News of The Times

The Curious Case of the Harvard Murder 

News of the Times Episode 378 | 1849 

It is 1849 at Harvard University and Professor John Webster is a man under pressure.  Possessing little financial abilities, and with a penchant for living well beyond his means, he has approached his good university friend, Dr Packman, for a loan. For security, he has offered his valuable minerals collection. Dr Packman, in financial matters, is quite the opposite of Professor Webster as his personal fortunes, through wise investments, continue to grow. However, Dr Packman is also strictly regulated.  

When he discovers that his friend Professor Webster has gone to his brother-in-law for an additional loan, using the very same minerals collection as security, his anger knows no bounds. 

 Dr Packman begins to hound his former friend Professor Webster, increasing his demands, until finally, he manages to have Webster’s pay from the university appropriated to himself to pay the debt owed.  And then, surprisingly, the notoriously predictable Dr Packman vanishes. We take a look at this curious case of the Harvard murder from 1849.  For true crime buffs, do be sure to check out the end of the episode under our “further particulars” segment that gives some added information regarding similar cases. 

Crimes Tales from the Raj 

News of the Times Episode 376 | 1873 - 

1889 In today’s episode, we are exploring three murder cases from India during the British occupation – otherwise known as the period of the Raj. 

Our first case involves a highly respected and well known priest and his activities with a married young girl that leads to murder.  The case is remembered to this day. 

Our second case is a short story regarding the death of a nine year old bride. 

Our third case involves a Prince and the sudden death of his young wife. 

As an extra, we have a historic story from Persia recounting the unique form of execution known as gatching from a reporter on the scene.  You will never look at arts and crafts the same way again. Three tales of murder and scandal from the Raj, plus a bit extra, is today’s episode of Frightful Fridays. 

The Case of the Murder in Edinburgh 

News of the Times Episode 375 | 1878 

It is 1878 in Edinburgh and a young 24 old mother of 4 is dying.  Doctors are called and she is taken to hospital, but she never recovers.  Her husband, a native Frenchman, puts her death down to a gas leak, pointing out where he believes it has occurred in her bedroom. A medical examination takes place and it is clear she did not die from coal gas poisoning.  Her very distraught mother tells officials of the abusive treatment her daughter has received at the hands of her husband and the very large insurance policy he recently took out on her.  But, no poisons are found in her body… We take a look at this infamous crime that is said to have been the inspiration for the classic gothic novel, Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. 

 For crime and history buffs, we also take a look at the connection of the murderer with Arthur Conan Doyle and most likely the famous Dr Bell – purported inspiration for the character of Sherlock Holmes or Dr Watson, depending on your point of view. The Infamous Murder in Scotland in 1878 is today’s episode of Wicked Wednesdays. 

We hope you enjoy the show! 

The Victorian International Serial Killer 

News of the Times Episode 374 | 1892 

It is 1892 Melbourne Australia, and a prospective tenant is looking at a house that has been uninhabited for roughly 1 month.  There is a peculiar smell emanating throughout the house and she decides not to rent the property because of it. But the letting agent is concerned and pursues.  What unfolds becomes an international incident with a known death count of 6 across Australia and England. The butchered victims have been encased in concrete underneath the hearth in both buildings.  Worse still, the suspect has another woman in his sights… We take a look at these horrific murders that held the public and papers both repulsed and fascinated across the globe.  The Victorian International Serial killer is today’s episode of Murderous Mondays. 

Shocking Dark Crime Tales of Britain 

News of the Times Episode 373  | 1766 - 1848 

In today’s episode we are exploring shocking crimes of their time across Britian spanning between 1766 to 1848. What is deemed shocking in one era can certainly be considered very much less so in another era, yet we found all of the stories in this episode shocking in their own way. 

 Case 1: selling a young girl on the Royla Exchange in 1766 

Case 2: Torture and starvation of a wife in 1767 

Case 3: The famous case of the blind man who cruelly murders his boy guide in 1800 

Case 4: Charged with roasting a child – in 1816 

Case 5: The returning son who is murdered by his father unknowingly in 1834 

Case 6: Killing a boyfriend’s children for revenge in 1848 For our true crime buffs, we give more information about one Britian’s more infamous and prolific executioners at the end of the episode. 

 Six dark and murderous tales from Britain’s past is today’s episode of Frightful Fridays. 

The Case of the Althorp Murder 

 News of the Times Episode 372 | 1892 

 1892 Northampton and married with two children husband and father,  Andrew McRae, has a plan. His mistress of some two years has become pregnant – a complication that could be utter financial ruin for himself. Drawing on the famous Richmond case with Kate Webster,

 McRae plots out his full proof plan on disposing of Annie without anyone knowing or questioning her disappearance. His horrific crimes involved dismemberment, boiling and burning the bones.  With the murder location across the street from a police station, McRae decided to not take a chance with the larger parts which, instead, he dumped in a ditch some 6 miles away.  McRae was confident he had achieved the perfect crime. 

We take a look at the background, the crime, the investigation and the capture of this infamous case which, arguably, could be considered almost unmatched in terms of cruelty and cold hearted execution. For Victorian legal eagles, the case had an interesting defence premise that was used to attempt to have the case thrown out.  We take a quick look at this at the end of the show. The case of the Althorp Murder is today’s episode of Wicked Wednesdays. 

The Case of the Body in Parts 

News of the Times Episode 371 | 1877 

In today’s episode, it is 1877 in a small village in Wales.  In the early morning as people begin their day, a hand, with arm attached is found drifting down the river.   As the day progresses, more body parts are discovered.  The head is recovered from the river with eyes gouged out and hair cut short.  Eventually, most of the parts of a young pregnant woman are pieced together by the local surgeon.  The body is so badly mutilated that it can only be identified by close family through the various pieces of clothing still attached to some of the parts. This horrific crime in a small sleepy hamlet in North Wales made the national papers. We take a look at the background, the crime, the investigation and the execution of the case of the river packages in today’s episode of Murderous Mondays. 

Guilty from Beyond the Grave 

News of the Times Episode 369 | 1629 & 1735 

In today’s episode we look at two cases – carefully recorded in their day – where the alleged murderer(s) are named from beyond the grave. Our first case from 1629, nearly 400 years ago, occurs during the reign of Charles 1st.  A body is found lying in bed, child in arms, with her neck cut ear to ear.  The court is sure they know who has done it, but the ultimate proof is if the body, that has been buried for 30 days and is then exhumed, bleeds when touched by the hand that murdered it.  

This belief held even into the early 19th century in some of the more remote villages. Our second case from 1735, during the reign of George II, an equally well documented tale, recounts the disappearance of a young pregnant girl who just seems to vanish.  Then, a local miller begins to be haunted by the missing girl, as a bloody spectacle, telling him to inform the authorities and give evidence as to where her body is buried. 

Two documented cases of phenomena pointing to their murderers from beyond the grave is today’s episode of Frightful Fridays. For our history buffs – do stick around to the end where we do a short roundup of ghosts in UK history. 

The Mystery of the Hansom Cab Murder 

News of the Times Episode 368 | 1889 

Manchester 1889 and in the foggy cold gloom of a damp and windy February, a cabbie roams the streets hoping for a fare.  A gentleman calls out, requesting taking to an inn and two men enter the cab.   

 With the loud sound of the horse’s hooves on the cobblestone streets, the cabbie is abruptly alarmed when a voice calls out that the cab door is open and that a young man is running down the street. Alarmed, the cabbie jumps down only to find the older gentleman insensible.  He dies shortly afterwards. It is dark and there are few about.  The description given to the police is generic and could pass for almost any young man in Manchester.   

 What follows is a show of incredible investigative determination with one of our detective heroes commended by Scotland Yard as one of the greatest detectives. We take a look at the background, the crime and the incredible capture that we believe, without cc tv, would have been difficult to solve in our day and age.  The mysterious hansom cab murder is today’s episode of Wicked Wednesdays. 

The Case of the Murder on Battersea Bridge 

News of the Times Episode 367 | 1844 

1844 Battersea bridge London, and an attractive middle aged woman staggers towards the toll booth, clutching a handkerchief to her neck.  Helped gently to the ground, she is questioned as to who has done this to her.  “Dalmas”, she whispers. This story made all the papers in 1844, a feat that was not so very common for a crime story in 1844. The story had all the facets to grab the attention:  a beautiful woman, a potential illicit affair between a Frenchman and a Sunday school teacher, money, deception and finally, murder. 

Through letters left behind, we explore the initial romance of the relationship which slowly turns to a relationship of bitter resentment with attempts to utterly destroy the other party. We take a look at the background, the victim, the crime and the aftermath of the case of the murder on Battersea Bridge in today’s episode of Murderous Mondays. 

Deadly Relations: Shocking In-Law Murders 

News of the Times Episode 365 | 1816 & 1898 

In-laws – a potential subject of contention throughout time. In today’s episode we look at two cases where a member of the family has decided that the offending in-law has to go. Our first case from 1898 surrounds a father and son team who share the same lodging, the father being retired and being supported by his son.  Then, the son falls in love, weds and brings his new bride home.  The bride’s mother is also a constant visitor.  The father’s anger begins to spiral. 

Our second case from 1816 is interesting in the difference of approach to potential murder compared to Victorian times.  An alleged successful doctor has married into a rich family, but he is always in debt.  Within a year, the mother, with a very large estate, has two attacks after having eaten at the doctor’s house.  The second attack is fatal. Our true crime fans will spot the probable poison used which would seem to have been rare at the time as it is not considered.  Also interesting is the complete interference allowed by the doctor as the death is investigated – a very definite difference in police and investigative protocol .  And lastly, where is all the money going? 

Two cases of deadly relations with the in laws is today’s episode of wicked Wednesday. 

The Case of the Discovered Teeth 

News of the Times Episode 364  | 1913 

In today’s episode it is 1913 and we are in a small village in Dorset with a population of 160. A 24 year old cook who works in the manner house has gone missing.  Where has she gone?  It is the gossip that consumes the whole of the village.  Speculation is rife that she has gone to London for a job or that she emigrated to Canada.  Her distraught mother does not believe it. And then, a series of events occurs to create suspicion.  Some boys in the woods spot a newly dug hole that suspiciously looks like a grave.  A few days later it has been filled in. 

A dairy farmer taking a shortcut on an isolated path spots some false teeth on the ground.  Thinking nothing of it, he picks them up and places them on his mantelpiece, thereby drawing the attention of the visiting rector. From there, the body of Winnie is found.  But who committed the murder in this small village where everyone knows everyone else and why did they do it? This fascinating story made the national papers with headlines screaming for weeks.  We take a look at the background, the crime and the capture in the case of the discovered teeth in today’s episode of Murderous Mondays. 

The London Oven Horror 

News of the Times Episode 363 | 1898 

This story from 1898 London captivated the press and the public for the sheer gruesomeness of the crime. An out of work baker assistant, 36, whose place had been taken by a young 19 year old lad is unable to find work.  His resentment grows until one day, in the very early morning hours whilst the lad is at work, he unleashes all fury upon the young man. A sad story and terrible.  

However, it takes the police some time to find the body which is eventually discovered in the oven, being cooked.  The press and public had to know – was he alive when he was placed in the oven? 

 We take a look at the background, the crime, and the execution of the shocking story of the London Oven Horror in today’s episode of Frightful Fridays. 

The Camberley Outrage - Scotland Yard Casebook 

News of the Times Episode 362 | 1906 

It is 1906 Camberley, Surrey and independently wealthy, eccentric, senior spinsters, the Hogg sisters, are going about their usual tasks on a June afternoon.   Suddenly, 62 year old Caroline Hogg, clutching her throat, staggers to a neighbours house and, struggling to speak, manages to relay that her sister is in trouble at their home.  Upon reaching the Hogg residence, older sister Mary Ann is found lying in a pool of blood.  Her throat has been cut so deeply, her head is partly cut away from her body.   There are gashes upon her head.  In her hand, she clutches a hammer head. The suspected motive is robbery, but nothing has been taken.   This puzzling case brought Scotland Yard to the scene. However, clues are scarce.  

Then another incident occurs not far away.  Then another a few days later.  

Oh yes, and there seems to be a known lunatic roaming the countryside. We take a look at this famous case from 1909 involving Scotland Yard and the Camberley outrage in today’s episode of Wicked Wednesdays. 

Love, Jealousy, and Murder 

News of the Times Episode 361 | 1884 

 In today’s episode it is 1884.  Mr and Mrs Gibbons have, with tremendous hard work, built their lives up from common labourer and factory girl, to owning their own business employing 12 people. Childless and settled, the couple agree to take in Mrs Gibbons second cousin to help the girl and to help her family.  She will be like a surrogate daughter to them.  

Within 18 months, now 15 year old Lucy is forcibly ejected by Mrs Gibbons – a move that is not regarded favourably by Mr Gibbons. The Gibbons relationship drifts apart.  Mr Gibbons pours himself into work whilst maintaining a correspondence with Lucy and her family.  Mrs Gibbons turns to drink. 

 The tension rises between them with the breaking point occurring when Mr Gibbons visits Lucy and her family to share the happy news that he has found Lucy a place to stay and work in the village. Mr Gibbons is found dead that very evening with Mrs Gibbons explaining how he shot himself…three times. We take a look at this tale of love, jealousy and murder in today’s episode of Murderous Mondays. 

The Mysterious Case of Sarah Duckett 

News of the Times Episode 359 | 1881 

 March 1874 in the quiet village of Stretton Church.  Sarah Duckett arrives back to her home town by train with two, broken and dilapidated boxes.  And then she just vanishes. September 1881 and William Roberts is walking the two miles at night back home from a business meeting.  He senses someone following, sees a woman on the path behind him and waits for her to catch up.  She does not.  

There is no sound of footfall – only the rustling of her dress.  He moves on then waits again.  She comes no closer. He then dashes away only to see her in front of him as a ghostly apparition.  It is Sarah Duckett! This ghostly tale made the international papers in its time.  We take a look at the back story, the event and the post script of the mysterious case of Sarah Duckett in today’s episode of Frightful Fridays. 

The Many Crimes of Marcel Petiot - Serial Killer 

News of the Times Episode 358 | 1946 

It is 1944 France, and a house in a better quarter of Paris has been chugging out a black acrid smoke with a terrible stench for days. Finally, neighbours go to the door to complain, only to find a note on the door stating that the owner of the house is away.  Neighbours phone the police. With the owner not arriving, the police contact the fire department who break in through a second floor window.  Making their way down, they are greeted by a horror array of bodies and body parts on every floor.  One of the firemen rushes out, vomiting. So unfolds the story of one of France’s recognised worst serial killers, Dr Marcel Petiot. We take a look at the history, the crimes, the capture and the execution of Marcel Petiot and his many crimes in today’s episode of Wicked Wednesdays.