Cricket, often referred to as the “Gentleman’s Game,” has had its fair share of controversies. Over the years, players have been accused of heinous crimes such as match-fixing and sex scandals, some of which were proven true. Even today, on-field arguments, abusive language, and controversial statements occasionally result in players facing reprimands from the ICC. (Leslie Hylton Cricketer)
Amidst these controversies lies a shocking and lesser-known story from the history of cricket—a tale of a cricketer who was accused of murder and eventually sentenced to death.
Cricket Career
We’re talking about former West Indies cricketer Leslie Hylton, a fast bowler who played in the 1930s. Hylton made his debut for the West Indies in 1935 during a match against England at the Kensington Oval in Barbados. In his very first game, he impressed with both the ball and the bat. His contributions helped the West Indies clinch a series victory against England.
Hylton played a total of six Test matches for the West Indies, taking 19 wickets in his career. In 1942, he married his girlfriend, Lurlene Rose, and five years later, the couple welcomed a son.
Leslie Hylton Cricketer Wife details
According to reports, Leslie Hylton killed his wife due to her infidelity. Years into their marriage, Hylton grew suspicious of his wife’s behavior. In 1954, Lurlene frequently traveled to New York, citing her dressmaking business as the reason. That same year, Hylton discovered an anonymous letter at their home, revealing Lurlene’s alleged affair with a man named Roy Francis, who lived on Brooklyn Avenue.
The letter solidified Hylton’s suspicions. He immediately sent a telegram to Lurlene, summoning her back from New York. Upon confronting her, Lurlene denied any romantic involvement with Francis, insisting they were just good friends. This marked the beginning of a rift in their relationship, which culminated in Hylton shooting his wife to death. Reports indicate that Hylton shot Lurlene seven times.
Leslie Hylton Cricketer Death Story
The case went to court in October 1954, where Leslie Hylton was found guilty of murder. During the trial, Hylton defended himself by claiming that he had tried to shoot himself but accidentally hit his wife instead. However, his defense was rejected as forensic evidence showed that Lurlene had been shot seven times—clearly not an accident.
Following his conviction, Leslie Hylton became the only cricketer in history to be sentenced to death. On the morning of May 17, 1955, the former West Indies fast bowler was hanged.
This tragic tale remains one of the most shocking episodes in the history of cricket, a stark reminder of how a life full of promise can end in despair and controversy.