Ep 2. Archibald Hall: Monster Butler

In the second episode of season two of Fred Dinenage Murder Casebook, we delve into the chilling and disturbing story of Archibald Hall, also known as the Monster Butler.

Archibald Hall was born in Scotland in 1924 and grew up in a life of poverty. However, he was a resourceful and intelligent child who excelled academically and had dreams of making something of himself. He was unable to afford the education required to achieve his ambitions, so he instead turned to a life of crime.

Hall's criminal activities started small, with petty thefts and frauds, but eventually escalated to larger schemes. He was arrested numerous times throughout his life, serving time in prison for various offenses. Despite his criminal record, Hall was known to be charming, charismatic, and well-mannered, making him an unlikely offender in the eyes of many.

However, Hall's true nature was revealed in 1978 when he was arrested for the murder of his employer, Walter Scott-Elliot, a wealthy bachelor living in a grand country estate. Scott-Elliot had employed Hall as his butler, and it was during his time in this position that Hall hatched a plan to steal his employer's fortune.

Hall's plan was carefully plotted and executed. He began by drugging his employer with pills he had obtained from a doctor, before pushing him down the stairs in the middle of the night. Hall then posed as his employer and proceeded to sell off his extensive collection of antiques, art, and other valuable possessions. He also took control of his bank accounts and siphoned off thousands of pounds.

The police investigation into Scott-Elliot's death revealed that Hall was the prime suspect. They also discovered that he had murdered two previous employers, Margery Gardner and Sir Jack Westropp, in similar circumstances.

Hall was arrested and charged with the murder of Walter Scott-Elliot. During his trial, it was revealed that he had a dark side to his personality, with a fascination for violent crime and a love of horror movies. He also had a fetish for stockings and suspenders, which he would often steal from his female victims.

Hall was found guilty and sentenced to life imprisonment. He spent the rest of his life in prison, where he died in 2002, aged 77.

This episode of Fred Dinenage Murder Casebook delves into the twisted mind of Archibald Hall, exploring the macabre details of his crimes and the shocking extent of his deceit. Using first-hand accounts, interviews, and archival footage, the episode paints a vivid picture of the Monster Butler, revealing the depths of his psychopathy and his chilling urge to kill.