Murder She Spoke

Episode 107: Annie Irvine


This week Emma brings us a lesser known case from 1974, the killing of 57-year-old Grandmother Annie Irvine, in Paisley.
Emma tells us of the impact the case had on locals, who described being 'sickened' by the crime, and some of those involved in the investigation, who described the killing as 'repulsive' and 'gruesome'.
We hear how, despite the brutality of the killing, there are few available reports on the case from the time and how, despite a large scale manhunt, there was limited progress in the case.
Emma details how the case has been periodically reviewed in an attempt to utilise modern forensic methods to gain new insights in to the killing and, hopefully, deliver justice for Annie.


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.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/fresh-investigation-into-brutal-stabbing-of-granny-1342560

https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/13074390.cold-case-police-look-brutal-1974-killing/

http://www.unsolved-murders.co.uk/murder-content.php?key=609&termRef=Annie%20Irvine

https://www.glasgowlive.co.uk/news/glasgow-news/unsolved-murder-paisley-granny-mutilated-27687535

https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/local-news/annies-murder-most-repulsive-detective-2547529

https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/local-news/neighbour-recalls-brutal-murder-paisley-2547551

Episode 105: June Cruickshank and George Forbes


This week Emma tells us of the killings of 2 children in Aberdeen in the 1960's, 6-year-old June Cruickshank and 7-year-old George Forbes.
Emma describes how June was found in a critical condition after a seemingly random act of violence with no clear motive. June would die a short time later.
We hear how there were very few leads in the case, with appeals being made to the public at football matches and through newspaper articles and TV interviews.
Emma tells us how the case hit a dead end until, nearly 3 years later, the killer would strike again.


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:

Blood & Granite by Norman Adams

https://www.thefreelibrary.com/The+murderer+of+six-year-old+June+was+discovered+almost+by+accident.-a0647766170

https://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/archives/news/15622/city-of-blood/?1=2

https://www.pressreader.com/uk/the-press-and-journal-aberdeen-and-aberdeenshire/20210108/281771336823170

Episode 104: Isabella Kerr & Mary Jane Rogerson

This week Joannagh tells us of the tragic murders of Isabella Kerr and Mary Jane Rogerson; two women who died at the hands of a jealous, possessive, deeply insecure man, whose continued unspiralling behaviour - left unchecked - led to the ultimate crime.

We hear about the comprehensive and thorough police investigation, and the several ground breaking techniques established during the intensive investigation which would change the approach to policing and forensics forever.

Joannagh and Emma also discuss the attitudes of the time, where domestic abuse was not viewed through the same lens, and recount some of their own experiences of domestic abuse.


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


‘The Jigsaw Murders The True Story of the Ruxton Killings and the Birth of Modern Forensics’ by Jeremy Craddock’


https://www.amazon.co.uk/Jigsaw-Murders-Ruxton-Killings-Forensics/dp/0750995203

https://visitlancaster.org.uk/museums/explore/collection/discover-our-collection/the-personal-diary-of-dr-buck-ruxton-1934/

http://www.policemuseum.org.uk/crime-casebook/interesting-cases/the-ruxton-murders-1935/

https://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/sep/26/val-mcdermid-extract-forensics-the-anatomy-of-crime

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/125085500/isabella-ruxton

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-south-scotland-64939242

https://www.lancs.live/news/lancashire-news/charming-doctor-dubbed-savage-surgeon-25261292

https://www.historic-uk.com/Culture/Birth-Of-Forensics-Buck+Ruxton/

https://www.lep.co.uk/heritage-and-retro/retro/how-infamous-lancashire-murder-changed-policing-forever-3233512

https://www.irishtimes.com/news/offbeat/jigsaw-murders-the-gruesome-case-of-a-jealous-gp-1.2759634

https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/crime/infamous-jigsaw-murders-case-being-made-into-tv-drama-2548694

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buck_Ruxton

Ep 103: The Dundee School Shooting & Carstairs Axe Murders


This week Emma tells us the story of the 2 seperate crime rampages carried out by a man named Robert Mone - the Dundee School Shooting & the Carstairs Axe Murders.
Emma describes the terrifying events at the school in Dundee and how Mone was locked up for this violent incident for 9 years, before escaping from the psychiatric facility where he had been held.
We also hear about how Mone and an accomplice carried out another brutal spate of violent attacks once free, and the aftermath of Mone's campaign of violence.


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.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/dundee/536040/video-st-johns-shooting-50-years-police-sniper-robert-mone-sights-wasnt-ordered-shoot/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7EC4lzeH_HU

https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/past-times/3833272/robert-mone-dundee/

https://murderpedia.org/male.M/m/mone-robert.htm

https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/news/scottish-news/carstairs-criminal-spread-horror-infamous-25241432

https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/past-times/4074025/robert-mone-sentenced/

https://www.murderuk.com/robert-monewith-thomas-mcculloch.html

https://www.thefreelibrary.com/FATHER+FROM+HELL%3B+He+murdered+three+-+just+to+beat+his+son.-a061048128The Law Killers: True Crime from Dundee, Alexander McGregor, Black & White Publishing. 26 September 2013

https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/dundee/536042/i-can-see-her-face-right-now-former-st-johns-pupil-held-at-gun-point-by-robert-mone-breaks-50-year-silence-on-terrifying-siege/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dundee_school_shootings

https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/dundee/319859/mone-should-die-in-jail-says-ex-cop-40-years-after-bloodbath/

https://medium.com/crimebeat/robert-mone-the-most-notorious-murderers-in-dundee-892f45a4cc2f

https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/scotlands-most-shocking-crimes-twisted-22572096

Episode 102: Margaret Fleming


This week Joannagh tells us the story of Margaret Fleming, a vulnerable young woman, believed to have been murdered some time between 18 December 1999 and 5 January 2000.
We hear how the trial for the murder of Margaret Fleming was groundbreaking, as it was featured in a BBC documentary titled ‘Murder Trial’ and was the first time a documentary crew had been permitted access to record the proceedings of a high court murder trial.
Joannagh also tells us of the learning disabilities that made Margaret such a vulnerable person, and how access to her disability benefits may have been a key motive in the 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://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/m000d2cy/murder-trial

https://www.scotsman.com/news/crime/couple-who-killed-margaret-fleming-for-her-benefits-ordered-to-pay-up-3600578

https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/19956551.margaret-fleming-murder-documentary-maker-fears-truth-will-never-come/

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-60647434

https://www.inverclyde.gov.uk/sites/margaret-fleming

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-48523897

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-48635838

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-49014751

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-50265909

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-51047938

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-48532099

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-48203040

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-48275280

https://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/news/18125606.lawyers-involved-trial-carers-killed-margaret-fleming-talk-tv-documentary/

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-48513981

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-48067246

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-48030174

Episode 101: Amber Gibson

Video Podcast - https://youtu.be/tkzX0mCDPMw

This week Emma tells us the story of Amber Gibson, a 16-year-old girl who was killed in November 2021.
Emma talks of the traumatic experiences Amber had already been through in her young life, and the resilience of her character that she was still described as “most giving, loving, supportive and admirable".
We hear about the night Amber disappeared and the search that eventually led to her body being discovered, as well as further unspeakable acts that were carried out after her death.
Emma goes on to describe the events of the trial, which only concluded recently, and the aftermath in which it will be determined if lessons can be learned to prevent further harm to other vulnerable young people.


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
Sponsor: https://www.crimecon.co.uk/


Sources of research:

https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/amber-gibson-murder-victim-scotland-b969288.html

https://news.stv.tv/west-central/man-convicted-of-raping-alleged-murder-victim-amber-gibson

https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/amber-gibsons-brother-could-been-30495396?int_source=nba

https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/chilling-messages-twisted-scots-killer-30490759?int_source=nba

https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/uknews/16890839/amber-gibson-hamilton-missing-teenager-cops/

https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/murdered-amber-gibsons-family-absolutely-25591521

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/amber-gibson-connor-brother-murder-b2382095.html

https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/1795117/Pervert-body-police-amber-Gibson

https://www.scotsman.com/news/crime/detective-pleads-for-help-catching-hamilton-teen-amber-smiths-killer-3478873

https://www.thenational.scot/news/19751218.body-identified-missing-teenager-amber-gibson/

https://www.itv.com/news/2021-12-01/murder-investigation-launched-after-body-of-missing-amber-gibson-16-found

https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/amber-gibson-murder-victim-scotland-b969288.html

https://www.scotsman.com/news/crime/teen-charged-in-connection-with-death-of-amber-gibson-3479760

https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/national/23669267.man-accused-touching-amber-gibsons-body-family-father-tells-trial/

https://www.newsshopper.co.uk/news/national/23651017.footprint-found-amber-gibsons-bra-matched-brothers-shoe/

https://www.clactonandfrintongazette.co.uk/news/national/23653564.amber-gibson-injuries-consistent-strangled-murder-trial-told/

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/amber-gibson-murdered-by-the-brother-she-trusted-czchldkfs

https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/amber-gibson-murder-trial-hears-30442150

https://www.nationalworld.com/news/crime/amber-gibson-man-charged-with-attempting-to-defeat-ends-of-justice-3478336

https://www.lbc.co.uk/hot-topics/crime-police/amber-gibson-murder-scotland-16-year-old-dead/

https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/19823646.second-man-charged-death-teenager-amber-gibson/

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12336945/Man-Amber-Gibsons-naked-body-woodland-violated-instead-telling-police-Pervert-45-told-faces-lengthy-jail-term-horrific-crimes-against-tragic-16-year-old.html

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-66300209https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-66300209

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/amber-gibson-connor-murder-brother-b2382057.html

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12336903/Amber-Gibson-life-misery.html

https://news.sky.com/story/amber-gibson-murder-independent-care-review-set-to-be-concluded-12928645

https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/tragic-amber-gibson-raped-murdered-30555117

https://news.sky.com/story/amber-gibson-murder-trial-man-accused-of-inappropriately-touching-her-body-was-staying-with-his-family-12924302

https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/23679669.family-say-amber-gibson-let-authorities/

https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/amber-gibson-murder-trial-hears-30540684

https://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/news/10937485/amber-gibsons-body-found-concealed-by-branches/

https://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/news/scottish-news/23646382.police-officer-discovered-amber-gibsons-body-gives-evidence/

https://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/news/23641783.man-accused-killing-sister-said-bad-night/

https://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/news/23256799.man-accused-inappropriately-touching-amber-gibsons-dead-body/

Episode (1)00: Renee MacRae

Video Podcast - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cfNOkt9bn7I


For the long awaited 100th episode of Murder She Spoke Joannagh delves in to the case of Renee MacRae, a 36-year-old mother of two who went missing in November 1976, along with her youngest son, 3-year-old Andrew.
Joannagh talks of the turbulent personal life of Renee, with questions having been raised over the paternity of her youngest son due to an ongoing affair.
We hear about the extensive searches carried out in search of Renee and Andrew, from excavations of Quarries, to searches of Rivers and Lochs involving large numbers of Police, volunteers and even support from the RAF.
In an investigation lasting right up to September 2022, we hear about the lies that allowed the prime suspect to evade Police detection, as well as the evidence that would eventually be used to see them in court.


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
Sponsor: https://www.crimecon.co.uk/


Sources of research:

https://www.valmcdermid.com/forensics/ (Val’s book: Forensics: The Anatomy of Crime)

https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/local/perth-kinross/1573378/oap-set-for-court-accused-of-murdering-mum-renee-macrae-and-her-son-more-than-40-years-ago/

https://www.scottishlegal.com/article/pensioner-to-appear-in-court-accused-of-killing-woman-and-toddler-over-40-years-ago

https://www.inverness-courier.co.uk/news/renee-macrae-murder-case-due-back-in-court-next-month-212004/

https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/tag/renee-macrae/page/2/

https://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/news/4407580/renee-macrae-murder-bones-found-inverness-search-43-years/

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-49661128

https://twitter.com/policescotland/status/1171736670842040320?lang=en-gb

https://www.scotsman.com/news/scottish-news/renee-macrae-murder-police-search-quarry-1416644

https://www.helensburghadvertiser.co.uk/news/national-news/17728381.renee-macrae-search-team-find-pushchair-parts-quarry/

https://www.thewestmorlandgazette.co.uk/news/national/17216682.fresh-family-appeal-1976-disappearance-mother-son/

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-64655571

https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/tag/renee-macrae/

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2022/sep/29/renee-andrew-macrae-murder-inverness-1976-william-macdowell-guilty

https://news.stv.tv/highlands-islands/murderer-william-macdowell-who-killed-renee-macrae-and-son-andrew-dies-aged-81

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/renee-macrae-police-inverness-high-court-police-scotland-b2196060.html

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/renee-macrae-inverness-police-scotland-penrith-high-court-b2177869.html

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/renee-macrae-inverness-high-court-volvo-leith-b2173854.html

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/renee-macrae-inverness-bmw-valium-dvla-b2175361.html

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/renee-macrae-life-high-court-inverness-bmw-b2176645.html

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/renee-macrae-inverness-chinese-volvo-penrith-b2177270.html

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/renee-macrae-inverness-bmw-penrith-cumbria-b2173283.html

https://judiciary.scot/home/sentences-judgments/sentences-and-opinions/2022/09/30/hma-v-william-macdowell

https://www.scotland.police.uk/what-s-happening/news/2022/september/man-80-guilty-of-murdering-renee-and-andrew-macrae-in-1976/

Bonus Episode: The Makings of a Murderer


In this special bonus episode, Murder She Spoke go behind the scenes of The Makings of a Murderer, the one-man stage show hosted by former Detective Superintendent David Swindle, currently touring the UK.
David Swindle served in the Police for 34 years and was involved in some of the most high profile criminal investigations in UK history, most notably Operation Anagram, which led to the discovery of further victims of notorious serial killer Peter Tobin.
In this episode, Emma And Joannagh go on stage at the Festival Theatre in Edinburgh for a preview of the production. They also have an interview with host David Swindle, who gives some insight into his philosophy on dealing with the aftermath of murder, as well as some previews of the content of his one-man show.
The Makings of a Murderer show will be touring until April 2024. To book tickets, visit themakingsofamurderer.co.uk


Produced by Emma Taylor & Joannagh Shanks
Editing by Shaun O'Neill
Music by Tribe of Noise


Sources:


https://www.davidswindle.com/about-david-swindle/

https://themakingsofamurderer.co.uk/

https://www.crimecon.co.uk/david-swindle

https://kirstymaxwell.com/

https://craigmallon.com/

https://www.scotsman.com/news/crime/who-did-peter-tobin-kill-and-was-he-bible-john-former-lead-detective-david-swindle-on-why-the-serial-killer-case-is-not-cold-yet-1403956

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-13717063

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-51114483

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-merseyside-61962924

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/helen-s-law-receives-royal-assent

Episode 99: Karen Buckley

This week Emma tells us the story of Karen Buckley, a 24-year-old student from Ireland, who was killed in 2015 whilst living in Glasgow.
We hear how the alarm was raised after Karen did not return home after a night out, something which was very out of character for her.
Emma describes how the police appeals to the public resulted in crucial information being provided. This information would ultimately lead to the discovery of Karen's remains and would be vital in the case against her killer.


Case research by Emma Taylor
Produced by Emma Taylor & Joannagh Shanks
Editing by Shaun O'Neill
Music by Tribe of Noise


Sources of research:

https://www.scotsman.com/news/karen-buckley-murder-timeline-events-1497840

https://www.chillingcrimes.com/blogs/news/karen-buckley

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-33865588

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-34176058

https://www.irishtimes.com/news/crime-and-law/karen-buckley-how-alexander-pacteau-killed-her-and-tried-to-destroy-her-body-1.2313484

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/sep/08/karen-buckley-alexander-pacteau-jailed-for-at-least-23-years

https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/evil-karen-buckley-killer-alexander-9209520

https://www.irishmirror.ie/news/irish-news/crime/karen-buckley-killer-alexander-pacteau-10647129

https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/karen-buckley-murderer-alexander-pacteau-6234866

https://www.independent.ie/entertainment/television/tv-reviews/uncomfortable-if-worthwhile-viewing-tv3s-opening-disclosure-instalment-31566218.html

https://www.irishpost.com/news/85953-2-85953

https://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/news/scottish-news/506723/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/

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3193602/Alexander-Pacteau-admits-murdered-Irish-student-Karen-Buckley.html

https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/courts/how-this-callous-calculating-killer-murdered-karen-and-used-google-and-a-tv-show-to-try-and-avoid-detection-31445671.html

https://www.rte.ie/documents/news/judge-lady-rae-sentencing.pdf

https://archive.news.stv.tv/west-central/1338630-karen-buckley-murderer-dropped-appeal-after-his-mother-told-him-to.html

https://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/news/scottish-news/4619362/alexander-pacteau-jail-drug-search/

https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/life/598400/face-evil-brutal-killing-Karen-Buckley-Alexander-Pacteau

https://www.express.co.uk/scotland/597714/Alexander-Pacteau-cover-up-crime

https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/572164/Karen-Buckley-judge-criticised-Glasgow-attack-murse

https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/573579/Karen-Buckley-funeral-Glasgow-nurse-murdered

Episode 98: Mary Speir Gunn.
This week Joannagh brings us a mystery dating all the way back to 1913, the case of Mary Speir Gunn.
We hear how, in October 1913, Mary and her family were relaxing in their secluded cottage home when suddenly a hail of bullets tore through the room, hitting all members of the family, Mary fatally so.
We hear how, despite some conclusions being drawn from evidence at the scene, the lack of strong forensics at the time meant a degree of guesswork was involved in the investigation.
Joannagh describes the leads that were ultimately followed in the case, some stretching as far as Saskatchewan, Canada, as well as some of the more imaginative theories put forward by investigators at the time.


Case research by Joannagh Shanks
Produced by Emma Taylor & Joannagh Shanks
Editing by Shaun O'Neill
Music by Tribe of Noise

Sources of research:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Who-Killed-Mary-Gunn-Portencross-ebook/dp/B08DXQK75J/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2RMB95MOZU7VP&keywords=who+killed+mary+gunn&qid=1655767340&s=books&sprefix=who+killed+mary+gunn%2Cstripbooks%2C75&sr=1-1

https://www.largsandmillportnews.com/news/16860957.author-solves-105-year-old-murder-mystery-portencross/

https://newspaperarchive.com/london-standard-oct-20-1913-p-8/

https://newspaperarchive.com/london-standard-oct-27-1913-p-9/

https://newspaperarchive.com/london-evening-news-oct-20-1913-p-5/

https://web.archive.org/web/20140812213340/http://www.riverclydephotography.org/2009/11/portencross-murder.html

https://www.ardrossanherald.com/news/13724201.the-portencross-murder-100-years-on/

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ayrshire-Echoes-People-Places-Times/dp/0956755054

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ayrshire-Discovering-County-Dane-Love/dp/0954446119

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Murder-Not-Proven-Jack-House/dp/0862670659

http://www.ayrshireroots.co.uk/TNG/getperson.php?personID=I28700&tree=2