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On This Day in True Crime History – 8th February

On this day in True Crime History, we revisit the 8th February.

1587: ⚔️ The Execution of Mary, Queen of Scots, for Suspected Conspiracy

On this day in 1587, Mary, Queen of Scots, a figure entwined in political intrigue and dynastic struggles, was executed. Born in 1542, she became queen of Scotland at just six days old after her father’s death.

Her early life was marked by a brief betrothal to the English Prince Edward, a move that sparked conflict due to religious differences. She was instead sent to France, where she married Francis II, becoming queen consort of France at 16. Widowed at 18, she returned to Scotland, a realm divided by religious strife.

Mary’s reign in Scotland was turbulent, characterized by her marriage to her cousin Lord Darnley, whose murder and her subsequent marriage to the prime suspect, the Earl of Bothwell, led to widespread scandal and her forced abdication in favor of her infant son, James VI of Scotland (later James I of England).

Fleeing to England for protection, she became a prisoner of her cousin, Elizabeth I, due to her strong Catholic claim to the English throne. After 19 years of captivity she was caught in conspiracy to murder Queen Elizabeth, leading to her demise, leaving a legacy of martyrdom for her Catholic supporters.

Her execution was infamously botched and took three blows of the axe to complete the job. ⚖️👑📜

1792: 🍞 James Collington’s Execution for Bakery Burglary

On this day in 1792, James Collington met a grim end, hanged for the theft of bread and flour from the hut of John Campbell, a laborer who provided baking services to the public, as well as a check apron belonging to Susanah Bray, who resided in the same dwelling.

At the hanging tree he addressed the convicts, warning them to avoid the path he had pursued; but said, that he was induced by hunger to commit the crime for which he suffered. He appeared desirous of death, declaring that he knew he could not live without stealing.

This severe punishment for seemingly petty theft was considered necessary as a means for keeping law and order intact owing to the near starvation rations that existed in the colony at this time. 🏚️⚖️💔

1799: 🚨 James Reece’s Desperate Final Act Before Execution

On this day in 1799, James Reece was hanged for a crime involving a sow, which was a capital offence under the severe moral and legal codes of the time.

Reece’s case was particularly notable not only for the nature of the crime but also for his actions on the day of his execution. Having previously been granted a reprieve at the gallows, Reece made a desperate attempt to escape his fate by attempting to cut his own throat on the morning he was to be executed.

The attempt was not fatal and was likely an attempt to buy more time in order to plan an escape attempt rather than a genuine desire for death.

1879: 🏦 Ned Kelly’s Daring Raid on Jerilderie

On this day in 1879, the notorious Ned Kelly and his gang executed one of their most audacious heists, targeting the small town of Jerilderie.

In a display of cunning and boldness, they captured two police officers, securing them in their own cells, before proceeding to rob the local bank. This event not only showcased the gang’s expert planning and brazenness but also highlighted Kelly’s complex relationship with authority and his sense of social justice.

His declaration, “I am a widow’s son outlawed and my orders must be obeyed,” underscored his defiance and the desperate resolve of a man cornered by circumstances.

The raid culminated in the drafting of The Jerilderie Letter, an outlaw’s manifesto that served as a poignant narrative of Kelly’s grievances against the police and the judicial system, sealing his legacy as one of Australia’s most emblematic and polarizing figures. 📜🔒💰

1950: 🕵️‍♂️ The Founding of the Stasi in East Germany

On this day in 1950, East Germany saw the establishment of the Stasi, or “Staatssicherheit,” marking the inception of one of the most repressive and feared secret police agencies in the world.

The Stasi was notorious for its extensive surveillance and espionage activities, both within East Germany and abroad, aimed at suppressing dissent and controlling every aspect of citizens’ lives. Its methods included informants, wiretapping, and extensive personal surveillance, creating an atmosphere of fear and mistrust among the population.

The agency’s vast network and ruthless tactics made it a symbol of the oppressive nature of East German communist rule. The Stasi was dissolved in 1990, following the fall of the Berlin Wall and the subsequent reunification of Germany, but its legacy remains a chilling reminder of the dark side of surveillance and state control. 🔍💔

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On This Day in True Crime History – 30th November

by Davros Dark

Casting a light on November 30th in True Crime History, we uncover a mosaic of human experiences where tales of justice, tragedy, and infamy intertwine.

1796: ⛓️ Francis Morgan Gibbeted on Sydney Harbour’s Pinchgut Island

On this day in 1796, In the midst of Sydney Harbour lies the picturesque Pinchgut Island, known today for its iconic Fort Denison. But in the early days of the colony, this tiny island bore witness to a macabre chapter in history, with a convict named Francis Morgan meeting a gruesome fate there. 💀

Francis Morgan’s journey to Pinchgut Island began in 1793 when he arrived in the colony of New South Wales aboard the ship Sugar Cane, surviving the attempted convict mutiny on their way to Sydney.

Morgan had a dark past, having been tried for the murder of a man in Dublin, Ireland, and was caught wearing the victim’s watch. His sentence, initially death, was commuted to transportation for life. 🚢

However, upon reaching Sydney, Morgan’s violent tendencies emerged once more. In mid-October 1796, he brutally bashed a man named Simon Raven to death on the northern shores of the harbour. This heinous act led to his second encounter with a death sentence. ⚔️

As Francis Morgan awaited his execution, he received a chilling piece of news. His body would not find peace in death; instead, it would be hung in chains on Pinchgut Island, serving as a grim warning to others as required by the Murder Act of 1751. Morgan, stoicly commented favorably on the splendid view of the harbor he would have from his eerie perch, noting its unparalleled beauty. 🌅

For at least the next four years, Francis Morgan’s lifeless body endured the elements, suspended in the middle of Sydney Harbour—a haunting reminder of the consequences of a life gone terribly wrong. ⏳

1796: 🔒 John Lawler and Martin McEwin Hanged for Robbing the Public Stores

On this day in 1796 in Sydney was a sombre day full of executions. The newly formed bustling streets of Sydney saw John Lawler (convict) and Martin Mcewin (soldier) faced the hangman’s noose for robbing public stores.

Despite the seemingly minor offence of stealing food, they faced the same fate as that of a murderer, Francis Morgan, whose vile act of wilful murder darkened the colony’s early history. ⚖️🔓

Both John Lawler and Martin Mcewin were executed and found their eternal rest at Sydney’s first public cemetery known as the Old Sydney Burial Ground, a site now known as Town Hall in the heart of Sydney. The burial ground remained in use until January 1820. During the 28 years the cemetery operated some 2240 burials were added. Excavations of the Town Hall basement in 2008 identified 66 remaining graves in total. 🏛️

1900: 💔 Oscar Wilde’s Iconic Farewell

On this day in 1900, the world lost one of its most brilliant and controversial literary figures, Oscar Wilde. The renowned Irish writer and wit, known for his sharp humor and flamboyant style, spent his final days in a Paris hotel room.

Oscar Wilde’s life had taken a tragic turn when he was imprisoned for “gross indecency” due to his homosexual relationships. After his release, he fled to France to escape the judgmental eyes of Victorian England. He found himself in a modest hotel, facing the drab wallpaper that adorned his room.

Legend has it that, in his last moments, Wilde remarked on the wallpaper, saying, “One of us had to go.” It was a poignant and ironic statement, reflecting the profound struggles and conflicts he had faced in his life.

Oscar Wilde’s death marked the end of an era and the loss of a literary genius whose works continue to be celebrated today. His wit, humor, and unique perspective on society remain celebrated in the world of literature. 📖🎭🖋️

1962: 🕊️ Andrews Hanged in Grim Finale

On this day in 1962, a dark chapter in history concluded as Lowell Lee Andrews, a 22-year-old college student at the University of Kansas, faced execution by hanging for the horrifying murders of his mother, father, and sister. 💔🕊️

His shocking crimes unfolded on the night of November 28, 1958, when he callously shot and killed his own parents, William and Opal Andrews, along with his 20-year-old sister, Jennie, within the walls of their Wichita, Kansas, home. The nation was left in disbelief as the gruesome details of this family tragedy emerged.

Initially, Andrews attempted to deflect suspicion by reporting the murders to the police, deceitfully claiming that an unidentified intruder had committed the heinous act. However, law enforcement swiftly turned their attention towards Andrews as their investigation uncovered a web of damning evidence.

The pieces of the puzzle fell into place as it was revealed that Andrews had taken out a substantial life insurance policy on his family shortly before their deaths, a policy that promised a substantial windfall upon their demise. Moreover, the murder weapon was traced back to him, eroding the facade he had tried to maintain.

During his trial, the chilling truth emerged. Andrews confessed to the murders, divulging that he had been motivated by two sinister factors: the lure of insurance money and a desire for emancipation from what he perceived as his family’s suffocating control.

Justice was served as Lowell Lee Andrews faced his ultimate punishment, hanging at the Kansas State Penitentiary in Lansing, Kansas. ⚖️🪓🏚️

1989: 🌌 Aileen’s Fateful Beginnings

On this day in 1989, a chilling chapter in the life of Aileen Wuornos, one of America’s most infamous female serial killers, began. Aileen, who had a troubled past as a victim of abuse and exploitation, found herself on a path that would lead to a series of gruesome murders.

Aileen often resorted to prostitution to make a living, and on this fateful night, her client was Richard Mallory, a convicted rapist. According to Aileen, the encounter took a horrifying turn when Mallory attempted to assault her. In what she claimed was an act of self-defence, she shot him three times, ending his life.

However, this event marked the beginning of a series of killings by Aileen Wuornos. She went on to claim the lives of six more men, raising questions about her motivations and the transformation from victim to predator. While the first murder may have been driven by self-defence, subsequent acts left even sympathetic observers sceptical of her motives.

Many were left wondering whether Aileen was a serial killer, a victim, or both. She was on death row for a number of years before being executed in 2002. 📚🔍

2001: 🔒 Capture of the Green River Serial Killer

On this day in 2001, a significant breakthrough occurred in the pursuit of justice as Gary Ridgway, a notorious serial killer, was arrested. This arrest marked a pivotal moment in the effort to bring a remorseless murderer to justice.

Gary Ridgway, infamously known as the “Green River Killer,” eventually pleaded guilty to a staggering 49 murders. His crimes had terrorized the Pacific Northwest for years, and his capture was the result of relentless investigative work by law enforcement.

Ridgway’s journey to capture was not without its twists and turns. He had previously come to the attention of law enforcement, having been arrested in 1982 and 2001 on charges related to prostitution. It was in 1983 that he became a suspect in the Green River killings, a shadow that would follow him for years.

In 1984, Ridgway passed a polygraph test, which added a layer of complexity to the investigation. On April 7, 1987, police took hair and saliva samples from Ridgway, seeking to uncover any evidence that might link him to the string of murders.

Ridgway’s ability to pass a polygraph test was a chilling reminder of the challenges faced by law enforcement in bringing him to justice. Here are the polygraph questions and answers:

🔒 Gary, you have heard all the questions on this test, are there any you are going to lie to? NO
🔒 Regarding the deaths of prostitutes, have you told the police the complete truth about that? YES
🔒 Is your true last name Ridgway? YES
🔒 Have you ever caused the death of a prostitute? NO
🔒 Before you were 30 years old, did you ever physically injure anyone without provocation? NO
🔒 Were you born in the state of Utah? YES
🔒 Do you know of anyone who has killed a prostitute? NO
🔒 Before you were 30 years old, did you ever lie about someone to get them into serious trouble? NO
🔒 Have you taken any illegal drug or narcotic in the last 48 hours? NO

Gary Ridgway, the Green River Killer, is serving a life sentence without the possibility of parole. He entered a plea agreement in 2003 in exchange for a life sentence instead of facing the death penalty.. 📚🔍

2003: 🚴 Cyclist Ian Humphrey’s Tragic Death

On this day in 2003, a sombre event unfolded on Kapunda Road in South Australia, forever etching itself into the annals of controversy. It was the day when cyclist Ian Humphrey lost his life in a collision with a vehicle driven by Eugene McGee, an incident that would raise significant questions about justice and accountability. 😢

The Controversy Unfolds:

Hit-and-Run Drama: Eugene McGee, a prominent Adelaide lawyer, struck and killed Ian Humphrey with his vehicle. Shockingly, he did not stop at the scene of the accident and failed to render assistance to the injured cyclist. This hit-and-run aspect of the incident immediately raised concerns and garnered public attention. 🚗🏴‍☠️

Delayed Surrender: Adding to the controversy was the fact that Eugene McGee turned himself into the police more than six hours after the collision. This delay in coming forward added to the mystery and left questions about his actions and intentions during those critical hours. ⏰🤔

Alcohol Consumption: Reports indicated that McGee had consumed at least four or five glasses of wine over lunch on the day of the incident. He was not subjected to a blood alcohol test, raising concerns about whether alcohol impairment played a role in the collision. 🍷🍻

Legal Proceedings and Public Outrage:
Eugene McGee faced legal proceedings in the wake of these shocking events. However, the outcome of the trial left many deeply dissatisfied. He was found guilty of driving without due care and was fined $3,000, with his driver’s license suspended for a year. This verdict and the relatively lenient penalty fueled public outrage. ⚖️😡

Calls for Accountability:
The trial’s outcome and the perceived inadequacy of the penalty sparked widespread protests and demands for greater accountability. Hundreds of cyclists and victims’ rights groups rallied, expressing their dissatisfaction with the state’s justice system. 📢👥

A Royal Commission Investigates:
In response to the controversy and public pressure, the South Australian Government ordered a Royal Commission to investigate the incident comprehensively. 🕵️‍♂️📋

The Second Trial and Its Aftermath:
Following the Royal Commission, further charges were laid against Eugene McGee. He faced accusations of conspiring to pervert the course of justice and perverting the course of justice. However, in a series of legal developments, including stays of proceedings and a permanent stay, the charges against McGee were ultimately dismissed. This outcome further fueled debates about justice and accountability. Questions that remain unanswered to this day. ⚖️🔄

Reflecting on the events of November 30th in True Crime History, we are reminded of the profound impact that crime and its consequent justice have on the fabric of society. These stories serve as a chronicle of the darker aspects of human nature and human history.

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On This Day in True Crime History – 16th November

by Davros Dark

On this day in True Crime History, we revisit the 16th of November, a date filled with bullion heists, the Alphabet Murder Mystery, a tragic massacre in Queensland, a hanging for burglary in early Australia plus much, much more.

1795: 🔒 William Smith Hanged for Burglary in Sydney

On this day in 1795, William Smith met his fate at the gallows in Sydney. His execution followed a conviction for burglarizing the house of William Parrish at Prospect Hill.

Smith, with his accomplices, committed the crime by breaking into Parrish’s dwelling with force, stealing items valued at approximately 32 shillings, including a piece of cloth, a velvet waistcoat, three other waistcoats, two flannel jackets, and some brooches.

This would be equivalent to about $260 AUD in today’s money. 🏠⚖️🔒

1798: ⚓ British Seamen Kidnap and Press Gang US Sailors

On this day in 1798, British seamen boarded the U.S. frigate Baltimore and engaged in the controversial practice of impressment, often referred to as “shanghaiing.”

Thus 55 US sailors were press ganged into service (enslaved) onto a ship by compulsion, without notice, into the British Royal Navy. This contributed greatly to the tensions that eventually led to the War of 1812 between the United States and the United Kingdom. ⚓

1906: ⚖️ Notella Habibulla’s Arrest Unveiled by a Bolting Horse attached to a Bloodstained Buggy

On this day in 1906, Notella Habibulla faced the gallows at Adelaide Gaol, accused of murdering his wife, Edith, on Bristol Street.

The dramatic chain of events leading to his arrest began with a startling discovery by the police—an abandoned horse and buggy covered in bloodstains standing outside the residence of the victims mother. This ominous find raised immediate suspicions of a violent crime.

What made this discovery even more compelling was Habibulla’s own account. He reported to the authorities that his horse had bolted uncontrollably with the buggy. This seemingly innocuous explanation, however, only deepened the mystery. The police decided to detain him and delve further into the matter.

Their investigation took a gruesome turn when they dragged a nearby river, unearthing a bag containing the dismembered remains of a woman. This unfortunate victim was none other than his wife of 6 months Edith.

As the detectives continued their inquiry, they found damning evidence at the couple’s Bristol Street residence—a trail of marks indicating a body had been dragged and extensive bloodstains scattered across the backyard. To make matters worse for Habibulla, the victim’s blood-soaked garments were concealed beneath a bed.

The culmination of these chilling discoveries left no room for doubt. Notella Habibulla was promptly arrested and charged with the brutal murder of his wife, all uncovered owing to the powerful role played by a bolting horse. ⚖️🐎🔍

1911: 😢 The Ching Family Massacre

On this day in 1911, George Silva committed a heinous act that would come to be known as the Ching family massacre in the small town of Alligator Creek located 20 kilometres south of Mackay, Queensland.

George Silva, driven by malevolence, ruthlessly shot and bludgeoned to death six members of the Ching family. The victims included Agnes Ching, a 45-year-old mother, and her children Maud (15), Eddie (9), Dorrie (7), Hughie (5), and Winnie (1). This brutal act of violence shocked the community and left scars that would last for generations.

However, amidst the darkness, stories of survival and resilience emerged. Several family members managed to escape the assailant’s fury, including Charles and Agnes Ching’s three older children: Florence, Henry, and Henrietta. They had left home before the tragedy unfolded, and their absence spared them from the horrors that befell their family.

In the aftermath of the massacre, Charlie Ching, the lone survivor of the immediate family, found the strength to rebuild his life. Devastated by the loss of his wife and five children, he made the difficult decision to leave Mackay and Australia in 1915. He sought solace in Hong Kong, returning to his native village of Shataukok and seeing out his remaining years, where he remarried and welcomed another child.

The Ching family massacre of 1911 remains a haunting chapter in Mackay’s history, a somber reminder of the enduring impact of such senseless acts of violence on survivors and communities. 😢🏠⚖️

1971: 🕵️‍♂️ Carmen Colón, Victim of the Alphabet Murders Disappears

On this day in 1971, Carmen Colón, a 10-year-old girl, tragically disappears and becomes a victim of the Alphabet Murders.

The Alphabet murders (also known as the Double Initial murders) are an unsolved series of murders that occurred between 1971 and 1973 in Rochester, New York.

The Alphabet Murders involved a series of killings where the victims had surnames that began with the same letter as that of their first name. Each victim had been murdered in like manner before each of their bodies were discarded in or near a town or village with a name beginning with the same letter as the victim’s name. 🕵️‍♂️🔍

1989: 💔 Salvadoran Army Death Squad’s Brutal Attack on Jesuit Priests

On this day in 1989, a horrific tragedy unfolded at Jose Simeon Canas University in El Salvador. A Salvadoran Army death squad launched a brutal attack, resulting in the deaths of six Jesuit priests and two others. 💔🕊️🙏

The Salvadoran Civil War, which lasted from 1980 to 1992, was marked by intense conflict between the government and leftist rebel groups. During this turbulent time, various factions within the military and government resorted to violence, including extrajudicial killings and human rights abuses, to suppress dissent and maintain power.

The six Jesuit priests killed in this tragic incident were known for their advocacy of peace, social justice, and human rights in El Salvador. Their deaths sent shockwaves throughout the international community and drew attention to the human rights violations occurring in the country. 🌍🕯️✝️

2001: 💰 Brinks-Mat Bullion Heist Member Murdered

On this day in 2001, Brian Perry, a key figure linked to the infamous Brinks-Mat bullion heist, met a violent end.

The Brinks-Mat heist, a 1983 robbery at the Heathrow International Trading Estate in London, yielded approximately £26 million in gold, diamonds, and cash.

Detectives had certain clues pointing to Mickey McAvoy’s involvement in the Brinks-Mat heist. Notably, McAvoy’s two Rottweiler dogs at his newly acquired mansion were named ‘Brinks’ and ‘Mat.’ As McAvoy’s trial approached, he entrusted his share of the stolen gold to contact Brian Perry. However, Perry never returned the gold to McAvoy, and instead, he served time for handling it.

Upon Perry’s release from prison, and while returning from a shopping trip, he was ambushed and shot three times in the back of his head, resulting in his immediate death. This murder added another layer of mystery to the complex and shadowy world of the Brinks-Mat heist, leaving investigators and the public eager to uncover the truth behind his killing.

Despite extensive investigations and efforts, the whereabouts of a significant amount of the stolen bullion remain a mystery. 💼🔍🔫

That’s all for the 16th of November in history. Perhaps something will happen on your 16th November that will go down in history, never to be forgotten. Have a great day! In the meantime, be sure to book in to go on a Dark Stories True Crime Tour soon!

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Meet The Actor – The Secrets of Carmichael Manor

by Davros Dark

The Secrets of Carmichael Manor is coming to Sydney on the 13th of October, and here we take the time to chat with the Actor, Director and Author of the show Kate Jirelle in our Meet The Actor Series.

Let’s turn our spotlights onto Kate and delve deeper into her and The Secrets of Carmichael Manor production.

About Kate

What do you enjoy most about acting?

What I most enjoy about acting is the ability it gives you to explore yourself and the world around you. Whenever I take on a new character, I learn so much about myself and what I’m capable of, but it also makes me consider other perspectives and other walks of life that I’ve never considered before.

Do you believe talent or training is more important to an actor?

I firmly believe it takes both, but I don’t think you need to get an acting degree necessarily. I never had the opportunity to attend a traditional drama school, but I have gained so much by training at places like Sydney Acting Studio, which offers regular and ongoing training with incredible teachers who always support, encourage, and challenge me to do my best. Whether you go to a traditional drama school or not, it’s essential to continuously work on your craft as an actor with people who inspire you and constantly push you to do your best work.

Which acting technique do you think is the best for you?

The foundation of my training has been the Meisner Technique, which is definitely the technique I would say is my foundation. However, as an actor, I’m constantly learning and always looking for new tools to add to the toolbox.

What do you believe is the most challenging aspect of being an actor?

To be an actor, you need to have a thick skin. When you become an actor, you hear “No” a lot more times than “Yes”, and it can be easy to let that get to you. However, I find that if you surround yourself with the right people who understand you, inspire you and can lift you up in the low times, it makes the more challenging times easier to navigate.

What is your favourite film or theatre production?

This changes for me almost daily, but I’m always a sucker for stories that can have me laughing one minute and crying the next. In terms of movies, Jo Jo Rabbit is definitely up there in the favourites list. In the category of plays, The Things I Know To Be True by Andrew Bovell is also a firm favourite. Regarding TV, I’ve recently hopped onto the Ted Lasso bandwagon and am very much enjoying the ride.

The Secrets of Carmichael Manor EVENTBRITE

About The Secrets of Carmichael Manor

How did the writing of this show come about?

Having acted in several Dark Stories productions before, I couldn’t help but jump at the chance when I was asked to write one. All Dark Stories shows have a great tone that often mixes history, mystery and humour, which is an absolute ball to write. I also couldn’t resist the opportunity to write for such a great venue as Experiment Farm Cottage. You can’t help but be inspired when it comes to such a beautiful historical building.

What sort of person is going to love this show?

I like to describe this show as Doctor Who meets Knives Out. So, if you like either one of those, I think you’ll love The Secrets of Carmichael Manor.

Who should not come see this show?

People who aren’t prepared to be dragged into the action. No, really – this show is very interactive, and the audience very much becomes part of the show. But, if being involved in the story is your cup of tea, you will enjoy this show.

Who in the show is most like their character?

I must say it’s Ben Durham playing the role of Father Patrick. The instant he walked into the audition, we knew we’d found our Father Pat – and that was even before he started delivering the scene.

Who’s the least?

Definitely, Gary Leonard Belshaw, who plays the role of George Carmichael. I’ve known Gary for a while now, and he is genuinely one of the most kind-hearted and generous performers I’ve met. In comparison, George is a very boorish and ill-tempered character, and it always amazes me how well Gary manages to slip into that energy when it is the very opposite of who he is. Talk about great acting!

Kate Jirelle can be seen in The Secrets of Carmichael Manor, which only runs for two weekends, from the 13th to the 15th of October and the 20th to 22nd of October, in the historic space of Experiment Farm Cottage, in Parramatta.