Defrosting Cold Cases

I started to read John Boyne’s book “Crippen” a while ago and posted about it (see here). As luck would have it, one of the real scientists involved, Dr. John H. Trestrail III , responded to the post and provided the readers of DCC with more details and the link to the PBS Series “Secrets of the Death.” The episode about Dr. Crippen, “Executed in Error” can be seen here.

After seeing that episode, the materials on Dr Trestrial’s website, and the murder casebook (see below), I set aside some of my work to finish reading Boyne’s book!

The book is well written and keeps you captivated from page one. It has a colourful cast of characters who are all seeking something and hiding something. It has nosy ladies, self-absorbed with mountainous egos, and absolutely no style. There is the what I call “parent-by-accident” who tries to do right by family. And of course, the Montrose Captain who, stuck in his routines, needs to adjust as a new First Officer boards his ship. There is the suggestion someone else murdered Cora as well. No details about that here, read it yourself!

One thing I could not find (but maybe some of the DCC readers can) is whether the allegation of domestic violence with Cora as perpetrator, is based on fact, a single incident, or whether it is just a twist to the story by Boyne. Thoughts anyone?

Last, I found this link I wish to share with you. It leads to a fascinating murder casebook about the Crippen Investigation by Marshall Cavendish Weekly Publication, click on this link. It is full with pictures, newspaper prints, maps, etc.

Enjoy reading but do not forget, this is a true unsolved mystery! Remember what Lord Chief Justice Alverstone said: if the body found is not from Cora Crippen, the jury must find Dr. H.H. Crippen innocent.

We finally have that answer.

I think a posthumous exoneration is called for, don’t you?

Categories: Book Reviews, Miscarriages of Justice

Tags: Book Reviews, Crime Labs, Evidence, Expert Testimony, Faulty Evidence, Forensics, Hawley Harvey Crippen, Identification, Miscarriage of Justice, UK, Victim