Bio

George Mackay, who later used the name John Williams, was born in 1883. He grew up in a wealthy Scottish family. 

As a young man, Mackay began to engage in a life of crime. He became involved in burglary and was familiar with criminal activities. He was often described as a skilled burglar. 

At the age of 29, Mackay was living in Eastbourne, England, with his pregnant girlfriend, Florence Seymour. They lived together in a house on Tideswell Road. 

On October 9, 1912, Mackay's life took a dramatic turn. He was involved in an attempted burglary which resulted in a police officer's murder. Following this incident, police began to search for him, and he was soon arrested. He maintained his innocence throughout the investigation and trial that would follow.

Murder Story

On the evening of October 9, 1912, George Mackay, using the name John Williams, attempted to burglarize the home of Countess Flora Sztaray in Eastbourne, England. While he was crouched on the canopy over the front door, the countess's driver noticed him and alerted her. Concerned for her safety, the countess called the police. Inspector Arthur Walls arrived to investigate. When he ordered Mackay to come down, he received no response, but instead, fired shots rang out. Inspector Walls was shot and fell to the ground.

After the incident, Mackay fled the scene. The next day, a man named Edgar Power came forward to inform the police that Mackay was the suspect they were looking for. Power knew Mackay personally. He described him as a known burglar who had been living with his pregnant girlfriend, Florence Seymour. The police soon apprehended Mackay in London. An identity parade was set up, but no witnesses could identify him.

Florence and Power were later found searching for the murder weapon on the beach. When questioned by the police, Florence stated they were looking for the gun that Mackay had buried there following the shooting. A police search unearthed a revolver which could have been used in the crime.

Mackay's trial occurred in December 1912 at the Lewes Assizes. He admitted to being in the area but denied killing the inspector. However, the jury did not find him credible and convicted him of murder. He was sentenced to death.

After the verdict, Mackay filed for an appeal, but it was denied by the court. Many petitions supporting his case were sent to the Home Secretary, but they were unsuccessful. Mackay was hanged at Lewes Prison on January 29, 1913.