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.
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