Roebourne Bank Murders

The 1885 murders of William Anketell and Henry Burrup at the Union Bank Roebourne and the ensuing investigation and controversy.

The Fremantle Herald

The Fremantle Herald

May 1885

22nd – The Herald states that the motive for the murders was not bank robbery and appeals to the common sense of its readers.

July 1885

11th – The Herald states why, unlike the other press, it believes bank robbery was not a motive for the murders nor committed by the accused working class men and “Chinaman”. In fact is goes as far as to say that the unfortunate victims were murdered by a person/persons of their own social class and that this is an unjust stain upon the higher classes of the community.

October 1885

31st – The Herald questions whether there is a political will to solve the murders and as a result, the government leaving itself open to be accused of hushing up murders in certain circumstances.