The Janet Rogers Murder

The Janet Rogers Murder

Episode Summary

In March 1866, Janet Rogers had gone to her brother’s farm to help him out for a while. Two days after her arrival, Janet was found savagely and brutally murdered.

 

Please Be Advised – This episode may contain content that some may find distressing. As always, we advise listener discretion. This episode it not suitable for anyone under the age of 13.

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The Mount Stewart Murder

by Chris Paton

Synopsis

In March 1866, Janet Rogers travelled to the Perthshire-based farm of her brother, William Henderson, to help with chores while he looked for a new domestic servant. Three days later she was found dead in the farm kitchen, killed by multiple blows from an axe. Ploughman James Crichton was suspected of the atrocity, and after a lengthy investigation was arrested and tried in Perth, with the case duly found non-proven.

Was Crichton the guilty party? If not, why did William Henderson try to frame him? Why was the previous servant on the farm sacked, and why did she wait eight months to accuse Crichton of being responsible? And what led to Henderson being driven insane, ultimately to end his days in a Perthshire lunatic asylum?

The murder investigation remains the UK’s oldest unsolved murder case. Just who was the killer at Mount Stewart Farm?

Our Review

Scottish Murders is a production of Cluarantonn

Hosted by Dawn and Cole

Researched and Written by Dawn Young

Produced and Edited by Dawn Young and Peter Bull

Production Company Name by Granny Robertson

Music:

Dawn of the Fairies by Derek & Brandon Fiechter

Gothic Wedding by Derek & Brandon Fiechter


A Murder, a Shooting Spree, and a Royal Pardon

A Murder, a Shooting Spree, and a Royal Pardon

Episode Summary

TRIGGER WARNING – This episode contains strong language, so listener discretion is advised. 

A murder, a shooting spree and a royal pardon. Nobody could have predicted the shocking events that took place in Glasgow, that all started with a murder in a town almost 40 miles away.  

Please Be Advised – This episode may contain content that some may find distressing. As always, we advise listener discretion. This episode it not suitable for anyone under the age of 13.

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The Ferris Conspiracy

Paul Ferris with Reg McKay

Synopsis

On Glasgow’s meanest streets life started well for the young Paul Ferris. How did he become Glasgow’s most feared gangster, deemed a risk to national security?

Arthur Thompson, Godfather of the crime world and senior partner of the Krays, recruited young Ferris as a bagman, debt collector and equaliser. Feared for his capacity for extreme violence, respected for his intelligence, Ferris was the Godfather’s heir apparent. But when gang warfare broke, underworld leaders traded in flesh, colluding with their partners – the police. Disgusted, Ferris left the Godfather and stood alone.

They gave him weeks to live.

While Ferris was caged in Barlinnie Prison’s segregation unit accused of murdering Thompson’s son, Fatboy, his two friends were shot dead the night before the funeral and grotesquely displayed in a car on the cortége’s route. Acquitted against all the odds, Ferris moved on, determined to make an honest living.

They would not let him.

The National Crime Squad, MI5, the police and two of the country’s most powerful gangsters saw to that. A maximum-security prisoner, Ferris is known as ‘Lucky’ because he is still alive.

This is one man’s unique insight into Britain’s crime world and the inextricable web of corruption – a revealing story of official corruption and unholy alliances.

Our Review

Scottish Murders is a production of Cluarantonn

Hosted by Dawn and Cole

Researched and Written by Dawn Young

Produced and Edited by Dawn Young and Peter Bull

Production Company Name by Granny Robertson

Music:

Dawn of the Fairies by Derek & Brandon Fiechter

Gothic Wedding by Derek & Brandon Fiechter


Left Behind

Left Behind

Episode Summary

Marion Hodge and Helen Wilkie’s tragic stories may be ten years apart, but the outcome for their children was the same, they were left behind to grow up without their mothers after they suddenly disappeared from their lives.  

Please Be Advised – This episode may contain content that some may find distressing. As always, we advise listener discretion. This episode it not suitable for anyone under the age of 13.

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Marion Hodge

Helen Wilkie

If you have any information relating to this case, contact;

Crimestoppers UK anonymously on 0800 555 111 or crimestoppers-uk.org

Galloway Police Dedicated Phone Line on 01387 242355 (UK)

Refuge – 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline 0808 2000 247 (UK) or nationaldahelpline.org.uk

The Law Killers

by Alexander McGregor

Synopsis

True crime from Dundee, covering the most fascinating and shocking cases from the last century. Having reported on many of them first-hand, journalist Alexander McGregor has unique insight into the cases and his stories are as chilling as they are compelling. In The Law Killers Alexander examines some of the country’s most fascinating and chilling cases and peels back the civilised layers of our society to reveal what lies beneath.

Our Review

Scottish Murders is a production of Cluarantonn

Hosted by Dawn and Cole

Researched and Written by Dawn Young

Produced and Edited by Dawn Young and Peter Bull

Production Company Name by Granny Robertson

Music:

Dawn of the Fairies by Derek & Brandon Fiechter

Gothic Wedding by Derek & Brandon Fiechter


Assumptions Made

Assumptions Made

Episode Summary

Most of us have made assumptions about things sometimes, but when it comes to police making assumptions, it’s a whole different ball game.

Please Be Advised – This episode may contain content that some may find distressing. As always, we advise listener discretion. This episode it not suitable for anyone under the age of 13.

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Sandy Drummond

Nick Randall

If you have any information relating to this case, contact;

101 (UK)

Crimestoppers UK anonymously on 0800 555 111 or crimestoppers-uk.org

If you have any information relating to this case, contact;

Police at Dumbarton on 101 (UK)

Scottish Murders is a production of Cluarantonn

Hosted by Dawn and Cole

Researched and Written by Dawn Young

Produced and Edited by Dawn Young and Peter Bull

Production Company Name by Granny Robertson

Music:

Dawn of the Fairies by Derek & Brandon Fiechter

Gothic Wedding by Derek & Brandon Fiechter


The Helen Priestly Murder

Helen Priestly

Episode Summary

TRIGGER WARNING – This episode contains child sexual abuse references, so listener discretion is advised.

When eight year old Helen Priestly went missing, the answer to what happened to her was more unexpected than anyone could ever have thought. 

 

Please Be Advised – This episode may contain content that some may find distressing. As always, we advise listener discretion. This episode it not suitable for anyone under the age of 13.

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The George Murdoch Murder

The George Murdoch Murder

UPDATE October 2022:

The murder of Aberdeen Taxi Driver George Murdoch took place on 29thof September 1983, with the 39th anniversary having just passed. While George Murdoch’s murderer has still not been brought to justice, there have been a number of developments in the case.

Reward Increase:

The reward for information on who killed George has now been further increased and now stands at £50,000.

New Information Received:

Following information being received through social media, DI James Callander, the lead detective working on George Murdoch’s murder case, released fresh and potentially significant information to the papers and media. He was for anyone who knows of a male, likely now in his 60s, or 70s, who is small and of stocky build, with a local accent, who frequented Wilson’s Sports Bar, on Market St, Aberdeen in 2015, perhaps still does, and is known to wear or have worn an Iron Maiden T Shirt, to  please contact Police on 101, or send a private message on the FB page Appeal for Information Aberdeen Taxi Driver Murder 1983 – George Murdoch. Alternatively, an email can be sent to jdhallfield@mail.co.uk

Also, on the 11th October, the lead detective on George’s murder case, lead, DI James Callander, appeared again on the programme CrimeWatch to give an update on George’s case.

If you know of an individual, in his 60s or 70s, matching this description, who has been known to wear such a T-Shirt, George Murdoch’s family and the police urge you to come forward if you can help at all.

UPDATE 19.08.2022:

REWARD FOR INFORMATION INCREASED TO £25,000
An amazingly generous gesture from Russell McLeod, managing director of Aberdeen’s Rainbow City Taxis means that the Reward for Information in this case now stands at £25,000.
See the full Facebook post below

UPDATE:

It was recently the 38th anniversary of George Murdoch’s murder and his family have renewed their appeal for information regarding the murder. There is a reward which has been recently doubled and now stands at £20,000. So, if you were in the Aberdeen area in 1983 or knew anyone who was in the area during this time who might remember something about this horrific murder, then the family would really like to hear from you with any information you may have, however small or insignificant you think it might be, as anything you might know could really help this investigation. One particular detail is regarding cheese wire usage in the area at the time.  Uses for cheesewire may have been dehorning cattle, cutting large blocks of ice in the fishing industry, cutting clay in sculpting or cutting cores in the offshore industry. But do you know of any other uses or professions that haven’t been mentioned, and if so, this would also be valuable information that the police and George Murdoch’s family would love to know about.

Please, if you know anything at all, contact either the Police on 101 in the UK or contact the family directly on their Facebook page at Appeal for Information Aberdeen Taxi Driver Murder 1983 – George Murdoch

If there is anything you or anyone you know remembers from September 1983 in Aberdeen, then this could be invaluable in finding out who murdered George Murdoch, and finally give his family the closure they have been waiting for.

Episode Summary

A taxi driver working in Aberdeen on the night of 29 September 1983 picked up a seemingly harmless fare, but two miles into the journey things took a deadly turn. 

Please Be Advised – This episode may contain content that some may find distressing. As always, we advise listener discretion. This episode it not suitable for anyone under the age of 13.

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The Last Fare eBook: McKay, Robina S.: Amazon.co.uk: Kindle Store

World Population Review – Aberdeen Population

Wikipedia- Aberdeen

Who was Scotland’s cheese wire killer? The brutal murder of an Aberdeen taxi driver – Daily Record

George Murdoch murder: Dozens of calls about 1983 Aberdeen killing – BBC News

George Murdoch murder: Police remain optimistic about finding 1983 killer – BBC News

George Murdoch – True Crime Library

George Murdoch: Family’s emotional appeal to help trace Aberdeen taxi driver’s killer – Evening Express

Family of murdered Aberdeen taxi driver hope new book will bring ‘cheese wire killer’ to justice 36 years later – Daily Record

Family of ‘Cheese Wire Killer’ victim still seek justice 35 years on | Press and Journal

Cheesewire Killer: Anguished relatives of murdered man in 1980s extend time on their £10,000 reward – Daily Record

Renewed bid to find Aberdeen cheese wire killer 35 years on – BBC News

Nephew of Scots cabbie brutally battered and choked to death in 1983 offers £10,000 to snare ‘Cheesewire Killer’ and solve uncle’s mystery killing

Reward for information about murdered Aberdeen taxi driver extended | Press and Journal

Family of murdered taxi driver George Murdoch publishes book about unsolved case | Press and Journal

Family hopes new book on George Murdoch’s murder will help finally close 36-year-old cold case | Press and Journal

‘Police chiefs to blame for “cheese wire killer” getting away’ | Press and Journal

Blood and Granite: True crime from Aberdeen eBook: Adams, Norman: Amazon.co.uk: Kindle Store

10,000 reward to catch murderer who killed taxi driver 31 years ago – Evening Express

 

If you have any information relating to this case, contact;

101 (UK).

Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 (UK),

Email dedicated inbox at SCDHOLMESAberdeen@scotland.pnn.police.uk.

The Last Fare

by Robina S McKay

Synopsis

Thursday 29th Sept 1983. It had been a miserable, dreich day in Aberdeen and rain was still falling, as taxi driver, George Murdoch, made his way along Queens Rd. Up ahead, he spotted a young guy attempting to flag down a cab. Pulling in for him, he stopped and his passenger climbed into the seat behind him. As he indicated to pull out, George glanced at the clock dial. This would be his last fare of the night. Soon, he’d be heading home to his wife and the warm meal she’d have waiting for him. But George would not make it home that night, nor any other.

His nightmare was only just beginning…………

Our Review

Scottish Murders is a production of Cluarantonn

Hosted by Dawn and Cole

Researched and Written by Dawn Young

Produced and Edited by Dawn Young and Peter Bull

Production Company Name by Granny Robertson

Music:

Dawn of the Fairies by Derek & Brandon Fiechter

Gothic Wedding by Derek & Brandon Fiechter


The Karen Buckley Murder

The Karen Buckley Murder

Episode Summary

In April 2015, Irish nurse Karen had arrived in Glasgow a few months earlier to study at Caledonia University.  Taking some time out from studying, Karen was on a night out at a nightclub with her university friends.  Just before 1am she said goodnight to her friends and left the nightclub, she was never seen alive again.

Please Be Advised – This episode may contain content that some may find distressing. As always, we advise listener discretion. This episode it not suitable for anyone under the age of 13.

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Google Maps – Glasgow

Glasgow Tourism and Visitor Plan

Judge calls Karen Buckley’s murder a ‘brutal, motiveless attack on a defenceless young woman’

Timeline Of Karen Buckley’s Murder | News – Clyde 2

Karen Buckley: Man arrested over student’s death – BBC News

Karen Buckley death: Man, 21, charged with murder of trainee nurse – Daily Star

Karen Buckley murder: Alexander Pacteau jailed for life – BBC News

Karen Buckley murder: Watch killer reveal moment he first laid eyes on student nurse – Mirror Online

Karen Buckley murder: Alexander Pacteau jailed for at least 23 years | UK news | The Guardian

Karen Buckley: One year on, what we know about her brutal murder in Glasgow and the questions that were never answered | The Irish Post

Karen Buckley murder: Alexander Pacteau admits murdering student who disappeared from Glasgow club in savage spanner attack – Daily Record

Karen Buckley murder – Mirror Online

Karen Buckley killer Alexander Pacteau’s mum says apology to victim’s family ‘would not be enough’ – Mirror Online

Karen Buckley killer Alexander Pacteau’s mother told him to drop life sentence appeal ‘out of respect’ – Daily Record

Karen Buckley murder: Police release chilling images which helped catch evil killer Alexander Pacteau – Daily Record

Karen Buckley murder: Timeline of events | The Scotsman

Karen Buckley: Timeline of disappearance and death

Timeline: The Karen Buckley murder case

Karen Buckley murder: Alexander Pacteau pleads guilty to killing Irish student in Glasgow | UK | News | Express.co.uk

Karen Buckley murder: Man admits ‘evil’ killing of Irish student in Glasgow – BBC News

Karen Buckley murder: Alexander Pacteau admits killing Glasgow student with spanner | The Independent

Karen Buckley murder: Alexander Pacteau admits brutal killing of Irish student nurse in Glasgow – BelfastTelegraph.co.uk

Family of murdered Karen Buckley thank ‘˜very many people’ for support | Belfast News Letter

Police fear Karen Buckley’s evil murderer Pacteau had ‘stalked other women’ – Herald.ie

Karen Buckley murderer Pacteau gets life, with a minimum sentence of 23 years

Memorial mass to mark one year since murder of Karen Buckley – STV News

Twisted killer jailed for life for ‘motiveless’ murder of student Karen Buckley – Daily Star

Karen Buckley murder: what we know now – Independent.ie

Man pleads guilty to Karen Buckley murder | UK news | The Guardian

Alexander Pacteau admits brutal murder of student Karen Buckley | ITV News

Man Admits Murder Of Karen Buckley – Heart Scotland

Karen was ‘our little angel’ – BBC News

Karen Buckley missing: Fears grow for student nurse who vanished after night out with pals – Mirror Online

Karen Buckley killer Alexander Pacteau’s mum says family are “devastated” by his crime – Mirror Online

Karen Buckley: How Alexander Pacteau killed her and tried to destroy her body

Alexander Pacteau family friend reveals details of Karen Buckley’s depraved killer’s childhood | Glasgow Times

Alex Pacteau: The making of the evil monster who murdered Karen Buckley – Irish Mirror Online

‘My son is innocent’, says mother whose son was seen talking to Karen on CCTV

Karen Buckley: More than £50,000 raised in 24 hours to support family of tragic student – Daily Record

Karen Buckley funeral: Hundreds mourn “utterly inappropriate” death | UK | News | Express.co.uk

Monster Alexander Pacteau who killed Karen Buckley flogs painkillers to drug-dealing lags for bottles of COKE at HMP Kilmarnock

Monster killer Alexander Pacteau moved jail after riot over drug checks

Monster Alexander Pacteau who killed student nurse Karen Buckley in Glasgow guzzles protein shakes and pumps iron in jail in a bid to get fit – The Scottish Sun

Cork nurse murderer Alexander Pacteau moved to new jail for being ringleader in prison riot

Alexander Pacteau: What drove the middle-class public schoolboy to kill Karen Buckley | Express.co.uk

Scottish Murders is a production of Cluarantonn

Hosted by Dawn and Cole

Researched and Written by Dawn Young

Produced and Edited by Dawn Young and Peter Bull

Production Company Name by Granny Robertson

Music:

Dawn of the Fairies by Derek & Brandon Fiechter

Gothic Wedding by Derek & Brandon Fiechter


Clipper Maid of the Seas

Clipper Maid of the Seas

Episode Summary

A seemingly routine flight from London on the way to New York would forever change many lives as it passed over a small town in Scotland.

 

Please Be Advised – This episode may contain content that some may find distressing. As always, we advise listener discretion. This episode it not suitable for anyone under the age of 13.

Listen on:

Scottish Murders is a production of Cluarantonn

Hosted by Dawn and Cole

Researched and Written by Peter Bull

Produced and Edited by Dawn Young and Peter Bull

Production Company Name by Granny Robertson

Music:

Dawn of the Fairies by Derek & Brandon Fiechter

Gothic Wedding by Derek & Brandon Fiechter