Murder She Spoke

Episode 97: The Dunblane Massacre.

Content Warning: This case involves a school shooting and the deaths of many young children. As always, we want our listeners to look after themselves, so if you feel that this episode may be distressing for you we would advise you to possibly skip this episode or listen to another one instead.

This week Emma tells us of the Dunblane Massacre, one of the darkest days in modern Scottish history.
On the 13th of March 1996, a class of 5 and 6-year-old children and their teachers at Dunblane Primary School were targeted by gunman Thomas Hamilton in a merciless attack which claimed the lives of 16 children and 1 teacher.
We hear how the families of the victims got involved in the political fight for gun control, with legislation quickly being introduced to severely restrict the ownership of handguns in the UK.
Emma talks about the lasting impact of the legislation, particularly how there have been no further school shootings since it was introduced. We also hear of the unfortunate parallels with recent incidents in the U.S and the potential lessons that could be learned from Dunblane.


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://indianexpress.com/article/explained/dunblane-school-shooting-united-kingdom-gun-control-7936966/

https://news.stv.tv/archive/1345003-dunblane-massacre-timeline-of-school-shooting-that-shocked-a-nation

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/public-inquiry-into-the-shootings-at-dunblane-primary-school

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/five-small-coffins-laid-to-rest-in-dunblane-1342948.html

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/how-1996-dunblane-massacre-pushed-uk-enact-stricter-gun-laws-180977221/

https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/emilydugan/school-shooting-gun-laws-change#.xxN1K0rGY

https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1997/5/contents

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/the-life-and-death-of-thomas-watt-hamilton-1672323.html

https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/uk-gun-control-after-1996-dunblane-massacre/article65464402.ece

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2022/may/26/british-laws-dunblane-gun-control-texas-school-massacre

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/61640325

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2022/may/31/andy-murray-angry-texas-school-shooting-dunblane-massacre

https://www.si.com/tennis/2022/06/01/andy-murray-recalls-childhood-school-shooting-scotland-uvalde-texas

https://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/news/6806925/dunblane-massacre-victims/

https://metro.co.uk/2016/03/13/dunblane-massacre-20-years-on-list-of-victims-of-horror-in-scottish-school-5749061/

https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/past-times/2035024/dunblane-how-the-ghastly-news-unfolded-that-children-had-been-massacred-25-years-ago/

Episode 96: Steven Donaldson.
This week Joannagh tells us about the case of Steven Donaldson, a 27-year-old offshore oil and gas worker from Arbroath.
We hear how Steven was in the midst of a disagreement with his ex girlfriend over money and on 6 June 2018 set off to meet with her to talk the issue through.
Joannagh describes how, when Steven arrived, he was ambushed and killed after a vicious and sustained attack.
We hear details of the strong reactions, from various parties, to the brutal details of the attack and the lack of remorse shown by the killers, as well as the impact the ordeal has had on Steven's family.

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.scotcourts.gov.uk/docs/default-source/cos-general-docs/pdf-docs-for-opinions/2019hcjac84.pdf?sfvrsn=0

https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/tag/steven-donaldson/

https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/aberdeen-aberdeenshire/1497593/hunt-for-murdered-aberdeen-oil-workers-killers-continues/

https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/aberdeen-aberdeenshire/1497953/oil-firm-sadness-after-aberdeen-worker-found-murdered-in-countryside/

https://www.pressreader.com/uk/the-courier-advertiser-fife-edition/20190511/281745565829316

https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/courts/881881/steven-donaldson-a-successful-and-popular-young-man-at-the-heart-of-a-happy-family/

https://www.facebook.com/justice4steven/?ref=page_internal

https://www.pressreader.com/uk/the-courier-advertiser-angus-and-the-mearns-edition/20180612/281500751954898

https://planetradio.co.uk/tay/local/news/exclusive-steven-donaldson-family-interview/

https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/aberdeen-aberdeenshire/1501054/three-in-court-over-aberdeen-oil-workers-murder/

https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/crime-courts/3618540/three-in-court-over-aberdeen-oil-workers-death1/

https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/crime-courts/1721136/juror-faints-after-seeing-picture-and-hearing-graphic-evidence-in-steven-donaldson-murder-trial/

https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/scotland/1740453/two-men-found-guilty-of-murdering-aberdeen-oil-worker/

https://www.scotsman.com/news/crime/steven-donaldson-murder-brutal-killer-dead-prison-accomplices-appeal-rejected-1402331

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-tayside-central-48458290

https://www.scotcourts.gov.uk/docs/default-source/cos-general-docs/pdf-docs-for-opinions/2021fai019.pdf?sfvrsn=0

Episode 95: Julius Czapla.

Content Warning: This case involves the death of a child. As always, we want our listeners to look after themselves, so if you feel that this episode may be distressing for you we would advise you to possibly skip this episode or listen to another one instead.

This week Emma tells the tragic story of Julius Czapla, a two-year-old boy living in Edinburgh, who was murdered by his own father.
Emma describes how the breakdown of Julius' parents relationship led his father to display worrying behaviour.
We hear about how Julius' father made the decision to kill his son in order to punish Julius' mother, before attempting to take his own life.
We also hear how, after failing in the attempt to take his own life, Julius' father attempted to use his diminished mental state as a defence for the terrible act.


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.edinburghlive.co.uk/news/edinburgh-news/julius-czapla-first-pictures-emerge-19330722

https://www.edinburghlive.co.uk/news/edinburgh-news/tributes-after-two-year-old-19324590

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/julius-czaplas-killer-father-was-a-good-dad-court-told-j598zxgnp

https://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/news/8803589/julius-czapla-mum-tribute/

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/high-court-edinburgh-polish-b2063564.html

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/edinburgh-high-court-b2063396.html

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-61319315

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-61275912

https://www.scotland.police.uk/what-s-happening/news/2022/may/conviction-of-lukasz-czapla-for-murder-of-julius-czapla-at-high-court-in-edinburgh/

https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/crime/julius-czapla-edinburgh-dad-ordered-to-serve-minimum-23-years-for-murdering-his-toddler-son-3680318

https://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/news/8828243/lukasz-czapla-indecent-images-children-court/

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2022/may/04/father-who-killed-his-two-year-old-son-sentenced-to-life

https://www.edinburghlive.co.uk/news/edinburgh-news/edinburgh-mum-two-year-old-23864158

https://news.sky.com/story/lukasz-czapla-found-guilty-of-murdering-two-year-old-son-in-act-of-revenge-and-jealousy-12605202

https://www.ibtimes.co.uk/man-shoots-son-airgun-stabs-smothers-him-death-get-back-his-ex-1699750

https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/scottish-news/18460602/dad-stab-shot-son-guilty-murder-edinburgh/

https://www.pressreader.com/uk/daily-record/20201126/281990380077730

https://metro.co.uk/2022/05/04/dad-who-murdered-two-year-old-son-to-spite-his-ex-is-jailed-for-life-16586515/

https://www.thisisoxfordshire.co.uk/news/national/20104388.julius-czapla-killing-father-admits-lying-said-not-remember/

https://www.edinburghlive.co.uk/news/edinburgh-news/dad-who-killed-toddler-son-23827288

https://www.edinburghlive.co.uk/news/edinburgh-news/lukasz-czapla-man-appears-court-19331753

https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/news/scottish-news/mother-murdered-julius-czapla-pays-26873275

https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/breaking-dad-who-shot-stabbed-26872911

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-61249744

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-61220164

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-61180401

Episode 94: Dorothy Park.
This week Joannagh tells us about the case of Dorothy Park, a 63-year-old postmistress from New Pitsligo.
In 16 June 1981 Dorothy was found dead in an incident that shocked the residents of the quiet village. Seemingly the victim of a burglary gone wrong, Dorothy was found bound and gagged in her home, she had died by suffocation.
Joannagh details the steps taken by the police to try and identify the perpetrators, with a team of 55 officers being assigned to the case.
We hear how witness statements mentioned 2 strangers in the village on the evening of Dorothy's death, as well as a strange car travelling at speed away from the village. Additionally we hear how a reward of £5,000 (which would be about £20,000 in today’s money) was offered for information leading to an arrest.

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.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/past-times/3234142/who-killed-buchan-postmistress-in-black-panther-style-robbery-40-years-ago/

https://www.pressreader.com/similar/281878711333676

https://www.pressreader.com/uk/the-press-and-journal-aberdeen-and-aberdeenshire/20160620/282905204848245

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

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

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

http://www.newpitsligo.org/news_paper_clippings.html

Episode 93: Kirsty Maxwell.
This week Emma brings us the ongoing case of Kirsty Maxwell, a 27-year-old woman from Livingston, who died under mysterious circumstances whilst on a trip to Benidorm with friends.
Emma describes how, after a night of drinking, Kirsty fell to her death from a balcony in the hotel she was staying. However the balcony was not in an apartment being rented by Kirsty or her friends.
We hear how some conflicting accounts and inconsistent stories from the occupants of the apartment raised suspicions around the truth of the fall.
Emma tells how failures by the Spanish Police added to concerns about the case which has led Kirsty's family to continue pursuing the truth to this day.


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.theolivepress.es/spain-news/2020/07/17/5-british-men-cleared-in-spain-over-criminal-involvement-in-death-of-benidorm-balcony-plunge-victim-kirsty-maxwell/

https://www.theolivepress.es/spain-news/2021/05/15/new-mtv-documentary-investigating-the-death-of-kirsty-maxwell-in-spains-benidorm-is-a-stark-reminder-of-dangers-faced-by-brits-abroad/

https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/20039913.parents-balcony-fall-death-victim-kirsty-maxwell-bid-help-others/

https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/kirsty-maxwell-murder-probe-flawed-20295409

https://kirstymaxwell.com/

https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/family-scot-who-plunged-death-25778745

https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/4113893/benidorm-balcony-victim-kirsty-maxwell-final-moments/

https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/3487460/kirsty-maxwell-benidorm-five-death-fall/

https://www.edinburghlive.co.uk/news/edinburgh-news/five-theories-around-mystery-death-20395677

https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/new-bride-who-plunged-death-10342658

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-40138380

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-40725274

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-nottinghamshire-44821906

https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/kirsty-maxwell-death-mystery-examined-13108407

https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/balcony-death-plunge-victim-kirsty-13114428

https://evoke.ie/2021/04/14/entertainment/kirsty-maxwell-documentary

https://www.edinburghlive.co.uk/news/edinburgh-news/death-kirsty-maxwell-documentary-mtv-20332745

Episode 92: Lynda Spence.
This week Joannagh tells us the story of Lynda Spence, a 27-year-old financial adviser from Glasgow who was abducted, tortured and murdered in April 2011.
We hear how Lynda's taste for the finer things in life had led to severe financial mismanagement of clients funds and left Lynda owing substantial sums of money to criminals that she had been doing business with.
Joannagh describes how a group of these criminals made the decision to abduct Lynda and subject her to a 2-week-long period of torture to try and recover their money.
We also hear how, despite thorough efforts by the killers to remove all evidence of the murder, there was sufficient evidence at the scene to charge them with Lynda's murder.

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.scotcourts.gov.uk/search-judgments/judgment?id=086e9ba6-8980-69d2-b500-ff0000d74aa7

https://www.scotland.police.uk/what-s-happening/news/2022/march/update-lynda-spence-murder-2011/

https://crimestoppers-uk.org/campaigns-media/community/Scotland#

https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2013/apr/08/lynda-spence-murder-two-convicted

https://www.scotsman.com/news/lynda-spence-knew-what-she-was-court-hears-1583078

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-60765214

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-22064366

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-22013752

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-22068323

https://www.scotsman.com/news/crime/lynda-spences-mother-breaks-down-court-1592466

Episode 91: Magdeline Makola.
This week Emma tells us of the terrifying ordeal suffered by nurse Magdeline Makola when, in 2008, she was abducted and held in the boot of a car for approximately 10 days.
We hear how her colleagues became concerned when she did not show up for her shift at the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary on the 18th of December 2008.
Emma describes how the Police began attempting to trace Magdeline through CCTV images of her car and how, by sheer luck, 2 officers were passing the car where it had been left at a train station in Airdrie when they heard Magdeline calling for help.


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.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/abducted-nurse-magdeline-makola-tells-1020971

https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/local-news/brave-nurse-magdeline-makola-hours-2832786

https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2009/apr/24/nurse-locked-car-boot-guilty

https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2009/jul/21/nurse-car-boot-abduction-prison

https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/man-tried-to-kill-nurse-in-car-368385

https://worldbulletin.dunyabulteni.net/archive/man-admits-keeping-nurse-in-car-boot-for-10-days-h40673.html

https://www.independent.ie/world-news/europe/police-charge-man-after-nurse-freed-from-car-boot-26502222.html

https://www.thefreelibrary.com/Just+pounds+3k+for+nurse+kept+in+car+boot%3B+JUSTICE-a0234529934

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-11776849

https://www.heraldscotland.com/default_content/12378750.missing-nurse-found-locked-car-boot/

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/3997523/Police-hunt-man-over-nurses-abduction.html?mobile=wap

https://www.theforgivenessproject.com/stories-library/magdeline-makola/

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1201123/I-friends-death-Nurses-graphic-account-day-kidnap-nightmare-boot-car.html

https://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/news/1442719/kidnap-nurse-airdrie-car-boot-human-rights-justice-ngema-magdeline-makola/

https://www.edinburghlive.co.uk/news/edinburgh-news/brave-west-lothian-nurse-forgives-22710527

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/the-nurse-held-prisoner-in-her-car-for-nine-days-1673978.html

https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/a-sick-joke-outrage-prison-4766700

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/edinburgh_and_east/8160655.stm#:~:text=A%20man%20who%20abducted%20a,shivering%20in%20sub%2Dzero%20temperatures.

https://www.thefreelibrary.com/Eight-year+jail+sentence+for+nurse+abduction.-a0204108768

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/man-admits-kidnapping-nurse-1673759.html

https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2008/dec/26/nurse-found-in-car-boot

Episode 90: Jolanta Bledaite. This week Joannagh talks us through an infamous and horrific crime from 2008, which would come to be known as the 'Head on the Beach Murder'.
The victim of this barbaric crime was a 35-year-old migrant worker from Lithuania by the name of Jolanta Bledaite.
We hear how Jolanta's remains were initially discovered by two young girls playing on Seagate beach in Arbroath, which led to the Police underwater search and rescue dive team searching Arbroath Harbour for further remains.
Police soon had 2 men under arrest, who they suspected of murdering Jolanta for the purposes of stealing her savings.
Joannagh discusses details of the trial and sentencing, as well as the public outcry into how one of the suspects was able to enter the UK when it was revealed that he had a previous conviction in Germany for manslaughter.

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.scotsman.com/news/mystery-severed-head-found-arbroath-beach-2464894

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/tayside_and_central/7332697.stm

https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/39963/Murder-hunt-after-head-is-found-on-Scottish-beach

https://www.standard.co.uk/hp/front/the-face-of-the-woman-whose-severed-head-washed-up-on-beach-6640355.html

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/tayside_and_central/7867815.stm

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/tayside_and_central/7874493.stm

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/tayside_and_central/7879160.stm

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/tayside_and_central/7883793.stm

https://metro.co.uk/2009/02/13/ex-soldier-guilty-of-womans-murder-459100/

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/tayside_and_central/7872495.stm

https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2009/mar/06/russians-jailed-murder-severed-head

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/exsoldier-guilty-of-headonbeach-murder-1608870.html

Episode 89: Norman Bruce.
This week Emma takes us to the beautiful island of Skye for the story of a terrible murder.
Norman Bruce was 64 years old when he was murdered by his wife Sandra in a vicious domestic incident.
Emma gives us details of the scale of the brutality involved in the attack and how the injuries sustained by Norman resembled those from a traffic accident.
We hear of the apparent lack of repentance from Sandra Bruce throughout the investigation and court proceedings, as well as hearing shocking details of domestic incidents she allegedly committed against other members of the Bruce family.


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.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/853342/woman-claims-she-doesnt-remember-battering-her-husband-to-death/

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-35726725#:~:text=Sandra%20Bruce%2C%2061%2C%20had%20denied,of%20Criminal%20Appeal%20in%20Edinburgh.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3132253/5ft-wife-61-stamped-husband-death-argument-pack-cigarettes.html

https://www.scotsman.com/news/skye-woman-charged-husbands-murder-1545060

https://www.pressreader.com/uk/the-press-and-journal-inverness-highlands-and-islands/20150113/281719792965345

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-35726725

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/smirking-wife-jailed-for-life-over-husbands-murder-7h5j9hpfb2q

https://www.scotsman.com/news/wife-who-beat-husband-death-jailed-15-years-1501933

https://www.scotcourts.gov.uk/search-judgments/judgment?id=f0260ea7-8980-69d2-b500-ff0000d74aa7

https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/highlands-islands/848318/she-battered-her-husband-to-death-now-she-wants-out-of-jail-early/

https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/607293/skye-murder-trial-b-put-packet-cigarettes-pillow/

https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/five-foot-pensioner-stamped-husband-5914660

Episode 88: William Henderson. This week Joannagh tells us of an unsolved case from the 1800's known as the Mount Stewart Murder. This case involves the murder of 55-year-old Janet Rogers, who was found dead in the home of her younger brother William Henderson in March 1866. The case was a mystery from the start with no obvious motive being found and the crime scene having some peculiarities.
Joannagh tells us how suspicion soon fell on James Crichton, a ploughman who worked with William Henderson, who was quickly charged with the crime. We hear how conflicting witness accounts and shaky evidence would result in a demonstration of a unique aspect of Scots Law - the 'Not Proven' verdict.

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.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-tayside-central-18721312

https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/murder-in-1866-mirrors-jenny-methven-1278472

https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/past-times/2081281/murder-most-foul-1866-perthshire-murder-axe-slaying-remains-unsolved/

https://www.facebook.com/The-Mount-Stewart-Murder-241521572627316/about/?ref=page_internal

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0exKqONY8k

Chris Paton’s book:

https://www.thehistorypress.co.uk/publication/the-mount-stewart-murder/9780752460208/?fbclid=IwAR0MIHTRguk1Vizzb8cEtzhoQXzfYLMriD4Iq-2su-NJeNQwh4c4X6VU1FY&fbclid=IwAR0MIHTRguk1Vizzb8cEtzhoQXzfYLMriD4Iq-2su-NJeNQwh4c4X6VU1FY