Bio

Miao Chung-yi, also reported as Chung Yi Miao, was born around 1900. He was described in reports as a Chinese law student and an educated man. In 1928, Miao married Siu Wai-Sheung in New York. She was about 29 years old and was reported to be wealthy.

After their marriage, the couple traveled to Britain during their honeymoon or European tour. In June 1928, they stayed at the Borrowdale Gates Hotel in Grange-in-Borrowdale, Cumbria.

Murder Story

In June 1928, Miao Chung-yi and his wife, Siu Wai-Sheung, were staying at the Borrowdale Gates Hotel in Grange-in-Borrowdale, Cumbria. They had recently married in New York and were traveling in Britain. On June 19, 1928, the couple left the hotel for a walk. Miao later returned alone. When staff asked where his wife was, he gave different explanations, including that she had gone shopping in Keswick.

Later that evening, Siu Wai-Sheung’s body was found near a riverside footpath. She had been strangled with a cord. Investigators later found that the cord matched the type used on the hotel blinds. Police became suspicious of Miao after he made comments about his wife being assaulted, robbed, and murdered before police had told him those details. Officers also found two of his wife’s rings hidden in their hotel room, including her wedding ring.

Miao claimed his wife had been attacked by jewel thieves, but the court rejected that explanation. He was tried at Carlisle Assizes in October 1928 and found guilty of murder. His appeal was dismissed in November 1928. On December 6, 1928, Miao Chung-yi was executed by hanging at Strangeways Prison in Manchester.