Murder of Bertha Schippan
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The murder of Bertha Shippan is an unresolved Australian murder. The victim resided in the South Australian town of Towitta, located approximately six kilometers west of Sedan. She was murdered at the age of 13 on the night of 1 January, 1902.[1] Her 25 year old sister Mary Shippan was prosecuted for the crime, but was acquitted. Despite various theories, the case remains unsolved.
Circumstances of the crime
Bertha and Mary Schippan's parents had left that day to visit relatives in Eden Valley. The sisters' two younger brothers had decided to sleep in a nearby barn that night, leaving Bertha and Mary alone in the house. According to Mary, she awoke at 10pm to find a man lying across her chest.[2] She allegedly escaped the house to raise the alarm with her brothers, leaving her sister Bertha behind. Her brothers proceeded to raise the alarm, but Bertha was found the next day violently murdered.
Inquest and Trial
The inquest into Bertha's death was held shortly afterwards, with the suspicion falling on the 25 year old Mary. She was soon afterwards committed to stand trial.[3]
Mary was, however, finally acquitted, due to there only being circumstantial evidence of her guilt.
References
Category:Unsolved murders in Australia Category:People murdered in South Australia Category:Crime in South Australia Category:1902 in Australia
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