Salt Spring Murder Case

The Daily British Columbian June 4, 1869

The trial of Tom, the Indian, for the murder of William Robinson, was concluded yesterday, the prisoner being found guilty and sentenced to be hanged. The evidence of his guilt was clear and conclusive. The Indian witness, Schystatis, swore that he went to the house with the prisoner, Tom, who told him he was going to kill Robinson, and wanted him to assist in robbing the house. The witness went into the house and Tom took a seat by the fire. Robinson was getting his breakfast. Witness went out again and shortly after heard a gun. He returned and saw Robinson dead, and lying just as described by other witnesses. Other circumstantial evidence pointed out the prisoner's guilt so clearly that the jury could have no doubts that he was the murderer of the man Robinson.