Stanley Jones murdered his family - Parson Cross Sheffield 23rd September 1954
"Never open the door to the lesser evil, for other and greater ones invariably slink in after it" Baltasar Gracián(1601 - 1658);Spanish Jesuit and writer.
This article is one that I have had on my mind for a while now. I never post "recent" material but this tragedy occurred nearly seventy years ago. I could not find any mention of the incident anywhere either in print or on-line hence the decision to post the article. The victims should not be forgotten
The newspaper reports provide the narrative
Yorkshire Post and Leeds Mercury 24th September 1954
Daily Mirror dated 25th September 1954
Yorkshire Post and Leeds Mercury 2nd October 1954
Yorkshire Post and Leeds Mercury 22nd October 1954
Sheffield Star 25th November 1954
All the reports note that Stanley Jones and his wife Ada were a devoted couple and that they idolised their two children Brian age 8 and Judith age 2. The Huddersfield Examiner dated 23rd September 1954 noted that the family had previously lived near Sheffield's city centre but had moved to Yew Greave Crescent three years earlier. Stanley Junes clearly struggled with his mental health and earlier that year he had a mental breakdown. He was seeking treatment for his condition and was to see a Dr. Jeffrey. It appears that Stanley Jones thought or more to the point was convinced that he was going to be committed to a mental institution for an indefinite period and that he would be separated from his family. All three members of the family had been strangled and Ada had also received blows to the head that had rendered her unconscious.
The turning on of the gas cooker to full was to be the final act for Stanley Jones but his neighbour Mr Ronald Hague smelt the gas and contacted the police who broke in. He was charged with capital murder but given the mature of the crime and the circumstances surrounding it, it was evident that Stanley Jones would be unfit to plead or even understand the proceedings. As the principal medical officer remarked at the time of the offences "he was incapable of knowing whether he was doing right or wrong." Stanley Jones was insane and would be committed to a mental institution.
I do not know what happened to Stanley Jones after the trial. And I do not know where his family were laid to rest. And so if anyone can assist me I would be grateful
Sources
The Huddersfield Examiner dated 23rd September 1954
Yorkshire Post and Leeds Mercury 24th September 1954
Daily Mirror dated 25th September 1954
Yorkshire Post and Leeds Mercury 2nd October 1954
Yorkshire Post and Leeds Mercury 22nd October 1954
Sheffield Star 25th November 1954
This page was last updated on 28/09/23 08:43