Extraordinary Case. (Poverty Bay Herald, 14 July 1920)
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Summary: Extraordinary Case. (Poverty Bay Herald, 14 July 1920)
On May 6, 1920, in Sydney, a shocking murder case emerged involving a woman named Eugene Falieni, who allegedly impersonated a man and went through a marriage ceremony with another woman, Annie Birkett. The allegations dated back to a period in early October 1917 when Falieni was accused of the felonious and malicious murder of Birkett, who was also known by her maiden name, Annie Crawford.
Falieni was born in Italy and previously married a man named Marjello. After some years living in New Zealand, she moved to New South Wales, Australia, leaving her husband behind but bringing their daughter. Upon her arrival in Sydney, she adopted male attire and began living as a man. It was during this time that she became acquainted with Birkett, a widow with a teenage son.
Under the alias Harry Crawford, Falieni purportedly went through a marriage ceremony with Birkett and lived with her in the Drummoyne district. Falieni supported herself by working various jobs as a "generally useful" worker. The situation turned suspicious toward the end of September 1917 when Birkett’s son traveled to the country, only to return and find his mother missing. The boy later inquired about her whereabouts, leading to his mother’s last known connections with Falieni.
In early October 1917, a gruesome discovery was made when the charred remains of a woman were found near the Cumberland Paper Board Mills in Lane Cove, approximately 200 yards from Mowbray Road, Chatswood. The body, thought to have been burned just days before the discovery, was identified as Annie Birkett at the coroner’s inquiry, although an open verdict was recorded due to the condition of the remains.
The investigation into Birkett's disappearance continued for years, and in the lead-up to Falieni's arrest in July 1920, police received new information which prompted them to delve deeper into the case. Falieni was arrested working in a hotel in Annandale while still dressed in male clothing. Upon being brought to the police department, she underwent questioning and was later charged with murder.
The courtroom where the case was heard drew significant public interest, with many spectators eager to witness the peculiar circumstances surrounding Falieni's appearance and the charges against her. Described as having a masculine appearance but displaying some feminine features, Falieni's attire included gray tweed and a Broadway tie, and she nervously fiddled with her ring during her court appearance. The interest in the case was further heightened by the bizarre elements of gender identity and impersonation involved.
On July 14, 1920, Falieni’s request for a remand was granted by the magistrate as her legal representation did not contest the application, setting the stage for further proceedings in a case that captured the public's attention with its extraordinary details and themes of identity and deception.
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