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Conviction and Execution
At the close of the trial, Judge McMahon reminded the jury
that they must deliberate with clear, unbiased minds.
Unfortunately for Birchall, an hour and a half later the
twelve-man jury found him guilty. The judge asked Birchall if
he would like to make a final statement to which Birchall
responded, “Simply that I am not guilty of the crime, my
Lord!”. Judge McMahon sentenced Birchall to be hanged. On
November 14, 1890 Reginald Birchall was executed for the
murder of Frederick C. Benwell. People gathered in the
streets to catch a glimpse of the hanging. Newspapers
reported that Birchall appeared fearless until the very end.