Ep 3. Finding Dr. Crippen
- September 22, 2015
- 44 min
In Murder Maps season 1 episode 3, titled "Finding Dr. Crippen," the focus is on the shocking case of the murder of Cora Crippen by her husband, Dr. Hawley Harvey Crippen, in 1910.
Viewers are taken back in time to discover the details of the Crippen case. Dr. Crippen was a successful and respected homeopath living in London with his wife, Cora, and their two children. However, their marriage was not a happy one. Cora was unhappy and often unfaithful, while Crippen was introverted and socially uncomfortable.
In the summer of 1910, Cora suddenly disappeared, and Crippen told friends and colleagues that she had gone back home to America. However, suspicions were raised, and the case soon became an enormous sensation, with the press covering every detail.
The episode delves into the process of the investigation and how the authorities eventually caught up with Dr. Crippen, who had fled to Canada with his lover, Ethel Le Neve.
Historical experts and crime reporters provide insights into the case, with a deep dive into the forensic evidence used to convict Crippen, which at the time was groundbreaking.
Viewers will get to see how the case unfolded, with dramatic re-enactments bringing the story to life, from the detection of vital clues to the famous "trial of the century" that took place in Old Bailey.
The show also uncovers the fascinating backstory of the case. Viewers will learn about the social and political context of the time, with London embroiled in a period of great change and progress. The case of Dr. Crippen was seen as a reflection of this shifting cultural landscape, with the police acting as a new, professionalized force, and advances in technology revolutionizing the field of forensics.
The episode also provides an insight into the history of media portrayal of crime and the impact of sensationalized coverage. The Crippen case was one of the first instances of media frenzy over a criminal case, with the press using sensational headlines and vivid descriptions to sell papers.
Overall, Murder Maps season 1 episode 3 is a fascinating deep dive into one of the most famous criminal cases in history. The show offers a compelling look at the people and events of the time, with insights from experts providing a broader understanding of what was happening in the world around the Crippen case.