3x-xx-xx ep21 The Burke and Hare Murders

Police reporter. Police reporter delves into the crime records of the past and from Scotland brings you a famous case that happened over a hundred years ago.

The scene of this true murder mystery is Edinburgh, Scotland, the time 1827. It's quite late at night in William Burke and William Hare, standing at the back door of Dr. Knox's house. Dr. Knox is a famous teacher of anatomy and surgery.

Dr. Knox, we're Birkenhair proprietors of a lodging house in the lower part of the city. Yes? Well, we've come to see you on a little business. I see, and what would your business be with me?

We heard Dr. Knox that you're after buying quads? Yes, I am. I have a surgical school and I use them in the teaching of anatomy. Well, we got a body we'd like to sell ya.

Mm, really? Who is it? The man's name was Donald and he was one of our lodgers. Although the law makes it difficult for me to secure anatomical subjects, I'm nevertheless forced to be careful of the bodies I buy.

We know it's against the law to sell them, but we're poor men, doctor. And Donald died when it's over four pounds, so we thought maybe he could use him. I understand. And I'm in no position to be overcritical.

Well, we thought if we could sell you his body, we might get enough to pay the bill out of it. Well, where is this subject? Got him right out here in the wheelbarrow wrapped in a prank.

Can you bring it in the house where it's lightened? I'll look at it. Yes, sir. Thank you, sir. Carry him in, Bill. Aye. He's not very heavy. He was an old man, doctor, without friends or relatives.