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Witness Testimonies
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Several witnesses were interviewed by Det. John Murray during the investigation. Specifically,
witnesses at the train station had spotted Birchall arrive in Eastwood with Benwell but depart
without him. One witness also claimed to have noticed Birchall’s muddy boots as he stood on the
platform waiting to depart.
•
On the night of the murder, several witnesses had interacted with two highly intoxicated men
who had been walking through the area that night looking for a fight. This led some to believe
that these men (surnames Baker and Caldwell) could have killed Benwell and forgot about it.
When they were interviewed they admitted they could not remember everything that happened
that night.
•
Douglas Pelly was a crucial witness in the case. Pelly claimed to have found Benwell’s luggage in
Niagara Falls, still at customs despite Birchall claiming he had intended to have the luggage
shipped at Benwell’s request. Pelly also stated that the night he arrived in Buffalo Birchall was
insistent that they see the falls. Pelly believed Birchall had intentions of pushing him over.
However, in his interrogation Birchall claimed that Pelly had a sour relationship with Benwell and
the two would often argue. Det. Murray did not feel that this discredited Pelly’s testimony.