Australian Town and Country Journal at KellyGang 17/8/1872 (4)
Senior-constable Foley and Mr Elwyn, the superintendent of Yanco station, at once visited the scene of the tragedy. On searching about, they found the cart ransacked, but the greater part of the clothing loft untouched; also some large cheques and notes. Further search was made and about 200 yards north of the cart at the side of a burnt log the remains of charred bones of a human being or beings were found. They were so burnt than not a piece could be found larger than a halfcrown; and positive identification was impossible. Some distance beyond, a short time afterwards, the hawker's dog was also found dead; the dog's brains had evidently been beaten out.
Considerable excitement prevailed in the district, and crowds of people came from all parts to see the terrible spot. The poor mother of the young follows, who lived in Sydney, had to be told the dreadful news, which almost killed her. She wrote up to the police, asking them to examine the cart closely in a certain place, and they would find a secret drawer there. On the receipt of the letter the police proceeded to the cart (which was laying in the yard of the police station) and in a few minutes discovered the secret drawer which was found to contain a large sum of money.
A magisterial inquiry was hold by Mr F A Tompson, but very little evidence was obtained. The fact was elicited that when the brothers were last seen I alive they were "skylarking " on the road. Then it was freely asserted that they had quarrelled, and that one had murdered the other. The opinion of a medical gentleman who gave evidence, went to show that the bones were only those of one individual. The conclusion that there were two murders was come to, from the fact that there were raked out of the ashes buttons sufficient for two pairs of trousers. This was accounted for by, the theory that the murderer took the precaution of burning in the same fire, all his own clothing, that were in any way stained with blood.
Other witnesses deposed that, some loafers of the worst description, were seen in the vicinity of the murder, or murders on the day in question. The Government offered a reward of £500 for the apprehension of the murderers. A number of persons were apprehended on suspicion, but after examination were dismissed. About three years ago, however, a bad character named Campbell was arrested. The evidence against him was purely circumstantial. The principal evidence was to the effect that he was seen in the neighbourhood at the time; and that, a watch similar to some purchased by the Pohlmans from Myers and Solomon, of Sydney, had been sold by prisoner after the murder.
It was also said, though it did not come out in evidence, that in a drunken spree Campbell admitted that he and several others, were engaged in the murder, and that one of the number was sent into the township of Narrandera, and then purchased some brandy for his companions whilst they were burning the body or bodies. It must have taken six hours at least to so completely perform the task of burning the bodies, even to the bones. Campbell was hung, but died without having made a confession. It is beyond a doubt, that others not yet arrested were engaged in the crime. The conduct of senior-constable Foley, and other members of the police, who were engaged in unravelling the mystery is spoken of in the highest terms. "The Murdering Sand-hills" will be pointed out for years to come with a shudder as the scone of this terrible crime.
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