MYSTERY surrounds the murder of an aged farmer named Wm. Simpson, of Derryhormick, Letterbreen, about three and a half miles from Enniskillen.

The tragedy occurred on Sunday morning last.

Derryhormick is the centre of a peaceable and law-abiding community.

Living with Simpson was a young man, Wm. Thomas Armstrong, and his wife.

Connection

The farm which had belonged to Simpson had been assigned by him to Armstrong, who was a far-out connection.

Simpson had recently been very ill and was not expected to live more than a few days, when the tragic event of Sunday morning took place.

A shot was heard

The deceased was sleeping in a room that had formerly been occupied by himself and Armstrong, and at about 2am a shot was heard, and Simpson was found in a dying condition by Mrs. Armstrong.

Mr. Armstrong hastened to Arney police barracks with the information of the outrage, and later when the police made inquiries, they placed Armstrong under arrest on suspicion, following statements alleged to have been made by Simpson, who died about 10am on Sunday morning.

Threatening letter

Armstrong, who is a special constable, received a threatening letter, and one theory is that the shot fired was meant for his body.

Meanwhile the police are perplexed, as the bullet cannot be found.

A military inquiry will be held into the occurrence.