Dark Stories: On This Day In True Crime History - Dark Stories True Crime Tours

1865: David Young Hanged at Castlemaine for the Murder of Margaret Graham

David Young was executed at Castlemaine Gaol on 21 August 1865 for the murder of Margaret Graham at Daylesford. His case had drawn fierce public controversy: Young spent nearly seven months imprisoned before trial, twice remanded at Castlemaine Assizes by Crown Prosecutor C. A. Smyth despite what his defence counsel described as no credible evidence. His lawyer made repeated applications for discharge, one of which was refused by Judge Williams, who instead ordered that Young be tried or freed.

The prolonged detention sparked a public letter from his counsel condemning the Crown prosecutor’s conduct as repugnant to English law and a cruel oppression. Comparisons were drawn to parliamentary compensations paid to wrongfully imprisoned men in England and the colony. Despite all of this, Young was ultimately convicted and hanged.

⬅ See all events from 21 August

Australia Castlemaine Daylesford Execution Murder Trial VIC

Spread the word on your favourite platform!

1876: Donegal Jim Hanged at Ballarat for the Assault of Elizabeth Reece at Burrumbeet

James Ashe, known as “Donegal Jim,” was hanged at Ballarat Gaol on 21 August 1876 for the violent assault of Elizabeth Reece at Burrumbeet on 4 April that year.

After months of searching, Detective Mahony spotted Ashe sitting on a doorstep in Elizabeth Street, Melbourne, and recognised him from a description in the Police Gazette. Ashe gave a false name and denied knowing anything about the attack.

He was identified first by Reece’s son-in-law and then taken back to Burrumbeet, where Reece immediately recognised him. On seeing him among several men, she pointed him out, saying, “There he is; that’s the ruffian.” When asked to identify him more closely, she touched Ashe and said, “This is the one.”

Ashe was convicted and sentenced to death. On the morning of 21 August, he walked calmly to the gallows at Ballarat Gaol. Asked whether he wished to say anything, he simply replied, “No sir.” He was then hanged.

Lake Burrumbeet bushland reserve, Victoria Australia

⬅ See all events from 21 August

Australia Ballarat Burrumbeet Execution Murder Trial VIC

Spread the word on your favourite platform!

1884: James Hawthorn Hanged at Melbourne Gaol for Shooting His Brother Dead

On the night of 21 March 1884, William Hawthorn, a market gardener near Brighton, was shot while sleeping in his house. He died nine days later from his wounds. His brother James was quickly implicated: native trackers Moses and Johnny found double tracks between the two brothers’ homes, footprints matching James’s boots exactly, and a recently discharged gun in his possession. The brothers had been locked in a bitter equity dispute, and James had openly threatened William’s life.

Acquitted by a coroner’s jury, James was nonetheless arraigned by the Crown and tried twice in the Supreme Court. The first jury deadlocked; the second convicted him on 26 July 1884. The Chief Justice sentenced him to death, and a bid for executive reprieve failed. He was hanged at Melbourne Gaol at 10 o’clock on the morning of 21 August 1884.

⬅ See all events from 21 August

Australia Brighton Execution Melbourne Murder Trial VIC

Spread the word on your favourite platform!

1891: William Colston Hanged at Melbourne Gaol for the Narbethong Double Murder

William Colston, a carpenter, was arrested at Yarra Glen after being recognised outside a hotel by a former acquaintance, A.V. Forster, who slipped away under the pretence of fetching his purse and alerted the local constable. Colston had denied his identity, claiming his name was Lewis, but Constable Arnold confirmed the arrest by locating the distinctive bald spot on the back of his head, matching the description published in the Police Gazette. He had been wanted over the murders of Mr. and Mrs. Davis at Narbethong on 20 February.

Colston was tried, convicted, and hanged at Melbourne Gaol on 21 August 1891.

Upon arrest, Colston acknowledged he was the man being sought and admitted he had committed the murders, proceeding to describe the circumstances under which he had killed the elderly couple.

William Colston - Final Days — William Colston – Final Days

⬅ See all events from 21 August

Australia Execution Melbourne Murder Narbethong Trial VIC Yarra Glen

1865: David Young Hanged at Castlemaine for the Murder of Margaret Graham

Spread the word on your favourite platform!

1876: Donegal Jim Hanged at Ballarat for the Assault of Elizabeth Reece at Burrumbeet

Spread the word on your favourite platform!

1884: James Hawthorn Hanged at Melbourne Gaol for Shooting His Brother Dead

Spread the word on your favourite platform!

1891: William Colston Hanged at Melbourne Gaol for the Narbethong Double Murder

Spread the word on your favourite platform!

Subscribe to Dark Stories