In 1896 New Castle, Delaware 19-year-old Edward Wright (colored) and 23-year-old Ida Crummell (colored) were sweethearts. It was said that the two were practically married and even got furniture together, but the relationship would sour by July. It's not stated why Ida wanted to separate from Edward, but Edward was furious. He confronted Ida when she was with Mrs. Boyer and told her along the lines if he can't go with her that he would kill her. Ida did not want anything to do with him. After this altercation, he went and bought a revolver to kill her with.
On July 30th Ida and Mrs. Boyer would go to the Wilmington and Northern Railroad Station on Water and French St. They had gone to see the colored excursion from Reading. While waiting for the train the two would walk to the P W & B station. This was when Edward would try to speak to Ida, but she would turn away and ignore him. The two would return to W&N.
Edward would leave and see Mr. Boyer and talk to him. He told him that he had a present for Ida and if he saw her tell her. He also told him that if he caught her with another man he would fix her.
After the excursion train arrived Ida, Mary Thomas, and Joe Welch would walk along the railroad to Market St. Mrs. Boyer was not with them because she went to look for her husband. Mrs. Boyer would pass by Edward who walking the same way Ida and her group was.
Edward would approach the group and call out to her. While Ida turned to her name being called Edward would shoot. The first bullet would hit her behind the ear and then the second would hit her in the forehead. She would fall down face first and as she lay there he would shoot her for the third time hitting her at the base of the brain. Edward would then walk away.
Captain Champers was in the vicinity and had her carried to Front and Market Streets. She would then be taken to Delaware Hospital where she would pass away as she passed through the doors.
Officers were quick to respond and found Edward near Water and Shipley Streets. He would be arrested for the murder. He had no remorse for the murder. After he was locked up he stated that he had killed her and planned on doing so since Saturday. He was extremely jealous and did not care to live without her. He was satisfied when he heard that she had died.
In September Edward would go to trial. He would plead guilty due to insanity. Witnesses would come forward saying in 1895 he became ill and afterward complained of pain in the head. On October 2nd he would be found guilty of first-degree murder and would be set to hang.
On January 1, 1897, Edward would hang at 10:30 a.m. He was welcoming to the execution as he wanted to be with Ida.
SOURCES:
The News Journal July 31, 1896
Delaware Gazette and State Journal January 7, 1897
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