In 1884, around the same time of the incident, there was a condemned called John Lee in England and the execution was discontinued because the falling door didn't open despite three times of attempt (It is said to have been caused by swollenness of the door due to moisture, which was stuck and didn't open when someone stood on it).
この事件と同時期の1884年、イギリスでジョン・リーという死刑囚は、絞首台の落とし戸が3度も開かず停止されたという（原因は、落とし戸が湿気のために膨張し、重量がかかると戸が開かなくなったためとされている）。