Research sheds light on GI’s murder of seven-year-old girl in Northern Ireland in 1944
Summary
In 1944, US soldier William Harrison killed seven-year-old Patricia "Patsy" Wylie in Northern Ireland. New research by Patsy’s niece reveals details about the crime, the trial, and its lasting effects on the family and community.Key Facts
- William Harrison was a US soldier stationed in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland during World War II.
- On 25 September 1944, Harrison took seven-year-old Patsy Wylie to the shops but instead assaulted and killed her.
- Harrison confessed to the crime, was tried, convicted, and executed by hanging in 1945.
- Patsy’s niece, Annie Kalotschke, researched the case for over 30 years and is writing a book called Never Speak of Rope.
- Harrison came from a troubled family and showed signs of alcohol dependence before enlisting in the army.
- There were only a few murder-rape cases linked to US soldiers in the UK during WWII, and Harrison was the only one executed for child murder.
- Some local rumors suggested Harrison was spared or sent elsewhere after the crime, and some people unfairly blamed the Wylie family.
- The execution did not go as planned, and Harrison’s hanging lasted longer than usual, possibly due to the executioner’s state or feelings about the crime.
Read the Full Article
This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.