John haigh

John Haigh

Background Information: John Haigh, also known as the “Acid Bath Murderer,” was a notorious English serial killer who operated during the 1940s. He was born in 1909 in Stamford, Lincolnshire, England. Haigh had a troubled childhood and exhibited signs of psychopathy from an early age. He was known to be highly intelligent but lacked empathy and had a fascination with crime and violence.

Criminal History

Haigh's criminal history began with fraud and theft offenses. In 1934, he was sentenced to 15 years in prison for fraud. It was during his time in prison that he developed his macabre plan to commit murder and dispose of the bodies using sulfuric acid.

Victims and Murders:

Haigh's victims were primarily individuals he believed could provide him with financial gain. His murder spree began in 1944 and lasted until 1949. He targeted wealthy individuals, including his own acquaintances, luring them with promises of lucrative investments or business opportunities before killing them.

1. Victim Name: William McSwan

Date of Birth: 1903

Date of Death: 1944

Location: London, England

2. Victim Name: Donald McSwan

Date of Birth: 1930

Date of Death: 1944

Location: London, England

3. Victim Name: Amy McSwan

Date of Birth: 1932

Date of Death: 1944

Location: London, England

4. Victim Name: Olive Durand-Deacon

Date of Birth: 1899

Date of Death: 1945

Location: Crawley, West Sussex, England

5. Victim Name: Margaret Lowe

Date of Birth: 1906

Date of Death: 1945

Location: Crawley, West Sussex, England

6. Victim Name: Mrs. Olive Durand Deacon

Location: Crawley, West Sussex, England

7. Victim Name: Dr. Archibald Henderson

Disappeared in July 1948 but his body was never found.

8. Victim Name: Rosie Hilda Hall Date of Birth: 1923 Date of Death: 1949 Location: Leeds, Yorkshire, England

9. Victim Name: Mrs. Olive Morrell- Disappeared in February 1949 but her body was never found. Location: Eastbourne or Hove in East Sussex.

Methods of Killing

Haigh's method of killing involved shooting his victims with a revolver before dissolving their bodies in sulfuric acid. He believed that by destroying the bodies, he could avoid detection and prosecution for his crimes.

Discovery and Arrest

Haigh's crimes were discovered when a suspicious landlord reported a foul smell coming from a workshop rented by Haigh. Upon investigation, the police found evidence linking Haigh to multiple murders. He was arrested in 1949 and subsequently confessed to killing at least six people.

Trial and Execution

During his trial, Haigh pleaded insanity, claiming that he was driven by compulsions beyond his control. However, he was found guilty of murder, and on August 10, 1949, John Haigh was sentenced to death by hanging. His execution took place at Wandsworth Prison in London on August 10, 1949.

Significance of Flower Pots

One significant aspect of Haigh's crimes was his use of sulfuric acid to dissolve the bodies of his victims. After disposing of the bodies in acid-filled drums, he would crush the remaining sludge into small pieces and dispose of them in various locations, including empty flower pots.

TV Shows:

-“Born To Kill?” (2005), “Murder Maps” (2015)

-"Murderous Minds: The Acid Bath Killer" (episode from the true crime documentary series)

Podcasts:

-"Serial Killers" (Parcast Network) - Episode: "John Haigh: The Acid Bath Murderer"

-"Casefile True Crime" - Episode: "Case 63: John Haigh - The Acid Bath Murderer"

Audio Books:

-“The Acid Bath Murderer” by Jack Rosewood

-"The Acid Bath Murderer: The True Story of John George Haigh" by Brian Masters (audiobook version)

Books:

-“The Acid Bath Murders” by Gordon Lowe

-The Crimes of John Haigh: The Acid-Bath Murderer" by Geoffrey Cowling

-"The Slaughter of the Innocents: A Study of the Battered Child

Films:

-“A Is for Acid” (2002) starring Martin Clunes

-"The Snorkel" (1958 British thriller film loosely based on the John Haigh case)

Removal of acid barrels and uncovering of flower pots where remains where hidden, attempted to colourise best I could

Trial and execution

The workshop

Then Vs now , you can get a KFC on the original site

A is for acid YouTube link

Documentary

Crime Museum UK

Murderpedia

BBC News