Ep 3. Buck Ruxton The Jigsaw Murders

In Buck Ruxton: The Jigsaw Murders, the third episode of the fourth season of Murder Maps, we are introduced to the story of a seemingly unassuming doctor who went on a killing spree. Buck Ruxton, a respected physician in the small Scottish town of Lancaster, seemingly had it all - a successful career, a beautiful wife and two children. However, behind closed doors, he was a violent and controlling man who was prone to bouts of rage and jealousy.

The episode begins with the discovery of a gruesome double murder in a remote spot in Scotland. The bodies of Buck Ruxton's wife, Isabella, and their maid, Mary, have been dismembered and stuffed into trunks with various body parts missing. The police are baffled by the sheer brutality of the murders, and it is only when they uncover a scrap of wallpaper in one of the trunks that they start to unravel the case.

Using cutting-edge forensic techniques for the time, the police are able to piece together fragments of wallpaper and flesh to identify the victims. Along with the investigation, the episode provides an insight into the social environment of the time and explores some of the prejudices against working-class women and the attitudes of the upper-classes towards them.

As the investigation progresses, suspicion soon falls on Buck Ruxton, who has fled the country. A manhunt ensues across Europe, and Ruxton's face is plastered on the front pages of newspapers across the continent. The episode reveals the lengths that Ruxton went to in order to avoid capture, including disguising himself as a priest and even going so far as to attempt suicide to avoid being caught by the authorities.

The documentary goes on to explore the beliefs and theories about the motive behind the murders. Some believe that Ruxton was a jealous husband who killed his wife and maid after discovering that they were having an affair, while others suggest that he was a sadistic killer who enjoyed dismembering his victims. Throughout the episode, interviews with experts and historians help piece together the events that led to the murders and the social and cultural context in which they occurred.

The investigation ultimately culminates in a gripping courtroom drama, in which Ruxton is finally brought to justice. Through interviews with family members of the victims and descendants of those involved in the investigation, the episode highlights the long-lasting impact that the murders had on the families involved and the wider community.

Overall, Buck Ruxton: The Jigsaw Murders is a compelling exploration of a disturbing case that shocked the nation. It provides a fascinating look into the process of investigating a crime in the early 20th century, as well as exposing some of the social attitudes of the time. With gripping storytelling and a wealth of insights and expertise, Murder Maps season 4 episode 3 is a must-watch for true crime fans.