Skulls of grisly ‘Jigsaw Murder’ victims discovered in Scottish university store cupboard after 90 years
A recent discovery at Edinburgh University has brought the chilling ‘Jigsaw Murders’ case from 1935 back into the spotlight. The skulls of Isabella Ruxton and Mary Rogerson, who were brutally murdered by Dr. Buck Ruxton, have been found in a forgotten store cupboard at the university.
Dr. Ruxton infamously killed his wife, Isabella, and their children’s nanny, Mary, going to extreme lengths to prevent their identification by removing their eyes, teeth, and fingertips. The remains were dumped in a ravine near Moffat, in an area known as “Ruxton’s Dump”. The case gained international attention when the police discovered 70 body parts, including two severed heads, in the vicinity.
Forensic experts from Edinburgh University played a pivotal role in investigating the murders, contributing crucial evidence that led to Ruxton’s conviction and subsequent hanging. Now, nearly 90 years later, the victims’ skulls and bones have resurfaced in the university’s archives. A public appeal has been launched to locate their families so that Isabella and Mary can finally be laid to rest.
Professor Tom Gillingwater, an anatomy expert at the university, expressed the institution’s commitment to honouring the victims by potentially returning them to their families for a proper burial. The historic case marked a significant advancement in forensic science, with professors Sydney Smith and John Glaister using innovative methods to identify the victims and link them to Ruxton.
The murders, stemming from jealousy and domestic abuse allegations, captured public interest as the first instance where forensic evidence played a key role in solving the crime. Dubbed ‘The Jigsaw Murders’, the investigation required meticulous reconstruction of the dismembered bodies to piece together the grim puzzle left by the killer, who displayed a knowledge of anatomy.
With the university’s newfound discovery, efforts are underway to locate relatives of the victims, providing closure to their descendants and shedding light on this dark chapter of Scotland’s history. The ethical considerations surrounding the handling of the victims’ remains underscore the evolving standards in medical ethics since the time of the murders.
The lingering mystery of whether Isabella and Buck Ruxton’s orphaned children were ever informed about their father’s heinous crimes adds a poignant layer to the search for their surviving family members. As the investigation continues, the University of Edinburgh remains dedicated to upholding the dignity of the victims and their loved ones.
In conclusion, the story of the ‘Jigsaw Murders’ serves as a sobering reminder of the enduring impact of historical crimes and the ongoing pursuit of justice and closure for the victims and their families. The rediscovery of the victims’ remains underscores the importance of preserving and honouring the past while navigating the complexities of ethics and memory in the present day.