Thomas Riley was found guilty of murder and would be hung by the neck until dead on November 6, 1889. 

As part of the Wagga Rewind series, The Daily Advertiser has explored the dark history behind the executions that took place within the walls of the former jail. 

He was the fourth man to face the gallows in, what was then, a small town.

For Riley, the murder of Christopher Eppell was an act of love. 

According to the archives, the 21-year-old had fallen for a young woman at Bourke and intended to marry her.

When her parents refused to give their blessing, the woman told Riley she would run away with him, if he had could get the money to support them. 

The “wild” young “bushman” found work with Christian Eppell as a drover.

The group of workmen had been delivering about 900 bullocks to Albury, when they stopped at Wagga. 

Although he had no quarrel with Eppell, the love-struck man believed his employer to be in possession of a large amount of gold. 

On Sunday morning, September 15, Riley loaded his weapon and shot a sleeping Eppell in the head, before stripping him of the money he had on his body and taking off on horseback. He would have been disappointed when all he managed to secure was about £11.

Mounted police rushed toward Alfredtown, spotting Riley near Book Book. A brisk chase of four miles one of two officers fired his revolver in the air. Another shot was aimed at Riley’s horse, but missed. It was then the young fugitive surrendered to the arrest and his fate. 

Throughout his time in jail, Riley wished for death, saying it would be a relief. 

He was not visited by his family and no one came for his execution. 

Fearlessly, Riley approached the scaffold with firm resolve.

As the priest read a fine prayer, Riley cast his gaze to the sky, above the towering walls of Wagga jail. He “bore up remarkably well” as he shook hands with the executioner and the white hood was lowered over his face. The noose was then draped around Rilery’s neck and with a nod from the executioner to his assistant, the floor disappeared from under the 21-year-old and his death came as the knot drew taught. 

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