Selina Wadge was born in Altarnun, Cornwall, in 1852. A domestic servant from Stratton, she had two illegitimate children, John (aged five) and Henry (aged two). Selina alleged that a sailor named James Westwood had promised to marry her but insisted she first get rid of one of her children.

On Friday, 21st June 1878, after a brief stay with her mother in Stratton, Selina travelled towards Launceston. Witnesses saw her with both children. Later that day, she arrived at her sister's house in Launceston with only her elder son, John. When questioned, Selina claimed Henry had died from a throat complaint and abscess in Stratton and that she had buried him. Suspicions were aroused, particularly after statements made by young John.

By Sunday, 23rd June, Selina's story began to unravel. She initially told Daniel Downing, master of Launceston Union Workhouse, that a man had taken Henry and drowned him, threatening her and John if they intervened. However, she later confessed to Louisa Downing, the workhouse mistress, stating, "Oh, Mrs. Downing, I have done it myself; I put Harry into the water." P.C. Ed. Barrett was informed, and Selina repeated the story of a man drowning Henry in a pit with railings. Following her directions, P.C. Barrett and Supt Sherston found Henry's body in a well in Mowhay-park field, Tresmarrow.

An inquest on 25th June 1878 led to Selina being committed for murder. Her trial took place at the Cornwall Assizes on 29th July 1878. Evidence presented included testimonies from Mary Wakeham and William Holman, who saw Selina with her children travelling towards Launceston. Holman noted Selina commented on a cover now being over the well as they passed it. Richard Henry Langmaid also met her with both children. Selina's sister, Mary Ann Boundy, testified about Selina's arrival with only John and her claim about Henry's death.

It was highlighted during the trial that two-year-old Henry was reportedly unable to walk unaided, possibly due to a disability, which would rule out him accidentally falling into the well. A post-mortem found no evidence of a throat complaint or abscess, concluding Henry likely died from suffocation. The water level in the well was below Henry's height, suggesting he might not have drowned if he could have stood up, though this would be difficult after being thrown in.

James Westwood (also known as "Irish Jim") denied inciting the murder, stating he was working 28 miles away and had cancelled a planned meeting with Selina. Selina's defence lawyer, Mr. Massey, argued the prosecution's narrative of a cold-blooded murder lacked a clear motive and questioned why Selina would bring her intelligent older son as a witness if she planned the crime, or why she'd draw attention to the well. He urged the jury to consider her claims about Westwood and disregard her conflicting statements.

The judge, in summing up, called it a sad case regardless of whether Selina, Westwood, or both were responsible. He stated that lack of motive should not override her confessions. The jury found Selina guilty after an hour but recommended mercy, believing the murder was unpremeditated and citing her previous love for her children. Justice Denman sentenced her to death but promised to forward the recommendation.

Despite petitions and expectations of a reprieve, Selina Wadge was hanged at Bodmin Jail on August 15th, 1878. Her body was interred within the jail's walls. Reports later suggested she received a letter from Westwood begging for forgiveness while awaiting execution. Her hanging caused a public outcry, as other women in similar cases had received reprieves, and the press were barred from witnessing the private execution.

Selina Wadge's ghost is now one of Bodmin Jail's most famous. She is said to wander the corridors, often heard crying, especially late at night. Her apparition, described as a lady in a long dress, has been seen by numerous visitors and staff, and she is believed to be perpetually searching for her lost son, Henry.