London: A Murder Verdict in Victorian Court

London: A Murder Verdict in Victorian Court

Author: Shane L. Waters, Wendy Cee, Gemma Hoskins February 24, 2026 Duration: 29:16

A Victorian courtroom drama unfolds as a chilling murder verdict is delivered in 19th-century London, a place of evolving laws and societal norms. This episode, nestled in the heart of Season 38's exploration of 'The Rugeley Poisoner,' uncovers the judicial outcomes and societal impact of murder trials during this transformative era. Episode 3 follows the toxic trail left by the infamous Dr. William Palmer. This physician, perceived by many as a respectable figure, secretly loitered in deceitful practices. Before accusations shadowed over him, Palmer was known for his medical expertise and charm, captivating the trust of many. This case's significance lies in its pivotal role in shaping forensic science and challenging perceptions of professionalism and truth within Victorian society. It underscored the era’s limitations in legal frameworks concerning evidence and the interpretation of scientific data. Case details chart Palmer’s methodical approach to eliminating those around him, using poison, an agent of death that walked hand in hand with mystery. As the case unravelled, evidence pointed to a methodical plot built on small errors and oversight, leading detectives through a maze of deceit. The Victorian era bridged the old and new in terms of judicial practice. Emerging scientific techniques clashed with antiquated beliefs, reflecting broader social unrest amidst rapid industrialization and class divisions. Listeners will enter the Victorian courtrooms, visualizing the tension-laden trials through dramatizations and expert narratives. Insights into legal and social standards will illuminate the blurred lines between truth and justice in a rapidly changing world. --- Support Foul Play: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/foulplaypodcast Website: https://www.mythsandmalice.com/show/foul-play/ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/foul-play-crime-series/id1525832703 Follow us: Instagram: @foulplaycrimeseries Twitter: @foulplaypod



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Step back into an era of flickering gaslight and whispered secrets, where justice was often as murky as the London fog or as stark as a frontier town’s saloon. Foul Play: A Historical True Crime Podcast exhumes long-forgotten criminal cases from the 1800s and early 1900s, meticulously piecing together stories that newspapers sensationalized and time nearly erased. Hosts Shane Waters, a veteran whose work helped shape the genre, and Wendy Cee, alongside researcher Gemma Hoskins, guide you through each meticulously researched season. They focus on a single, complete narrative, building the tension from the crime itself through the investigation and into the courtroom’s hushed drama. You’ll hear more than just the facts; you’ll get a sense of the societal pressures, the legal limitations, and the human lives entangled in each historical moment. This isn't about quick summaries-it's a deep, immersive audio experience that treats the past with the gravity it deserves. The podcast connects the dots using original documents, period accounts, and a clear-eyed analysis that separates legend from truth. It’s for anyone who wonders about the real stories lurking in the shadows of history, told with a journalist’s precision and a storyteller’s care for the victims and the complexities of their times. Listen to Foul Play for a compelling journey where every clue matters and history itself is the most important character.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Foul Play: A Historical True Crime Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Midwest USA: Closing in on Truck Stop Killer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:14
In this gripping episode the courtroom becomes the stage as we recount the trial and sentencing of Robert Ben Rhoades, the notorious Truck Stop Killer. The episode unravels the intense legal battle that ensued following…
Midwest USA: Truck Stop Killer Pursuit [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:39
Episode 2 on the Truck Stop Killer season intensifies as we explore the depths of Robert Ben Rhoades's depravity. This episode recounts the chilling breakthrough in the case when a state trooper's routine check turned in…
Midwest USA: The Truck Stop Killer Hunt [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:29
In Episode 1 we delve into the grim story of Robert Ben Rhoades, whose reign of terror along the American highways during the late '70s and '80s culminated in the nightmarish transformation of his 18-wheeler into a chamb…
Melbourne: Unraveling Murder of Phoebe Handsjuk [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:07
This is the second episode in our series on the mysterious murder of 24-year-old Phoebe Handsjuk. In the last episode, we learned about how Phoebe Handsjuk died and the conflicting theories surrounding her demise. Despit…
Melbourne: Phoebe Handsjuk's Case Mystery [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:54
In the darkest recesses of the human psyche lies an insatiable curiosity for the bizarre and the unexplained… a desire to peer behind the veil of the ordinary and uncover the secrets that hide just beneath the surface. T…
New York: The Cigar Girl Case Continues [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:25
In our previous episode, we discussed the death of Mary Cecilia Rogers, famously known as The Beautiful Cigar Girl, in 1841. In this episode, we will delve deeper into the investigation of her death, the various theories…
New York: The Mystery of The Cigar Girl [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:10
In the shadowy corners of human creativity, where imagination and reality intersect, the mysterious figure of the muse has long been a guiding force. Some artists find inspiration in fleeting glimpses of beauty, while ot…
Hollywood: Unraveling Thelma Todd's Case [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:07
Tinseltown shines just enough to blind you from the horrors that go on behind the curtains. This is episode 2 in our series on the murder of Thelma Todd, a celebrated comedic actress, and businesswoman who was found dead…
Hollywood: Thelma Todd's Tragic Death [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:21
The 1920s and 1930s were the golden age of Hollywood, a time of glitz and glamour, where movie stars were treated like royalty. But amidst all the glitter and fame, there was a dark side to the movie industry, a side tha…

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