches outwards and downwards to the level 1 of the mouth. On the left cheek is a corresponding cut, the “S” appearing in this case as it would' if reflected in a mirror, and therefore forming a. symmetrical pattern with that on the right cheek. They are only superficial cuts through the skill and had nothing to do with the cause of death. MEDICAL EVIDENCE.

Next came the evidence of Dr. Joseph Needham, the police divisional surgeon; who was first called to examine the body. *“A silk muffler was over the head,” said Dr. Needham, “and on this being removed a number of severe wounds wore disclosed. The most severe apparently was one on the right side' of the forehead ; the sj-mll was laid bare. There was a second wound,-also severe, behind the ‘right ear and one on the top of the head. “Tlie top button but one of the coat was the only one fastened, and this bad’ been drawn tightly under the chin by force from behind, so that the back of the collar 'of the overcoat 6 was on a level with the crown of the head. “f traced the course of the body from tlie iron railings on the path to where it was lying. There was a considerable pool of blood close to the railings. Drops of blood were visible along the course the body had been dragged. In addition there were the scrape marks, especially two. well-marked lines produced with the- toes of the hoots.” The Coroner: What is your opinion as to the cause of death ? —Death was caused by concussion of the brain- and fracture of the skull due to a wound inflicted on the right side of the fore-' head. There were three stab wounds (continued Dr. Needham, speaking of the post-mortem examination).

THE SCARLET SIGNS. Were they apparently knife wounds, —Yes, or dagger wounds. The liver and the stomach were both injured. They •were inflicted probably after the head wounds, but during life. You think the first wound in the forehead stunned him? —Yes. Inflicted by a blunt or sharp instrument? —By a blunt instrument with an angle. At this point Dr. Needham told of the S-shaped marks on the face. “It must have been a very deliberate thing,” lie said, “because there are marks on the face which‘seem peculiar.” Not dangerous to life? —Oh, no. “They were most curious cuts,” said Dr. Needham. -“They were cut on the skin for no apparent reason, and I cannot imagine why a murderer should stay behind to inflict such marks. The symmetry of these marks was most extraordinary. They were like the letter & on each side of >the face. No accident could have produced such marks. You think it - was a sign ? —Yes, I do.

This was all the evidence, and the inquiry was adjourned for three weeks.