Ep 5. Burke and Hare: Murder for Money

In Murderous Minds: Inside Serial Killers season 2 episode 5 titled "Burke and Hare: Murder for Money," viewers are taken through the gruesome tale of two notorious serial killers, William Burke and William Hare, and their killing spree in 19th-century Edinburgh, Scotland.

The episode opens with a brief introduction of the two men and how they met. Burke was a successful cobbler, while Hare ran a boarding house. The two became business partners after Hare approached Burke with an unusual request - to sell the body of one of his deceased lodgers to the local anatomy lecturer, Dr. Robert Knox. From there, the duo saw an opportunity to make money by murdering individuals and selling their bodies to Knox.

The episode goes on to explore the psychology of the duo, focusing on their motivations and how they were able to justify their actions. Burke and Hare often preyed on the most vulnerable members of society, such as homeless people and sex workers. They would lure them to their lodging house, get them drunk, and then suffocate them.

Through interviews with experts on serial killers, the episode delves into why Burke and Hare became serial killers and what made them such successful murderers. One theory is that they had a thrill for killing and enjoyed the sense of power and control they had over their victims. Another theory is that they were motivated purely by money and saw their actions as a means to an end.

The episode is not for the faint of heart as it includes graphic details about the murders and the methods used by Burke and Hare. Viewers are left to ponder how such heinous crimes could go unnoticed for so long, and why it took the deaths of at least 16 people before the authorities caught up with them.

Overall, "Burke and Hare: Murder for Money" is a compelling and disturbing episode that provides an in-depth look at the mindset of serial killers and how they are able to justify their actions. It offers a fascinating insight into the lives of two of history's most notorious murderers and the impact they had on the society of the time.