The mysterious case of a Welshman discovered murdered inside a secured bank 100 years ago continues to intrigue investigators. William Hall, a 29-year-old bank manager from Swansea, was found shot to death in the locked bank with a significant amount of cash and silver missing. Hall, a former Royal Navy serviceman who had survived the First World War, was described as a popular and well-liked individual. The crime captured national attention, with some media outlets dubbing it the “locked bank murder mystery.” Hall’s family, with roots in the Brynmill area of Swansea, had a prestigious history, including a grandfather who was a prominent local doctor.
On the day of the crime, a postman made a gruesome discovery in the bank, finding Hall fatally shot behind the counter. The scene revealed no signs of forced entry, leading investigators to believe the perpetrator was familiar with Hall’s routine and the bank’s operations. Detectives suspected an experienced criminal was behind the meticulously planned robbery. The stolen loot amounted to almost £700 in Treasury notes and £66 in silver. The subsequent murder investigation saw a significant effort from detectives across Hampshire as they pieced together witness statements and evidence from the crime scene.
Abraham “Jack” Goldenberg, a lance corporal in the Army, emerged as a suspect when he voluntarily provided an alibi for his presence at the bank on the day of the murder. Goldenberg’s subsequent arrest led to the recovery of incriminating evidence, including stolen cash hidden in a toilet block. The trial that followed painted a picture of a premeditated crime orchestrated by Goldenberg, who eventually confessed to the murder. Despite an attempt to plead insanity by his defence, Goldenberg was found guilty of murder after a trial at the Winchester Assizes. The elaborate details of the crime and the subsequent trial captivated the public, culminating in Goldenberg’s conviction and subsequent death sentence.
The tragic murder of William Hall not only shocked his community in Swansea but also highlighted the intricate web of deceit and criminality that led to his untimely demise. The legacy of this extraordinary case continues to endure as a reminder of the complexities of human nature and the pursuit of justice in the face of heinous crimes.