Dedea Redanies could not bear the thought of his beloved Caroline in another mans arms
John Back was a Gardener from Sheldwich Faversham and Mary Ann Atkinson from Selling Faversham. had their first child Ann in 1827, followed by William in 1835, Mary in 1837 Caroline in 1839, Maria in 1841 Sarah in 1843
They moved from Sheldwich to Buckland Dover before their last daughter Margaret was born in 1846.
In 1848, they celebrated their first daughter Ann getting married to Scottish-born Alexander Dewar, a Gunner in the Royal Artillery at Saint Mary Magdalene, Church Street in Woolwich. Still, she remained home while he was away with the military, and then eventually moved up to St Ninians Stirling Scotland
By 1851, they had moved to Hougham in Dover, living at Bleechers Row, then onto 5 Albion Place Dover
In 1856 Caroline, then 17 years of age, was still living with her parents, with her other siblings but her younger sibling Maria, age 15, was in the service of a tradesman in Sistergate Street. Their father still working as a Gardener and their mother was a Washerwoman.
Caroline and Maria were regular visitors to the Dover Castle hospital, having to pick up laundry items for her mother. During one of these visits, they met a soldier called Dedea Redanies who was at the Shorncliffe camp and after a while, 26-year-old Redanies and Caroline began dating.
Redanies was smitten and often wrote her loving letters, giving her a portrait of himself.
Dedea Redanies was a Serbian who signed up as a private, in the Swiss Legion to serve in the Crimean War.
Previously he had served in the Turkish army but claimed he found its principles ‘disgusting’ and he moved on to Milan, Italy, where he met a Catholic priest who encouraged him to renounce his Mahommedan faith and to become a Roman Catholic.
Redanies then travelled to England and joined the British forces. He became a Batman to Lieutenant Wilhelm Schmidt.
In 1855, he was garrisoned at Shorncliffe Camp, near Folkestone, Kent. However, when the Crimean War ended, in February 1856, Redanies was transferred to another garrison at Aldershot in Hampshire
It became more difficult for Redanies to meet up with Caroline so regularly so through his many letters, Redanies ensured their separation would not jeopardize their seven-month-long relationship but his confidence in their liaison took a huge knock when he saw Caroline, walking out with an artilleryman based at Aldershot. Although Caroline insisted the man was just a friend, Redanies was heartbroken and angry - particularly as Caroline’s interest in him seemed to wane.
Determined to salvage his relationship with Caroline, on Saturday, August 2, 1856, Redanies turned up at the Backs’ home asking to see her. He was invited in and after an amicable chat, Caroline handed back his love letters and a portrait he had given her of him.
Angrily, Redanies tore up the portrait and threw it on the fire. Eventually, when things had quietened down, Caroline told Redanies that he should leave as she was due to catch the 6.15 am train to Folkestone the following morning.
Caroline, at this time, was in poor health, so Redanies suggested that, instead of catching the train, he would meet her early in the morning and they could then walk the nine miles to Folkestone together. This would give them time to discuss their relationship.
John and Mary Back were not keen on this idea, being unsure that their daughter would be fit enough to undertake such a long walk in her condition but Redanies suggested that an early start and the early morning fresh air, would be good for Caroline and after talking it over, her parents agreed - on the condition that her sister Maria would go along, as an escort to Caroline and Redanies eventually left their home at half past nine that evening.
He returned at 3 am on Sunday 3rd August to share breakfast with Caroline, Maria, and their father.
John later reflected that his daughters and Redanies seemed in good humour and happy as they left his home at 5 am. They headed off down the road leading from Dover towards Folkestone. Little did he know this would be the last time he saw them both alive.
At 8 am that morning, A Folkestone carpenter, Thomas Gurling had been walking along the road, when he arrived at a spot known as Steady Hole, Capel-le-Ferne, he decided to sit on the beach to rest his feet but an awful sight awaited him. There, on the pathway to the beach, he saw the body of a young woman. It was Maria Back. Then, a few yards further on, he saw Caroline’s lifeless body. Both girls had multiple stab wounds and their clothes were soaked in blood
Gurling rushed off to the nearby Valiant Sailor Inn and alerted the landlord, Richard Kitham, who then went to see the bodies and between them, they contacted the police and local doctor William Bateman who hurried to the scene of the murders.
The girls were quickly identified and a police officer was given the unenviable task of heading to the Backs’ family home to break the terrible news.
A grief-stricken Mary Back was taken to a little cottage known as Burvills where the bodies of her daughters had been laid out for medical examination. Mary informed the attending police officers that the last time she had seen her daughters was when they left home early that morning with Dedea Redanies who, instantly, became a prime suspect.
When it was found that he had not returned to his quarters at Shorncliffe camp, an alert was put out to apprehend him.
At noon on Monday 4th August, at the Royal Oak Inn, Caple-le-Ferne an inquest began into their deaths, before Mr T. T. Delasaux, Esq. (County Coroner), and a Jury.
The girl's bodies had been removed to a shed at a short distance from the scene of the crime that had been perpetrated.
At the opening of the inquest, the murderer was still at large and the enquiry was merely preliminary
The first witness was Mary Back, the mother of the deceased, who identified the bodies, as those of her daughters Caroline and Maria:
''I live at 5 Albion Place, Dover. On Saturday evening, at half-past 8, a soldier of the British Swiss Legion, named Dedea Redanies, who was courting my daughter Caroline, came to my house to see her. At 10 o'clock, he asked her to go to the encampment at Shorncliffe on the next day, saying that he had a sister there, who wanted to see her. He said he had plenty of money, as his sister had given him £lOO. After some further conversation, it was arranged that both of the sisters should accompany him. He called for them on the following morning, when they had breakfast at half-past 2, and all left the house together at 3 o'clock.
On Saturday evening, Redanies had challenged Caroline with receiving a letter from Sergeant Tiffin, while Redanies was at Aldershot, which she denied and when he came in on Saturday evening he said to her, "Caroline, have you got my miniature?" She replied that she had, and handed it to him, which he immediately broke it into pieces, and threw the pieces into the fire, saying he would have it taken on a larger scale for Caroline.
I had washed for him and his master, during the last nine months. I, first became acquainted with Redanies when I washed for the Military Hospital at the Castle, he was then a corporal. Nothing very unpleasant occurred previous to his leaving the house with my daughters. He was a good-tempered man.
No other witnesses were examined on this occasion. After the foregoing evidence, the Coroner suggested adjourning the further enquiry until ten o'clock on the morning of Thursday 7th August, hinting that it was probable the murderer would be apprehended in the interval.
Since the first sitting of the jury, some additional information about the movements of the prisoner was found
He had passed through Caple -le-Ferne about six o'clock on Sunday morning, with his red jacket and the red stripes of his trousers off, then until 4 or 5 o'clock on that afternoon, he had hidden in a wood in the locality, and was then seen emerging from a barley field near Alkham, Dover which had been passed by Superintendent Steer and Superintendent Stokes, a few minutes previously. Then he passed somewhere between Swingfield and Elham, on Sunday night, and on Monday morning, he aroused the landlord of the Black Robin public house, in Barham, to obtain some refreshment. Then he was traced across the fields to Lower Hardres, where he was captured as described next.
He was apprehended between three and four in the afternoon of Monday the 4th of August.
A man had stopped Mr Lake from Milton, asking him for work. They then spotted Redanies making his way towards them, from the direction of Howfield Manor across the viaduct. Mr Lake's men then appeared and Redanies, realising he was the object of attention, stabbed himself three times in the breast. He was speedily secured by the men and hastily taken to Canterbury Hospital, where it was feared that the internal flow of blood would be fatal. They had obtained a gentleman who acted as an interpreter and Redanies confessed that he had done something dreadful.
Of the three wounds inflicted on himself, only one is considered dangerous, he had stabbed himself in the left breast, and penetrated one of his lungs, being about six inches deep and the medical doctors feared that the Hemorrhage might end in death.
The instrument with which he murdered his victims was a knife, 9 inches in length when opened, and nearly an inch in breadth: it has at the back a spring, which on being pressed keeps the blade open, giving it the stiletto appearance which his captors observed on approaching him.
On the first night at the hospital, near midnight, it was thought that he was dying, and it was considered advisable to send for the Rev. Dr Siddons, a Roman Catholic priest, who asked the prisoner if he desired to communicate anything to him; but Redanies merely expressed his sorrow for what he had done, without making any formal confession. Before leaving, the priest administered the sacrament of extreme unction.
However, Redanies, passed a tolerable night and progressed satisfactorily
On Tuesday the 5th, during the night he asked for the knife, saying that he wanted to finish himself and alluding to his capture, he expressed his regret that he had fallen so soon, or he would have killed himself at that time. He was then watched night and day.
On the evening of Wednesday the 6th, things were looking favourable for his recovery but he was not yet out of danger.
The enquiry continued on the morning of Thursday 7th at ten o'clock, and the examination of witnesses continued:
Thomas Gurling, a carpenter, the next witness called, refused to be sworn in and said he could not take the oath, except as a civil ceremony.
The Coroner ''Do you believe in a state of future rewards and punishments?''
Witness:- ''I do not believe''.
This elicited a remark from the Coroner a remark that the jury might place what credence they thought proper in his statement.
The examination of Gurling then began
''I reside at Folkstone and a little before 6, I had started walking towards Dover, walking as far as the direction post that points to Capel, where I parted with a friend, and then made my way to the edge of the cliff, where I sat down to peruse Reynolds weekly newspaper. In about half an hour I started on my return to Folkstone by the footpath. When I reached Steady Hole, I saw the bodies of two females; and on the one nearest to Dover, I observed blood on her clothes, and she appeared to be dead. I then called for assistance and afterwards went to the other body. from which also life had departed, and I noticed that one of the fingers was cut. The bodies lay about 15 yards apart and I noticed that both had been wounded in the chest. The Deceased were not known to me. I gave orders that they should not be moved until my return from Folkestone to the police.
A statement made by Mrs Back on Monday that Redanies had left her home with the deceased was corrected to this effect:
'that she had heard his voice, when her daughters had called up to say they were leaving but did not see him'
The next witness was John Back, father of the deceased:
''I have known Redanies for about seven or eight months. He came to the house on Saturday evening at about eight and left at about half past 9.
My girls intended on going to Folkestone the following morning, and he proposed to accompany them, and that they should go to the camp at Shorncliffe.
I invited him to breakfast before starting their walk at three. He came and had breakfast with me and my girls, and they went away together at a quarter after three. There was no quarrelling and all appeared on good terms, and it was said that they would have another breakfast when they reached Shorncliffe. I saw Redanies yesterday at the Canterbury Hospital but he was asleep. The Visites produced belonged to my daughters and were worn by them when they left home on Sunday morning.''
In reply to the Foreman: ''Had Redanies, not called, my daughters intended to go to Folkestone by the 6.30 train. They were going to see Mrs Stewart a laundress, who had told Redanies they were coming, and from that information I suppose he came over for them''.
The next witness was Dr W. Bateman, Esq., a Surgeon, of Folkestone:
''l was sent for by Superintendent Steer on Sunday morning to see the deceased, who was lying in an outhouse in a cottage of Caple. I first had the younger sibling Maria removed to another room in the cottage. Her dress was a little disordered, the front part being buttoned up to the neck, and saturated with blood. She had on her gloves and bonnet. On her clothes being removed, I found four incised wounds penetrating the chest, each about half an inch in length. and as deep as I could reach with my fingers. There were two on each aisle of the chest, between the second and fourth ribs. From the direction they took, I am satisfied death was almost instant. The knife produced by the constable (Fryer) is precisely the instrument that could have been used by the murderer. I afterwards examined the body of Caroline and found three wounds upon her chest-One on the right side, which had severed the cartilage of the third rib and penetrated the chest; a second a little higher up, which had passed through the sternum and entered the chest; and the third was on the left breast. There was a stab on her hand, which had struck the knuckle and glanced off. Both the bodies were warm when I saw them''.
The next witness was George Fryer, a Constable, of Thanington, near Canterbury:
''On Monday, from the information received, I proceeded on the Ashford Turnpike road, and having reached the viaduct, I saw a soldier in the road, who instantly drew his right hand from his breast, and threw to the ground, the knife now produced. I approached and took hold of him but could not see that he was bleeding. I unbuckled the strap navel of his body, to which two handkerchiefs. were attached, containing bread, peppermints, and tobacco and took from him, one of the visites' he had. leaving the other on his back, inside out. With other assistance, he was laid on the grass, and I doubled up the visite I held and placed it under his head. He was afterwards removed to the Canterbury Hospital where I watched him until Tuesday at 9 o'clock. He is suffering from wounds on his left breast, which he had received before I took him. I took from his trousers pocket a purse containing 3s. Id. in silver and 33/4d in copper''.
Superintendent Clemente. of Canterbury, was next examined, whose evidence went to show that Mr. Bond dressed the prisoner's wounds before his removal to the Hospital.
George Mush, an Ostler at the Royal Oak, which is about a mile from the scene of the murder:
At five on Sunday morning, while sitting on the bank of the road leading to Folkestone. I saw two young woman walking women walking arm in arm with a soldier, who appeared to be a foreigner. He asked me what it was o'clock, and I said five. They then proceeded towards Folkestone, talking and laughing. I saw the bodies of two females in an outhouse at Caple on Monday and have no doubt they were those of the females, I saw with the soldier on Sunday. I don't think I should know the soldier again.
Elizabeth Attwood of Lower Hardres:
''My husband is a shopkeeper. On Sunday last, a foreign soldier came to my house and asked if I sold writing paper and envelopes. As I had no letter paper, I sold him two sheets of bill paper, two envelopes, a bottle of ink, and a pen. At his request, I permitted him to write In the shop, and he wrote two letters on the bill paper and put them into the envelopes.
The man I have seen at the Canterbury Hospital, I believe, to be the man who wrote the two letters at my shop. I saw him enclose in one of the letters, the pawnbroker's duplicate produced. He then wore the two capes produced, one around his body with the belt, and the other as a jacket. inside out''.
The letters were written In German and a translation was required. Mr. Fuhr, of Dover, was sent for, to interpret their contents. The duplicate was for a silver watch and an Allred chain. pledged at Mr Hart's, Folkestone, for 15s.
On the arrival of the Interpreter. the jury was informed of the contents of the letters,
No 1. was addressed to the mother of the deceased.
Mrs. Back, Albion Place, Dover.
Dearest Mother Back,
In the first lines, I pray to forgive me, the awful accident to the unlucky Dedea Redanies, which I committed upon my very dear Caroline and Marta Back yesterday morning, at five o'clock. Scarcely am I able to write, my heart breaks for my ever-memorable Caroline and Mary Ann. The cause of my deed is:
1. I heard that Caroline is not in the family way, as I first believed.
2 Because Caroline goes to Woolwich.
3. As I cannot stay with my very dear Caroline, it made my heart so scattered, that I put into my mind at last that Caroline may rather die from my hands than allow Caroline's love to be bestowed on others. However, I did not intend to murder Mary Ann, her sister; but not having other opportunity and as she was in my way, I could not do otherwise - I must stab her too.
Saturday evening, when I came, I had not at least any intention to commit this awful act; but as I learned that my dear Caroline would give me back my likeness, and as she told me she would leave me, I did not know any other way in my heart break than that leading to the cutler, where I bought a poignard, which divided the hearty lovers. Arm by arm I brought my dearest souls in the world to the unlucky place near the road before Folkestone and told them to sit down, but the grass being wet, they refused to do so, and I directed Caroline to go forward, and I went behind Mary Ann, into whose breast I run the dagger. With a dull cry, she sank. With the most broken heart, I rushed after Caroline, lifting the poignant In my hand towards her. " Dear Dedea'' cried she, with a half-dead voice, and fell with weeping eyes. Then I rushed her over and gave her the last kisses as an everlasting remembrance. I could not live a more dreadful hour in my life than that was, and my broken heart could not tell where my senses were gone. I took the black shawls of both as a mourning suit for me, leaving the awful spot with weeping and a broken heart. Never shall I forget my dear Caroline and Mary Ann and the poignant will be covered with their blood until it will be put in my breast, and I shall see them again in the eternal life.
Farewell, and be careless about the blissful deceased angels of God; and forgive the unhappy', ever-weeping Dedea Redanies
No. 2 letter was to, Lieut. F. Schmid, at the Shorncliffe camp.
3rd August. 1856.
Dearest Lieut.-Schmid,
With weeping eyes I entreat you to pardon me, the unhappy Dedea, and I inform you that I did not intend to squander your watch. but to give it as a pledge to sister Caroline. You will receive, back your watch if you are so good as to go to No. 5, Albion Place. Dover. I also enclose the pawn ticket for Dr Baumgarten and inform you that I have not got the watch. I sent a letter to the mother of Caroline, but it is in German, so I request you to make an early opportunity to go to Dover and translate the letter for her. Keep the portrait and the lock of hair attached to it as an eternal remembrance of the fearful Sunday. I thank you for every good thing I experienced with you and pardon the unhappy Dedea Redanies, who am ready every minute before my being arrested to kill myself with the same dagger, which murdered my only Joy.. D. REDANIES.
Some of Redanies’ love letters to Caroline, in broken English, were also read out:
‘Four thousand kisses for you my dear Caroline, all Sesters, Broders and Vater and Mutter and me little Brocter Alexander.’
‘Dear Caroline, I compliment you and petition you to write to me, wherefore you of me letter not answer reply, write to me warm I to you. I hope that I in a while ago to see to be home dear Caroline me portraits I send – yours me send when read it is my dear Caroline. I am you not to forget you best me eternal joy. I kiss to you and continue your truly Dedea.’
After the readings of the letters, Superintendent Walker, of the home division of St. Augustine was called;
''l went on Monday to the postmistress of lower Hardres, who at my request handed me the two letters produced, which I delivered to the persons to whom they were addressed, and received them from those parties again, as well as the duplicate from Lieut. Schmid.''
This closed the enquiry. The Coroner remarked, that he was glad the crime was not committed by an Englishman, and the jury took little time to return a verdict of Wilful murder against Dedea Redanies.
The Coroner signed the warrant for his committal to court.
A party in camp acquainted with the prisoner wrote to the Kentish Gazette:
The man, it appears, had been what is termed in humble life, "keeping company " with the elder girl for several months past, and it is supposed was the first to lead her from the paths of virtue. He spent much of his time and means upon her, and not professed, but evinced for her the most passionate attachment, and was ardently desirous of making her his wife. She became pregnant, and as her lover, thought by him, on which he appeared to treat her with increased tenderness; but having his jealousy inflamed on some trifling occasion, and his suspicions at length excited by hearing that she was corresponding with a sergeant of the Legion, he begun to brood over her situation and his own, and to doubt the truth of what he had for months so fondly believed. He is represented as a man of cold and haughty pride, yet of vehement temper; of education and great intelligence, and a pleasing although somewhat reserved address.
He said he had come over for his sweetheart to introduce her to his sister, who had arrived that day, or rather the night before, at Folkestone. The report says he was formerly a pirate chief.
The prisoner was slowly recovering in hospital, and there was every probability that he would soon be able to appear before the magistrates for their investigation. He was committed for trial even upon the confession that he had already made, and when necessary would be removed from the hospital into the county prison.
The bodies of the unfortunate girls were removed from Capel on Tuesday 5th August and were interred on Friday 8th at the New Cemetery, in Dover.
On Saturday 23rd August in Canterbury, shortly before noon, the examination of Dedea Redanies, took place in the Session House, in the lathe of St. Augustine, in this city.
The greatest excitement prevailed, and the courthouse and its various approaches outside were crowded by people anxious to obtain a glimpse of the accused.
After some little delay, in which the magistrates agreed to shorten the inquiry as much as possible, the prisoner Redanies was carried into the court on a chair, supported by pillows, and some of the medical officers connected with the Kent and Canterbury Hospital, to which place Redanies was taken when it was found he had stabbed himself on his being arrested.
Redanies was described as 'more dead than alive', a very spare man, about 5 feet 6 inches high, looking extremely pale, now with a beard and moustache, having grown since his confinement, and his appearance was also described as 'ghastly in the extreme'. He was dressed in the clothing of the gaol, with the words " Kent gaol" branded over them.
The first witness was Thomas Gurling, who found the bodies in Steady Hole on the morning of Sunday week, gave the same evidence as at the inquest.
Then Richard Kitham was examined ''I am the landlord of the Valiant Sailor, I went with Gurling to a place called Steady Hole, and saw the bodies of two young women. There is a short footpath which cuts off a little curve in the road. I assisted in removing them to Burville's Cottage''
Cross-examined:- ''On approaching the spot I saw the oldest girl first. It was lying nearest to Folkestone. The grass did not appear to be disturbed or trodden down''.
Next came Dr. Rost, of St. Augustine's College, who was sworn in as the interpreter and translated the evidence to Redanies, who, on being asked, refused to question the witness.
John Back, the father of the deceased girls, was then called and Redanies was said to have cried and sobbed like a child. He refused to ask any questions.
The next witness was Mrs Back, the mother of the girls, who explained she had identified the bodies and said she received a letter produced by Superintendent Walker in the handwriting of Redanies.
(also, the letter addressed to Lieutenant Schmid was shown, also in his handwriting).
Next was Dr William Bateman, Surgeon, of Folkestone, who explained the injuries on the girls and again, the Prisoner refused to ask any question of the surgeon.
There were also examinations of George Mush, who was asked at the time by Dedea & George Field, Constable, of Hannington, who captured the prisoner and produced the knife used.
The Chairman asked PC Fields ''How was he dressed?''
PC Fields: ''He had on the two capes over his shirt; he had a pair of soldier's trousers ou, but no coat''.
The next person examined was Mr John Green, a Cutler of Snargate Street, Dover. He said he remembered the knife produced. It was bought off him by the prisoner at the beginning of August, shortly before six o'clock in the evening; the prisoner opened the knife and put it in the sheath produced.
Then Superintendent Clements, Canterbury police, was called and stated that on the 4th of August, he received information which caused him to take a visit to Chartham, where he found the prisoner, who was stabbed; he took the prisoner to Canterbury Hospital, and left him in the custody of a constable; on one of the capes, there were three cuts, corresponding with the stabs on his body.
Witnesses Mrs Attwood, who gave Redanies the letter paper and Martha Baywood the Postmaster's wife at Lower Hardres who had received the letters from Redanies were examined.
Martha Baywood stated she gave those letters to Superintendent Walker who said, from the information he received he had gone to the Post office at Hardres, and there he had two letters shown to him and after the addressees opened them, he was ordered to impound them and they were the letters produced one was addressed Mrs Back, and the other to Lieutenant Schmiff.
Dr. Rost then said had seen the two letters, and the documents produced were translations of the letters written by the prisoner. They were read to the Court.
The chairman then asked Dr. Rost, to ask Redanies if he had anything to say, he may do so, but anything he says will be taken down and could be used against him Dr. Rost having told the prisoner, said he had nothing to say.
The Chairman—-'' Then he is fully committed to take his trial at the assizes''.
It was stated that the prisoner was not in a fit state to be removed to Maidstone prison and a conversation ensued as to which Gaol would be better suited and it was agreed he should remain at St Augustine's for the time being
The witnesses were bound over to appear at the trial the proceedings were terminated and Redanies was carried out the court weeping bitterly
While in Canterbury Prison Redanies became acquainted with another prisoner by the name of George Hinton. Redanies confided in Hinton that, earlier in the year, he had seen Caroline with an artilleryman from Woolwich. He said that Caroline, by this point, had appeared cool towards him. She explained that the artilleryman was a good friend but Redanies had convinced himself that she was about to embark on an affair with the artilleryman.
He told Hinton how he had bombarded Caroline with love letters from his garrison at Aldershot but it soon became clear that she had tired of their relationship – even to the point of telling Redanies that she was pregnant by the artilleryman.
Redanies explained that when he realized the pregnancy was a figment of Caroline’s imagination, he became so enraged that he made his way to the Backs’ family home but, on arrival, Caroline had handed him back all the letters he had written to her and also his portrait.
While at the Backs’ house Redanies discovered a letter, written by the artilleryman to Caroline, hoping that he would soon see her again in Woolwich.
Redanies told his fellow prisoner Hinton that he had been determined that this meeting would never take place. After leaving the Backs’ home he had made his way to John Green’s cutler’s shop in Dover and purchased a large knife – the knife with which he killed Caroline and Maria.
Redanies’ trial began on December 16, 1856, at Maidstone Assizes. He entered a plea of guilty to Caroline’s murder yet not guilty to Maria’s. Realizing the difficulties in interpretation, the judge, Baron Bramwell, questioned this.
He told Redanies that if he were to be found guilty of just one of the murders, he would have no option other than to pass The Sentence of Death on him.
"I wouldn’t want you to hang if the evidence produced in court has not been properly tested in court," said the judge.
He then offered Redanies another opportunity to plead not guilty to Caroline’s murder, but Redanies was in no mood to change his mind.
"I have nothing to say," he replied in German. (According to a report in The Times soon after the trial, Redanies had entered the courtroom intending to plead guilty to both murders.)
When his letter to Mary Back was read to the court it was revealed why Maria was also killed: "I did not also wish to murder Maria but, not having any other opportunity, as she was in my way, I could not do otherwise – I must stab her too."
While Redanies made no effort to defend himself in court, Baron Bramwell, keen to ensure a fair trial, recruited a volunteer – a man by the name of Barrow to defend him. Apart from claiming Redanies was not right in his mind when he committed the murders, it’s hard to find any other course of defence Mr Barrow could have offered. At least he tried.
The learned Judge summing up:
The prisoner having pleaded guilty to the murder of one of the girls, while to the murder of the other, he had upon his plea of not guilty, while the circumstances were exactly the same, I felt it only fair to try him as not guilty for both. In order that we may see if there were any circumstances in the case which gave the explanation of his conduct as could absolve him in any degree from the circumstances.''
He then complimented the learned counsel Mr Barrow on his admirable manner of defence in which he had been discharged the duty of at such short notice.
He then went through the evidence, dwelling on points introduced by the defence and after pointing out the law on the subject of insanity, left it to the jury to decide whether there was sufficient evidence to indicate that the prisoner did not know the nature and quality of the crime he had committed.
The Jury were scarcely two minutes in they returned a verdict of WILFUL MURDER against Dedea Redanies
The prisoner was then asked, through the interpreter whether he had anything to say about why the sentence of death should not be passed, His reply was that of a simple 'no'
The Judge then assumed the black cap, and addressed him as follows:
''Prisoner at the bar, the jury has found you guilty of the murder of this young woman, Marie and I have no doubt they have properly found you guilty. Your offence is not as hateful as though it had proceeded to obtain the property of another, or of revenge, or any other motive hateful or detestable in itself but you have allowed ill-regulated passion to get the mastery over you and your conduct in reality, as selfish and as wicked as if it proceeded from any of the motives I have mentioned, one may pity you more, it is necessary to make an example as much in this as in any of murder to pass the sentence of the law on you, after warning you that most assuredly it will be carried into execution, that you may prepare yourself to the fate that you may shortly undergo.
The sentence of the court on you for the charge of wilful murder is that you be taken hence to the prison from whence you came, from thence to the place of execution and from there be hanged from the next until you are dead and your body buried within the precincts of the Gaol, according to the statute that case made and provided.
The sentence was translated clause by clause by the interpreter and Redanies was said to be unmoved by his sentence and walked coolly from the dock and was taken to Maidstone Prison to await execution''.
In his cell Redanies passed the time drawing – he was said to be an excellent artist and he produced a remarkable pair of drawings showing the murders of the sisters which, when given to one of the guards, were immediately sold to the newspapers.
One picture bore the inscription ‘Farewell my dear Maryia – Dedea Redanies’. The other picture showed himself with Caroline with the fatal knife lying on the ground and with an angel in the sky above. Underneath this picture, Redanies had added the inscription: ‘Death of Caroline Back, from Dedea Redanies, of August 3, 1856. Farewell, my dear Caroline.’
During his time in prison, Redanies was a particularly quiet inmate, 'sleeping and eating well and showing little concern for his approaching fate,’ according to The Times
The Rev. Chaplain, finding the difficulty to communicate with him insurmountable, told him to write down anything in German and it could be translated upon which Redanies wrote the following:
Dear sirs,
As you have made me the offer my last wishes be fulfilled, and I take the liberty of bringing these requests to you.
I wish as soon as possible to see a German Roman Catholic priest. I wish to be led to the place of my execution by the man who kills me, as I led my poor dead girls to where I killed them. Then I wish the parents and brothers and sisters of my dear Caroline and Maria to see and I wish the Mother or a sister of my eternally loved Caroline to bring me a remembrance that I can take to my grave. I command you from gratitude beyond the grave to our Father, the lord Jesus Christ Amen
Upon this Father Lawrence was called for and his other wish was also sent to Mrs Back, who attended from Dover and had a visit with him. He kissed her hand, treated her with kindness and begged for her forgiveness, which after some reproaches, she gave to him.
He asked the Chaplain for something to give to the family as tokens and the Chaplain gave him three testaments, which he signed but as they never visited again, he gave them to others within the prison.
After a short time of visiting with Father Lawrence, it seemed that he believed that Redanies was not right in his mind and with him being a foreigner and it was disputed, as to whether he had a fair trial.
A letter was sent to Sir George Grey, The Secretary of State explaining the issues, in the hope of a reprieve from execution. They received a letter back on the day of the Execution stating that he had read through all the evidence and he could see no reason for it not to go ahead.
Unusually, Redanies was allowed a few perks in prison, possibly because of his good behaviour. One perk was being allowed to smoke his pipe but on the Wednesday before his execution, he laid it down and declared: ‘I shall smoke no more. I prepare myself to meet my dear Caroline.’
On New Year’s Day, 1857, Redanies was led from his cell to the scaffold on the roof of the porter’s lodge at Maidstone Prison after having spent a long period that morning with Roman Catholic priest Father Lawrence who spoke to the prisoner in German.
William Calcraft was waiting for Redanies on the scaffold.
On seeing him, Redanies stood perfectly still, military straight and promptly saluted Calcraft and surrendered himself for pinioning. He showed very little concern for his plight and readily approached the scaffold and, according to one witness, claimed: ‘In a few moments I shall be in the arms of my dear Caroline - I care not for death!’
At midday, Calcraft fitted the straps around Redanies’ legs and withdrew the bolt. His body was left hanging for the usual hour and then was interred in the prison grounds.
Unfortunately, his was not the only death that day. Later, as the scaffold was being dismantled, part of it collapsed and a heavy beam landed on a workman’s head, killing him instantly.
Redanies had also given the priest a letter for Mr and Mrs Back, not to be given to them until after his execution, written in rough German, translated as follows:
Dear parents
Forget your anger against me and do not curse me in my grave. Remember that by doing so you would not only afflict me, but also my dear Caroline and Maria They love me as I love them. We are above with our Father, again together, where we shall see one another again and live with the Father of love, Jesus Christ
I greet you with my dear Caroline and Maria and wish you the blessings of God and prosperity until the voice of God calls you to life everlasting
Caroline Back
Dedea Redanies
Maria Back
This story features in - Calcraft - Britain's longest-serving Hangman: Volume 7 - The Poisoners & Crimes Of Passion by Ivan Sage which includes the pictures he drew, while in prison or check out the Kent online article on the murder, which also includes the pictures.
Life After
The family moved to Thomas Street Woolwich and John worked at the Dockyard as a gardener.
The murders of Caroline and Maria didn't seem to be put off their sisters from soldiers and they all married military men.
Sarah Married at age 17 (6 months pregnant) on 1st December 1860 at Saint Mary Magdalene, Woolwich to Miles Thompson, a Corporal with the Royal Artillery,
Mary married at age 24 on 15 Jan 1861 at Saint Mary Magdalene, Woolwich to Henry Todd a Sergeant in the Royal Artillery
Margaret Married at age 18 on 13 Feb 1864 at Saint Mary Magdalene, Woolwich to James Barnes a Bombardier in the Royal Horse Artillery
Their only Son William became a Seaman and eventually married at age 35 on 22 Aug 1871 at St Thomas, Charlton to widow Charlotte Winslow, who had 2 children
Tragedy struck again for the family when on 25th December 1872, John choked on a piece of meat and died, at home in Thomas Street, aged 68 years. An inquest was held on the 26th of December with the Coroner for Kent and it was ruled an accidental death.
Mother Mary died at age 76 years, on 25th January 1882 at home in Thomas Street, after having suffered from Broncho Pneumonia for 7 days
SOURCES
Archive, T.B.N. (no date) History’s colourful stories in black and white, Home | Search the archive | British Newspaper Archive. Available at: https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/
Nickalls, A. (2020, September 20). The story of Dedea Redanies who killed Caroline and Maria Back on Steddy Hole, Capel-le-Ferne. Kentonline. Retrieved August 19, 2024, from https://www.kentonline.co.uk/kent/news/the-soldier-who-killed-his-lover-and-her-sister-233933/
Dover Telegraph and Cinque Ports General Advertiser (1856) 'The Murder near Dover' 09 August pg 8
Folkestone Chronicle (1856)' Adjourned inquest' 09 August pg 8
Sussex Advertiser (1856) 'Murder of two sisters at Folkstone, attempted suicide of the Murderer' 12 August pg 3
Kentish Gazette (1856) 'The late atrocious double murder' 12 August pg 7
Berkshire Chronicle (1856) The murder of two young females near Dover 23 August pg3
Maidstone Journal and Kentish Advertiser (1856) 'The double murder near Folkstone' 20 December pg 3
Belfast News-Letter (1857) EXECUTION OF DEDEA REDANIES. MAIDSTONE 05 January pg 4
1Maidstone Journal and Kentish Advertiser (1857) EXECUTION OF DEDEA REDANIES 06 January pg 5
1General Register Office (no date) General Register Office - Online Ordering Service - Login. Available at: https://www.gro.gov.uk/gro/content/certificates/
1Bring your backstory to lifeTM (no date) Ancestry® | Genealogy, Family Trees & Family History Records. Available at: http://www.ancestry.co.uk/
Archive, T.B.N. (no date) History’s colourful stories in black and white, Home | Search the archive | British Newspaper Archive. Available at: https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/
Pictures and historical info from Wikipedia https://www.wikipedia.org/
Comentarios