The last execution in New Zealand, James Bolton

[Samson]

New Zealand is a country of 4.5 million. Multiply by 70 to expect the equivalent incidence of crime in America.

I would be interested in views here, was this another man hanged for a crime not comitted, or unproved?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walter_James_Bolton

 

[Samson]

Further analysis suggests Bolton was innocent. He was the only member of the family to allow an autopsy, which found traces of arsenic in her body. He had also spent 500 pounds on hospital care in the previous 12 months. There was nothing to indicate motive for Bolton, but many people had died near his sister in law. She comitted suicide soon after the hanging, leaving a note that was suppressed, but allegedly admitting to the death. She was allegedly seducing Bolton, so a motive would be indicated. She had also seduced other men.

Here is a link to Investigate magazine, which is often viewed scathingly, but in this case looks to have it right.

Scroll most of the way down for the story.

http://folksong.org.nz/puketapu/Bolton.pdf

There are possible lessons for New Zealanders in this story, but they are woefully neglectful of colliding with the truth.

 

[Samson]

This case begins a series where singular highly significant data points can prove or disprove involvement.

Walter James Bolton was the only member of the extended family to allow the autopsy of his wife to proceed. He could have prevented it.
The autopsy showed high levels of arsenic.
Within two months, protesting his innocence, justice Kenneth Gresson had ushered him to the gallows, presiding over both trial and appeal.

 

[fuelair]

This case begins a series where singular highly significant data points can prove or disprove involvement.

Walter James Bolton was the only member of the extended family to allow the autopsy of his wife to proceed. He could have prevented it.
The autopsy showed high levels of arsenic.
Within two months, protesting his innocence, justice Kenneth Gresson had ushered him to the gallows, presiding over both trial and appeal.

Did the "judge" ever get what he deserved? And the prosecutor?

 

[Samson]

Did the "judge" ever get what he deserved? And the prosecutor?

It is a difficult question for me. I have come to the case late. It happens that I know members of Gresson's family quite well. How do you account for this anomaly? Bolton was clearly innocent as analysis shows, his wife may have died from trace ambient arsenic in the local water supply, but with a far higher degree of probability, at the hand of her sister. Death followed her sister everywhere.
I am working on a simple way to change prosecutorial procedure in New Zealand, and it seems sensible to limit the study to offences that would generally be capital in America. I have a burgeoning belief that the best friend to an innocent man is the focus DP brings to the party. Too late for Walter James Bolton, whose neck never broke.