Bio

Henry Perry, also known as "Beckett," was born in 1881. He grew up in England. He joined the military and served as a soldier. He fought in the Middle East during World War I. After experiencing the harsh realities of war, he returned home. His time in the military was marked by violence and trauma. Some reports indicate that he suffered during captivity, where he faced torture, including beatings.

Before the incidents that led to his crimes, Perry had a history of legal issues. He had been convicted of crimes multiple times, totaling seventeen prior convictions. Many of these involved violent acts. This troubled history hinted at a pattern of aggressive behavior even before he entered the military.

Perry had a connection to the Cornish family, whom he later came to harm. Mrs. Cornish was his stepfather's sister. He lived with them for a time before being asked to leave due to conflicts. Despite this, he remained linked to the family.

On April 28, 1919, Perry found himself at their house again after being invited in. However, tensions escalated during the visit. 

Murder Story

Henry Perry, also known as Beckett, was involved in a tragic series of events on April 28, 1919. He murdered the Cornish family, which included Walter Cornish, 47, his wife Alice, 43, and their two daughters, Alice, 14, and Marie, 5. This took place in Forest Gate, east London.

Perry had lived with the Cornish family for a time because Mrs. Cornish was his stepfather's sister. However, he was asked to leave after a disagreement. On the day of the murders, Mrs. Cornish invited him back into their home. An argument soon broke out, leading Perry to grab an axe and kill her. He then waited for the other family members to come home and killed them one by one. During the attack, he also stole money and valuables from their home.

At his trial, Perry claimed he was insane. He suggested that the trauma he experienced as a soldier during the war caused his actions. He had been a prisoner, where he faced brutal treatment. He had many previous criminal convictions, totaling seventeen, which included acts of violence.

On May 27, 1919, he was found guilty at the Old Bailey and later sentenced to death. He was executed by hanging on July 10, 1919, in Pentonville.