DECEMBER 26, 1902
by Blake Cramshot
Early Edition
Police were dragged from their Christmas suppers yesterday to attend the scene of a heinous crime at the manor house in Owl Park, one mile from the village of Tiverton in Devon. An unidentified male was found dead in the home of Lord and Lady Greyson several hours after his demise. The case will be handled by Detective Inspector Thaddeus Willard, newly appointed to the Tiverton constabulary under some protest, as certain local men of standing consider him to be an outsider and too young for this position of responsibility. A murder at our most prominent address will be a test of his abilities that many expect him to fail. Lord Greyson’s family and servants are nearly united in avoiding questions from the press. If police meet the same resistance, a solution to this barbaric act will not be soon forthcoming. The family have only themselves to blame if the situation is not quickly resolved. A few details have slipped out from the close-lipped household: The deceased was part of a theatrical troupe that performed for the Christmas Eve party. According to a member of the staff, the crime involved bloodshed. A bucket of vinegar and a pound of salt were used to clean the carpet. It is hoped that D.I. Willard will soon make a statement to satisfy the natural curiosity of a village that is now forever tainted by this violent act.