Small Town Dicks

Attention: Today's episode was made for listeners who have already heard the entire "Beyond Recognition" series. If you haven't yet, or want to refresh your memory, we urge you to listen to all six episodes before you listen to today's episode. There are SPOILERS GALORE AHEAD!Ever wonder what Detectives Dan and Dave, Paul Holes, and Yeardley Smith would make of the police work in "Beyond Recognition?" Well, the team recently sat down to discuss all the fascinating twists and turns at the heart of one of the most consequential murder investigations in modern history. Join them as they discuss the momentous strides made in forensic science and crime scene management, the tireless and often inspired work of the detectives trying to solve the grisly case, and a few missteps made along the way.

Lead prosecutor Joseph Cooksey Jackson sits with his right-hand man, Maxwell Fyfe, discussing their mounting concerns about the forensic evidence. Jackson knows the stakes are high. The success of their case hinges on presenting complex forensic evidence in a way that a jury of laymen can understand. They don’t want any doubts, reasonable or otherwise, sneaking in. Despite the damning evidence against Ruxton, the case is entirely circumstantial, and the defense is poised to challenge the identification of the bodies.Branded as the Trial of the Century by the newspapers, the Ruxton case captures global attention with its sensational details and groundbreaking forensics. With 106 witnesses, 213 exhibits, and 126 graphic photos, the prosecution faces the challenge of making their case comprehensible and compelling."Beyond Recognition," hosted by Yeardley Smith, delves into this pivotal episode where modern forensics and legal strategy collide. Join us as we explore the intricacies of the Ruxton trial and the monumental efforts to bring a double murderer to justice. To support Small Town Dicks, visit https://www.patreon.com/smalltowndickspodcast

John Milligan, a reporter from the UK's biggest tabloid, News of the World, finds himself in the home of Dr. Buck Ruxton, now the prime suspect in the disappearance—and likely murder—of his wife Isabella and their nanny Mary Rogerson. Since the women vanished nearly a month ago, Ruxton has spun a web of lies, claiming they ran away to Scotland - or was it Blackpool? But with the discovery of the mutilated body parts found in Moffatt, suspicion has focused squarely on Ruxton. Milligan notes the doctor's panic as he clings to his fabricated stories, unaware that the police are closing in.As the investigation intensifies, Ruxton's arrest becomes inevitable. The authorities have identified the bodies and they are now racing to build a solid case against the doctor. From fingerprinting mutilated fingertips to using advanced photography and even maggots to tell the time of death, this case marks the birth of modern forensics. But how will all this newfangled science go down in a courtroom in 1935 England?"Beyond Recognition" hosted by Yeardley Smith, delves into this sensational case that has gripped the UK, drawing unprecedented media coverage. Join us as we uncover the truth behind Ruxton's heinous crimes and the forensic breakthroughs that brought him to justice.

Peter Rogerson is desperate and furious. His sister Mary, the Ruxton family’s nanny, has been missing for nearly two weeks. Peter, defying social norms, confronts Dr. Buck Ruxton at his doorstep, demanding answers. Despite Ruxton's attempts to deflect him with tales of theft and a trip to Scotland for an illegal abortion, Peter is not convinced. He fears something terrible has happened and that Ruxton is behind it. Meanwhile, top forensic experts in the UK have begun to unmask the identities of the dismembered bodies discovered in a Scottish ravine. Using groundbreaking techniques, they piece together a puzzle as complex as any in the history of modern forensic science. And, in doing so, they begin to find a tragic answer to Peter Rogerson’s desperate query. Hosted by Yeardley Smith, "Beyond Recognition" delves into the chilling details of this case. Featuring insights from experts like Tom Wood, Paul Holes, and Professor Sue Black, this episode uncovers the revolutionary advances in forensic techniques that were employed and the critical mistakes that nearly let a killer go free. As the press begins to circle, Ruxton faces an adversary he never anticipated: the most powerful voice in the United Kingdom—the media. To binge the series or support Small Town Dicks, visit https://www.patreon.com/smalltowndickspodcast

In the early morning of September 15, 1935, Agnes Oxley, a housekeeper at the home of Dr. Buck Ruxton, is roused from her sleep by an unexpected visitor. Ruxton, usually composed and well-groomed, stands disheveled and agitated at her door. Oxley finds his nervous behavior and insistence that she stay away from the house for the day odd to say the least. Little does she know, this is the beginning of a macabre tale.Dr. Ruxton, a respected physician, is hiding a dark secret. His increasing paranoia and jealousy have culminated in a violent outburst, leading to the brutal murder of his wife, Isabella, and their young nanny, Mary Rogerson. Over the course of a gruesome night, Ruxton dismembers their bodies, utilizing his knowledge of medicine and police forensics to meticulously conceal his crime.As the narrative unfolds, you will be taken through the chilling events of that fateful Sunday. You will hear Ruxton's elaborate efforts to cover up his actions. How he deceived friends and lied to authorities. And how his ingenious plan to cover up the murders slowly unravels."Beyond Recognition" hosted by Yeardley Smith, delves into one of the most shocking murder cases of the early 20th century. With insights from experts like Tom Wood, Paul Holes, and Professor Sue Black, this episode not only recounts the gruesome details but also examines the psychological and forensic aspects of the case. To binge the series or support Small Town Dicks, visit https://www.patreon.com/smalltowndickspodcast

The leading forensic scientists from Scotland have traveled to the tiny village of Moffatt to examine the body parts discovered in a ravine by a sister and brother out hiking. Authorities do not yet know how many people were killed, or by what method, or where or when; they certainly do not know who the victims are. Whoever carried out this act of evil took great care to hide the victims’ identities, dissecting them until they were beyond recognition. It will take a monumental, groundbreaking investigation to solve this gruesome puzzle. The first order of business is to collect the evidence and, lucky for all involved, the right policeman had arrived to do just that.Meanwhile, in the northern British town of Lancaster, we meet an unusual couple. He’s a prim and proper doctor from Bombay, intent on becoming a true English gentleman. She’s a charismatic, outgoing woman ahead of her time - perhaps dangerously so. Their romance appears to be the envy of everyone in town. But their passionate relationship swiftly turns to jealousy and violence. What, if anything, does this volatile domestic situation have to do with the bodies found in the ravine?"Beyond Recognition" hosted by Yeardley Smith, delves into one of the most shocking murder cases of the early 20th century. With insights from experts like Tom Wood, Paul Holes, and Professor Sue Black, this episode not only recounts the gruesome details but also examines the psychological and forensic aspects of the case. To binge the series or support Small Town Dicks, visit https://www.patreon.com/smalltowndickspodcast

It was a crime like no other, unleashing horrors not seen since Jack the Ripper. On a crisp autumn morning in 1935, a brother and sister out for a walk in the Scottish countryside stumbled upon dozens of packages containing dissected human remains. Who - or what - could have done this? Now largely forgotten, the Ruxton case grabbed worldwide attention. A real-life Agatha Christie mystery, the gruesome details of the murders would shock the public and test the ability of police to keep the public safe.The case was also the birthplace of modern forensic science. It would alter the course of how murders are investigated.Hosted by Yeardley Smith of Small Town Dicks, “Beyond Recognition” is a 6-part series that delves into one of the most important murder cases of the early 20th century. Inspired by a book from famed Scottish police detective Tom Wood, it features the insights of Paul Holes, Dame Sue Black, and other leading experts who not only recount the grisly crime but examine the psychological and forensic aspects of the case.To binge the series and support Small Town Dicks., visit patron.com/smalltowndicks

Today we bring you a replay of a case from Season 8. It's called The World's End and the detective who told us the story is Tom Wood. Tom was part of the investigation and recently wrote a book about it called, "The World's End Murders: The Final Verdict." Tom wrote another book, "Ruxton: The First Modern Murder," which is the basis of a series that will launch July 19 here on the Small Town Dicks feed. It's hosted by Yeardley and features Paul Holes and a range of other forensic experts. If you want to binge it, go over to Patreon and become a member. Otherwise, we'll see you here in two weeks!