A search has been launched for the families of two women killed 90 years ago in the notorious "Jigsaw Murders," after their skulls were rediscovered at Edinburgh University. The victims, Isabella Ruxton and Mary Rogerson, had their brutal story make international headlines back in 1935.
The case took the spotlight when police discovered dismembered and disfigured remains near Moffat, Dumfries and Galloway. This horrifying discovery ignited extensive media coverage and investigative efforts, marking one of the era's most significant murder cases.
Dr. Buck Ruxton, Isabella's husband, was later convicted and executed for her murder. He had removed his wife's eyes, teeth, and fingertips to hinder identification. This heinous act of dismemberment ensured the case was steeped not just in mystery but also opened new pathways for forensic science.
Edinburgh University has now come forward with the skulls and other bones held within its archives, seeking to determine if family members would like to have the remains returned. Professor Tom Gillingwater stressed the intention to handle the situation with compassion and care: "We want to do the right thing by Isabella and Mary and, if appropriate, return them to their families so they can be laid to rest."
The university decided to issue this public appeal across various media platforms rather than directly contacting possible relatives. This was deemed necessary because of uncertainties surrounding Buck Ruxton's three orphaned children, who may not have been informed of their father's grim fate.
The Jigsaw Murders claimed a horrifying legacy and set new precedents for forensic investigations. The dismemberment of the bodies posed significant challenges to the identification process. Forensic scientists from Edinburgh and Glasgow Universities used revolutionary techniques, many of which had never been seen before. Professor Sydney Smith and John Glaister employed cutting-edge methods to reconstruct the victims' remains, leading to gripping courtroom drama and what many called "the trial of the century."
When Dr. Ruxton stood trial five months later, one of the jury's key pieces of evidence included chilling X-ray images matched to Isabella's skull, marking the first time such technology had been utilized effectively to link victims and suspects.
The Jigsaw Murders are often remembered as not just a tale of terror but also as the moment forensic science took its first major step forward. Tom Wood, former assistant chief constable and author of Ruxton: The First Modern Murder, highlighted this momentous shift: "Put simply, anything before the Ruxton case was ancient history. Anything after is modern, integrated, forensic science-led investigation."
For decades, the bones of the two women were stored within Edinburgh University's vast anatomical collection, thought to be preserved for future medical research. Amid the rediscovering of the remains, which reportedly occurred after a inquiry from a student abroad, questions arose about the ethicality of retaining such remains without the families' knowledge.
"These remains were kept for the advancement of science," Professor Gillingwater acknowledged, recognizing the ethical standards of the past were markedly different. "If you're asking me if I would have done the same thing with my 21st Century lens, absolutely not," he stated. There is, nonetheless, still the issue of the families for whom much time has passed.
Mary Rogerson is believed to have relatives residing around Morecambe, and Isabella's sister, Jeannie Nelson, was living nearby at the time of the crime. Attention now turns to tracing these family connections to offer them closure after so many years.
Meanwhile, closure is still elusive for Isabella and Mary’s families; many hope to understand the fate of their relatives. Professor Gillingwater encourages any possible family members who wish to reclaim the remains of their loved ones to reach out, ensuring discussions will occur confidentially to avoid pressure on those still processing such heavy news.
With discoveries of the Jigsaw Murders resurfacing, the shadows of the past loom large. The legacy of forensic science and its role within the legal system continues to evoke discussions on morality, ethics, and how society should treat victims long after justice has been served. The Right and the Wrong, expert testimonies, and the society through the lens of crime and punishment shape our philosophical grapple with what it means to reclaim the remains of the dead—be they from ancient or modern contexts.
Carefully considering the emotional toll and public interest, the university's appeal demands close scrutiny. "If there are any relatives of Isabella or Mary who believe they would like to have the remains returned to them, we would be delighted to talk to them about what the next steps might be," Professor Gillingwater noted.
The lesson learned from the Jigsaw Murders not only enhances our forensic techniques but also compels us to reflect on ethics, compassion, and humanity when dealing with the remnants of dark histories, reminding us what lies beneath the surface of grim headlines and courtroom tales. The saga of Isabella Ruxton and Mary Rogerson may serve as both a cautionary tale of jealousy and heartbreak, but also as a foundation for modern forensic advancements.
