Post by Sher on Jun 17, 2005 9:03:55 GMT -5
Father of Confederation Thomas D'Arcy McGee was shot dead outside his Ottawa rooming house in April 1868.
Irish immigrant and tailor Patrick James Whelan, arrested a day after the government posted a $2,000 reward, maintained his innocence throughout his trial. He was hanged in a snowstorm in February 1869, one of the country's final public hangings.
Controversy surrounds Whelan's conviction. Sources say the bullet found at the scene didn't match the recently fired revolver found in Whelan's possession.
Experts have suggested modern-day ballistics tests on the bullet, kept at the Ontario Archives, could prove whether Whelan's gun was used.
Irish immigrant and tailor Patrick James Whelan, arrested a day after the government posted a $2,000 reward, maintained his innocence throughout his trial. He was hanged in a snowstorm in February 1869, one of the country's final public hangings.
Controversy surrounds Whelan's conviction. Sources say the bullet found at the scene didn't match the recently fired revolver found in Whelan's possession.
Experts have suggested modern-day ballistics tests on the bullet, kept at the Ontario Archives, could prove whether Whelan's gun was used.
