Ep 1. Hull

Murdertown season 1 episode 1 takes us to Hull, a city in the East Riding of Yorkshire, England. Known for its port and connection to the North Sea, Hull has a violent past and the show explores some of its most shocking crimes.

The first episode delves into the case of Hull University student, 21-year-old Pamela Ann Wilkins. She was last seen in January 1976 and her body was later found in a ditch. She had been beaten, sexually assaulted and strangled. The case remained unsolved for years until advances in forensic science eventually led to a breakthrough.

Through interviews with family members, friends, and law enforcement officials involved with the case, the show paints a picture of Pamela's life and the events leading up to her murder. Her family describe her as a fun-loving and adventurous person, who loved life and was always eager to try something new. But her life was tragically cut short.

The show introduces us to the city of Hull and its gritty and often violent history. Known as one of the UK's most deprived areas at one point, it had a high rate of violent crimes, and the show highlights some of the other infamous murders that have taken place in the city, such as the 1888 case of William Pearson, who was killed by his wife and her lover, and the 1929 case of the Ruxton murders.

Throughout the episode, we see interviews with people directly involved with the case, including detectives, forensic experts, and family members of both the victim and the suspect. We learn about the investigation process, the difficulties faced by detectives trying to unravel the case, and the challenges they faced to eventually prosecute the suspect.

We also hear from one of the key members of the forensic team who was crucial in solving the case. They discuss the significance of the evidence that was recovered and how it led to the eventual arrest and conviction of the perpetrator.

The episode concludes with a reflection on the impact that the murder of Pamela Ann Wilkins had on the city of Hull. Her family members talk about the lasting effects her death had on them and how they have never fully come to terms with the loss. The show also highlights the importance of forensic science and how it has evolved over the years to help solve crimes and bring justice to victims and their families.

Overall, Murdertown season 1 episode 1 introduces us to the gritty, violent, and often tragic history of Hull, and the devastating impact that these crimes have had on the people involved. The show provides a detailed look at the investigation process, the challenges faced by detectives, and the importance of forensic science in solving these complex cases.