Ep 1. The Brighton Trunk Murders

In Murder Maps season 3 episode 1, viewers are taken back to the year 1934 and the gruesome case of the Brighton Trunk Murders. The episode begins with the discovery of a trunk at Brighton railway station which contains the body of a young woman, dismembered and mutilated. The police, led by Chief Inspector John George Donald Swanson, immediately launch an investigation to catch the killer. As more trunks with more body parts are found in various locations around the city, the investigation intensifies.

The episode delves into the history of Brighton during the 1930s, a time when the seaside town was a popular destination for holidaymakers but also a hub for criminal activity. Brighton's criminal underworld, particularly its gangs and prostitutes, come under suspicion as the police try to piece together the identity of the killer.

Viewers hear from historians, experts, and witnesses who help paint a picture of what life was like in Brighton in the 1930s. They learn about the various suspects, including John George Haigh, a man known as the "acid bath murderer" who confessed to several murders, though not the Brighton trunk murders.

The investigation takes unexpected turns, as police find themselves at a dead end despite following several promising leads. They turn to forensic science, a relatively new discipline at the time, to help solve the case. The episode highlights the groundbreaking work of forensic pathologist Sir Bernard Spilsbury, who used pioneering techniques to identify the victim and provide crucial evidence in the case.

As the investigation continues, viewers are kept on the edge of their seats wondering who the killer could be and whether the police will ever catch them. The episode also touches on the impact of the case on the community in Brighton, which is in shock over the gruesome murders.

In the end, the case is solved thanks to the diligence and perseverance of the investigators involved. The episode concludes with a sense of closure for the victim's family and the community at large, as justice is served and the killer is brought to justice.

Overall, Murder Maps season 3 episode 1 is a chilling and gripping true crime story that is sure to keep viewers hooked from beginning to end. The episode offers a fascinating glimpse into a bygone era and the fascinating techniques used to catch criminals in the 1930s. Fans of true crime and history will not want to miss this thrilling episode.