

12. Murder Trial of the Century: Execution, Dissection and Revenge (Ep 2)
May 28, 2025
Delve into the chilling tale of Burke and Hare, whose gruesome murders shocked 19th century Britain. Discover how their shocking betrayal led to one facing a grisly fate while the other walked free. Explore the ethical dilemmas surrounding body snatching and the societal outcry that culminated in the Anatomy Act of 1832. Their dark legacy reveals a disturbing intersection of greed, morality, and justice as the narrative unfolds with horrifying twists and emotional tales of victims and survivors.
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Mary Patterson's Tragic Fate
- Mary Patterson was lured by Burke to drink heavily and then was suffocated by the killers.
- Her body was delivered in a tea chest to Dr. Knox's anatomy rooms within four hours of the murder.
Suspicious Preservation of Body
- The preservation of Mary Patterson's body in whiskey was highly unusual and suspicious.
- This suggests an attempt to disfigure the body and avoid recognition during the investigation.
Daft Jamie's Lethal Deception
- James Wilson, known as Daft Jamie, was a well-known street character who was tricked into returning to the boarding house.
- He was killed by suffocation, and his possessions were recklessly used by the killers' family, alerting the community.