John George Haigh: The Acid Bath Murderer

Introduction

• John George Haigh: Serial killer from middle England
• Known for dissolving victims in barrels of acid
• Headlines: "Acid Bath Murderer," "Vampire Horror," "Modern-Day Dracula"
• Vanity vs. Greed: Killer Out For Blood?

Background

• John George Haigh born 1909 in Stanford, Lincolnshire
• Isolated upbringing; parents were members of Plymouth Brethren

Early Life

• Won musical scholarship; mischievous, secretive
• Early criminal activities: Forgery

Transition to Fraud

• Fraudulent car sales
• Motive: Financial gain, fascination with a luxurious lifestyle
• Imprisoned multiple times for fraud (1934-1943)

Preparation for Murder

• Learned from 1925 French murders: Body disposal via sulfuric acid
• Gained prison experience working in tinsmith factory with sulfuric acid
• Experimented on field mice to perfect dissolving process

First Murder: William McSwan

• Victim: William McSwan, former employer
• Mode of killing: Bludgeoning with metal bar
• Disposal: Body dissolved in acid
• Deceived McSwan’s parents: Claims son fled to avoid conscription

Family Murders: McSwans

• Invited McSwan's parents: Killed them similarly
• Disposed bodies in oil drums
• Sold off McSwan properties, made a fortune

Notable Murders: The Hendersons

• Next victims: Archibald and Rose Henderson
• Convinced them to enter a fake business deal
• Shot and dissolved their bodies
• Financial gain: £200,000 in today's money
• Disposal complications: No drain, emptied sludge in rubble

Final Victim: Olive Durand-Deacon

• Befriended Mrs. Durand-Deacon at Onslow Court Hotel
• Convinced her to visit his workshop for a fake business deal
• Shot her and dissolved body in acid
• Mistake: Mrs. Durand-Deacon was reported missing, triggering investigation

Downfall: Discovery and Arrest

• Police uncovered Haigh's workshop
• Found evidence: Revolver, human remains, and dentures
• Haigh confessed, believing no body meant no conviction
• Misunderstood legal term "corpus delicti"

Trial and Execution

• Defense: Insanity plea, claimed to drink blood
• Trial lasted 3 days, found guilty
• Sentenced to death
• On 10 August 1949, Haigh executed

Analysis

• Psychological profile: Glib, charming, meticulous planner
• Motivated by money rather than necessity
• Lifestyle: High-spender, couldn't sustain wealth
• Impact: Remorse and legacy of the 'Acid Bath Murders'

Conclusion

• Haigh: A cold-hearted killer motivated by greed
• Dismemberment and disposal served to cover tracks and escape conviction
• Case remains a significant study in criminal psychology