Seaman David Harsent when not at sea lodged with Mr & Mrs Roderick in 22 Christina Street, Bute Town, Cardiff. In 1890 he inherited some money and stayed ashore for several months. On 20 October he returned home from drinking at approx. 11:30pm and started arguing with Ann Roderick, who he believed was spreading rumours that he had committed acts of bestiality with the family's cat and dog. Antonio Roderick took exception and told Harsent to leave and find alternative lodging. Harsent pulled out a revolver and shot both Ann and Antonio.
Ann staggered outside and collapsed on the pavement whilst Antonio made it to a neighbour's house. Harry Jones and few other neighbour's rushed to confront Harsent who threatened to "serve them the same", before running off.
Ann died leaving six children, the youngest 2 months old. Antonio recovered to see Harsent tried for his wife's murder. Antonio lived until he was 75 living at 12 Alice Street, and eventually dying in February 1928. Ann was popular in Newport and was taken by the Great Western Railway to be buried in Stow Hill Cemetery, her body was taken to her mothers, Mrs Robbins, in Commercial Street .But Antonio is buried at Cathays Cemetery in plot D887.
Harsent was insane at the time of the murder and may have believed wrongly that he was being accused of a despicable crime by Ann. He was known to become excitable and aggressive after drinking, and insanity ran in his family. The Jury found Harsent guilty but insane, sending him to Broadmoor Criminal Lunatic Asylum where he died in 1909.