Murder She Spoke

Episode 115: Jenny Methven

This week Emma brings us the story of Jenny Methven, an 80 year-old widow who was killed in February 2012. Jenny had been the victim of a shocking attack and sadly succumbed to her injuries.
Emma gives us details of the Police investigation, including appeals for information from the public, features on Crimewatch and of rewards offered for information.
Emma also tells us of the shocking direction the investigation would take as someone close to the family was arrested as the prime suspect.

Case research by Emma Taylor
Produced by Emma Taylor & Joannagh Shanks
Editing by Joannagh Shanks
Music by Tribe of Noise

Murder She Spoke Youtube Page - https://www.youtube.com/@MurderSheSpokePod

Sources of research:

https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/339627/Suicide-letter-of-Jenny-murder-accused

https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/13066153.man-faces-trial-pensioner-murder/

https://www.pressreader.com/uk/the-courier-advertiser-perth-and-perthshire-edition/20201110/281487868874037

https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/340964/Mum-s-murder-was-an-act-of-betrayal

https://www.scotsman.com/news/jenny-methven-murder-my-mums-killer-was-just-like-a-brother-to-me-2512136

https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/perth-kinross/169722/perthshire-murderer-declared-bankrupt/

https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/local-news/life-sentence-jenny-methvens-killer-2728355

https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/13087546.methven-murderer-abandons-appeal-conviction/

https://www.pressreader.com/uk/the-courier-advertiser-perth-and-perthshire-edition/20141103/282827894422846

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-tayside-central-36246544

https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/13070049.lies-spiralled-net-closed-killer/

Episode 114: Kenneth George Jones

This week Joannagh tells us about the case of Kenneth George Jones, who went missing from his home in Glenrothes, Fife in November 1998.
Kenneth has been missing for 25 years, with no apparent reason to leave and no indication of foul play.
Joannagh discusses the steps taken to help locate Kenneth, included age progresed photos due to the time elapsed since his disappearance.
We also hear about the diffculty faced by his family due to the lack of information on Kenneth's whereabouts and with there having been a number of cases where remains were found nearby, which were ultimately unrelated.
If anyone has seen Kenneth, you can contact Missing People anonymously by calling 116 000 - calls are untraceable - or by emailing [email protected]. Alternatively, you can contact police on 101.

Case research by Joannagh Shanks
Produced by Emma Taylor & Joannagh Shanks
Editing by Joannagh Shanks
Music by Tribe of Noise
Murder She Spoke Youtube Page - https://www.youtube.com/@MurderSheSpokePod

Sources of research:

https://www.missingpeople.org.uk/help-us-find/kenneth-jones-99-000956#

https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/12345654.couple-make-plea-for-return-of-missing-son/

https://www.thenational.scot/news/14898927.remains-in-park-still-not-identified/

https://www.scotsman.com/news/mother-told-bones-in-fife-park-may-be-missing-son-1498164

https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/fife/306427/new-appeals-families-missing-men-prepare-anniversary/

https://www.fifetoday.co.uk/news/kenneth-jones-family-of-missing-glenrothes-teenager-renew-appeal-20-years-on-from-his-disappearance-215571

https://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/news/18535769.unsolved-names-faces-scotlands-missing-people/

https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/crime/glenrothes-remains-do-not-belong-to-missing-men-allan-bryant-and-kenneth-jones-2993755

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-59672923

https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/fife/1630159/police-confirm-fife-remains-not-those-of-allan-bryant-jr-or-kenneth-jones/

Episode 113: Netta Fornario

This week Emma brings us the mysterious story of Netta Fornario, who was found dead on the isle of Iona in November 1929.
Emma talks of Netta's fascination with the spiritual and occult and of the odd behaviour she displayed during her time on Iona.
We also hear of the peculiar scene where Netta was found, leading to further suspicion around occult practices.
Emma tells us of the speculation around a cleansing ritual gone wrong and also of marks on the body that may suggest a more sinister end.

Case research by Emma Taylor
Produced by Emma Taylor & Joannagh Shanks
Editing by Joannagh Shanks
Music by Tribe of Noise

Murder She Spoke Youtube Page - https://www.youtube.com/@MurderSheSpokePod

Sources of research:

https://beccamcallisternews.wordpress.com/2020/04/21/fior/

https://www.strangehistory.net/2013/02/27/the-mostly-lost-writings-of-netta-fornariomac-tylermarie-fornario/

https://viewfromthebighills.blogspot.com/2013/02/a-terrible-case-of-healing-death-of.html

https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/555841/strange-1920s-death-iona-scotland-nora-emily-fornario

https://www.shetlandarts.org/blog/the-mysterious-death-of-netta-fornario

https://medium.com/@anncarney51/the-strange-death-of-netta-fornario-b4d6817d7e6f

https://www.mysteriousbritain.co.uk/occult/netta-fornario-ionas-occult-mystery/

https://www.historicmysteries.com/netta-fornario/

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/191667869/marie-emily-fornario

https://journalnews.com.ph/a-mystical-island-and-the-mysterious-death-of-the-occultist-netta-fornario/

https://www.shetnews.co.uk/2011/06/20/review-gothic-magic/

Episode 112: James 'Jimmy' Hassard

This week Joannagh tells us about the case of James 'Jimmy' Hassard, who was found dead in the village of Caol, near Fort William, on 18 February 1989.
Joannagh tells us how, although Jimmy had suffered injuries consistent with an assault, there was no apparent motive for the crime.
We hear of the long investigations spanning many decades and the appeals made by tthe Police through the years.
Joannagh also tells of the lines of inquiry the police still wish to follow in the hope of finally solving this crime.

Case research by Joannagh Shanks
Produced by Emma Taylor & Joannagh Shanks
Editing by Joannagh Shanks
Music by Tribe of Noise
Murder She Spoke Youtube Page - https://www.youtube.com/@MurderSheSpokePod

Sources of research:

https://visitfortwilliam.co.uk/pages/the-village-of-caol-in-fort-william-075a44c2

https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0005085/19900118/239/0002

https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0003741/19890410/005/0005

https://www.ambaile.org.uk/asset/18077/#:~:text=The%20first%20houses%20in%20Caol,be%20seen%20in%20the%20background.

https://www.findmypast.co.uk/image-viewer?issue=BL%2F0000578%2F19890220&page=5&article=094&stringtohighlight=james+hassard+caol

https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/13146115.police-still-baffled-1989-murder-highlands/

https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/past-times/3965208/jimmy-hassard-highlands-murder/

https://www.scotsman.com/news/police-to-re-open-james-hassard-murder-files-1704722

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-11451559

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-11396668

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-11283902

https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000540/19910218/041/0003

Bonus Episode: Interview with Pat Wertheim

In this special bonus episode, Emma and Joannagh speak with Pat Wertheim, an expert in fingerprint analysis techniques, who became involved in the trial of Shirley McKie.
Shirley McKie was a Detective Constable with Strathclyde Police who was suspended from duty and charged with perjury following findings in the case of Marion Ross, covered in Episode 111.
Pat talks of his backround with fingerprint analysis and goes into detail of how his testimony was key to Shirley McKie's defence.



Produced by Emma Taylor & Joannagh Shanks
Editing by Joannagh Shanks
Music by Tribe of Noise

Episode 111: Shirley McKie

This week Joannagh tells us about the case of Shirley McKie, previously alluded to in Episode 108: Marion Ross.
We hear how, during the murder investigation of Marion Ross in which Detective Constable Shirley McKie was assigned, events occurred which would result in Shirley herself being investigated.
Joannagh describes how Shirley fought to prove her innocence by engaging experts who would cast doubt on the evidence against her and ultimately on key evidence of the Marion Ross investigation.

Case research by Joannagh Shanks
Produced by Emma Taylor & Joannagh Shanks
Editing by Joannagh Shanks
Music by Tribe of Noise
Murder She Spoke Youtube Page - https://www.youtube.com/@MurderSheSpokePod

Sources of research:

https://www.scotcourts.gov.uk/search-judgments/judgment?id=b5e986a6-8980-69d2-b500-ff0000d74aa7

https://www.scotcourts.gov.uk/search-judgments/judgment?id=739286a6-8980-69d2-b500-ff0000d74aa7

https://www.scotcourts.gov.uk/search-judgments/judgment?id=9be186a6-8980-69d2-b500-ff0000d74aa7

https://www.theguardian.com/media/2001/jul/09/mondaymediasection4

https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2006/apr/18/ukcrime.features11

http://www.shirleymckie.com/index.htm

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/605129.stm

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/shared/bsp/hi/pdfs/04_05_06_mckiereport.pdf

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/shared/bsp/hi/pdfs/04_05_06_precogone.pdf

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/panorama/4986570.stm

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/684563.stm

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/343940.stm

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/1885505.stm

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/2193058.stm

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/3346933.stm

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/3606151.stm

Episode 110: Tony Parsons

This week Emma brings us the story of Tony Parsons, a 63-year-old Father and Grandfather who was killed in September 2017.
We hear how, as a keen cyclist and cancer survivor, Tony had decided to complete a charity cycle of 104 miles. It was whilst on this cycle that Tony would go missing.
Emma describes the years long search for Tony, which included initial mountain rescue, air support and dog units as well as later periodic appeals, including a feature on Crimewatch.
We hear how an anonymous tip led to the identification of persons of interest in Tony's disappearance, and how the quick thinking of a confidante of one of these individuals would lead to the breaking of the case.

Case research by Emma Taylor
Produced by Emma Taylor & Joannagh Shanks
Editing by Joannagh Shanks
Music by Tribe of Noise

Murder She Spoke Youtube Page - https://www.youtube.com/@MurderSheSpokePod

Sources of research:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-tayside-central-41537102

https://planetradio.co.uk/forth/local/news/re-appeal-information-cyclist-missing-since-september/

https://road.cc/content/news/249293-police-scotland-renew-appeal-find-missing-cyclist-first-anniversary

https://www.ross-shirejournal.co.uk/news/family-renews-appeal-to-trace-cyclist-reported-missing-in-highlands-three-years-ago-213908/

https://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/news/scottish-news/3279069/tony-parsons-missing-clackmannanshire-fort-william/

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-tayside-central-45663082

https://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/news/23747298.driver-killed-charity-cyclist-tony-parsons-jailed-12-years/

https://www.alloaadvertiser.com/news/23747296.tony-parsons-twins-jailed-total-17-years-cyclists-death/

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-tayside-central-66317438

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/alexander-mckellar-sentence-tony-parsons-b2400145.html

https://news.sky.com/story/killer-driver-alexander-mckellar-caught-after-taking-girlfriend-to-peat-bog-grave-where-he-had-buried-charity-cyclist-tony-parsons-12928441

https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/how-red-bull-can-solved-30608494

https://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/news/scottish-news/6526029/missing-tony-parsons-bridge-of-orchy-police-dig/

https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/how-red-bull-can-solved-30608494

https://www.obantimes.co.uk/2021/01/15/human-remains-found-near-bridge-of-orchy-confirmed-as-missing-man-tony-parsons/

https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/highlands-islands/3096889/family-of-cyclist-anthony-parsons-still-need-answers-as-they-lay-him-to-rest/

https://www.thenational.scot/news/19012817.human-remains-found-argyll-bute-confirmed-missing-cyclist-tony-parsons/

https://news.stv.tv/west-central/cyclist-tony-parsons-killed-by-drink-driver-on-a82-remembered-as-generous-and-friendly-family-man

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12433659/Complaints-police-handling-probe-death-charity-cyclist-Tony-Parsons-examined-watchdog.html

https://www.scotland.police.uk/what-s-happening/news/2023/july/two-men-convicted-in-connection-with-the-death-of-tony-parsons-who-went-missing-in-2017/

https://road.cc/content/news/family-sue-driver-who-killed-cyclist-then-hid-body-302881

https://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/news/23686444.red-bull-can-helped-find-body-missing-cyclist-tony-parsons/

https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/local-news/family-tragic-tony-parsons-thank-26322528

https://www.ross-shirejournal.co.uk/news/family-renews-appeal-to-trace-cyclist-reported-missing-in-highlands-three-years-ago-213908/

https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/local-news/ex-fiancee-slams-sentence-pair-30815716

Bonus Episode: Interview with Steven Keogh

In this special bonus episode, Emma and Joannagh speak with Scotland Yard ex-detective and author Steven Keogh about his book: Murder Investigation Team: Jack the Ripper: A 21st Century Investigation.

Steve tells us about his background in the Metropolitan Police, his work on his brilliant new novel, how the National Crime Agency assisted in building a profile of Jack the Ripper for the first time and we stray onto other important topics such as media reporting of high profile cases i.e. Nicola Bulley, institutionalised attitudes within the police, domestic abuse and more.

Produced by Emma Taylor & Joannagh Shanks
Editing by Joannagh Shanks
Music by Tribe of Noise

Episode 109: Jill Barclay

This week Emma brings us the story of Jill Barclay, a 47-year-old mother of two from Aberdeen, who would be killed in a horrendous attack in September 2022. We hear about the quick police work that uncovered the identity of the killer and the attempts he made to evade capture. Emma tells us of the impact this crime had in the wider community, with activist groups organising events to demand action in making the streets safer and preventing violence against women.

Case research by Emma Taylor
Produced by Emma Taylor & Joannagh Shanks
Editing by Joannagh Shanks
Music by Tribe of Noise

Murder She Spoke Youtube Page - https://www.youtube.com/@MurderSheSpokePod

Sources of research:

https://www.nationalworld.com/news/crime/jill-barclay-cause-of-death-murder-mum-found-dead-aberdeen-3871493
https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/22311409.police-charge-22-year-old-man-womans-death-aberdeen/
https://www.gofundme.com/f/purchase-demolition-of-the-gatehouse-dyce
https://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/news/10726210/rhys-bennett-sentence-reduced-age-murder-jill-barclay/
https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/im-buying-house-girlfriend-raped-30120025
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12119927/Brutal-killer-burned-mother-two-alive-raping-jailed-life.html
https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/haunting-cctv-terrified-mum-shes-30066593
https://news.stv.tv/north/jill-barclay-rhys-bennett-attacked-raped-and-murdered-deeply-loved-mum-of-two-in-dyce
https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/heartbroken-family-jill-barclay-say-30063999
https://www.copfs.gov.uk/about-copfs/news/24-05-man-jailed-for-life-for-rape-and-murder-of-mother-of-two-in-aberdeen/
https://judiciary.scot/home/sentences-judgments/sentences-and-opinions/2023/05/24/hma-v-rhys-bennett
https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/news/scottish-news/jill-barclays-murder-triggered-demands-30068052

Episode 108: Marion Ross

This week Joannagh tells us about the murder of Marion Ross, a 51-year-old woman from Kilmarnock.Described as a quiet and private woman, Marion would be found dead in her home in January 1997 after a brutal attack.We hear how the forensic investigation uncovered a list of potential suspects, but also resulted in some unexpected findings.Joannagh describes the case that was made against the accused along with the outcome of the trial.We then hear how fresh evidence was eventually presented, which would call the entire investigation into question.

Case research by Joannagh ShanksProduced by Emma Taylor & Joannagh ShanksEditing by Joannagh ShanksMusic by Tribe of NoiseMurder She Spoke Youtube Page - https://www.youtube.com/@MurderSheSpokePod

Sources of research:

https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/12083485.news-digest/
http://www.shirleymckie.com/documents/McKayExsmall.pdf
https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/12324918.expert-tells-jury-of-spinsters-horrific-death/
https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/12324894.murder-trial-jury-told-cousin-was-held/
https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/12321475.spinsters-killer-jailed-for-life/
https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/12326492.murder-accused-had-tin-for-years/
https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/12325470.murder-trial-hears-of-fingerprint-theory/
https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/12324561.murder-trial-hears-of-stranger-on-doorstep/
https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/12321264.murder-trial-told-of-gifts-bribe/
https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/12321634.accused-tells-of-being-in-victims-home/
https://www.theguardian.com/media/2001/jul/09/mondaymediasection4
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/891255.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/884895.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/822421.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/2193058.stm