Episode 589: John George Haigh: The Acid Bath Murderer
Digest
This episode of "Morbid" explores the life and crimes of John Hay, a British serial killer known as the "Acid Bath Murderer." The episode begins by introducing John Hayes, a man with a troubled past and a penchant for fraud. It details his upbringing in a strict religious household, his early attempts at conning businesses, and his eventual arrest and imprisonment for forgery and fraud. The episode then follows Hayes' escalating criminal activities, including his car dealership scam and subsequent prison sentence. It also highlights the impact of his crimes on his wife, Beatrice, who ultimately put their child up for adoption. The episode then recounts Hayes' encounters with the wealthy Mixwan family, particularly Donald Mixwan. He worked as a chauffeur for the family, befriended Donald, and later returned to his criminal ways, defrauding someone of a significant sum of money. The episode details Hayes' attempts to avoid military service during World War II. Despite registering for service, he was arrested for stealing household goods and returned to prison. He later failed to attend a medical review for military service, successfully avoiding combat. The episode describes Hayes' time in prison, where he charmed both inmates and guards. He obtained a job in the tinsmith's shop, learning to work with acid and chemicals. He also engaged in animal cruelty, killing field mice and dissolving them in sulfuric acid. The episode covers Hayes' release from prison and his subsequent move back in with his parents. He later rented a room in London and obtained a job as a bookkeeper. However, a car accident in 1944 would have a significant impact on his future. The episode recounts Hayes' chance encounter with Donald Mixwan at a pub. Despite his past criminal activities, Donald seemed happy to see him and offered him a job collecting rents. The two rekindled their friendship, and Hayes enjoyed the benefits of having a wealthy friend. The episode reveals the shocking disappearance of Donald Mixwan. Hayes, who had been collecting rents for the Mixwan family, claimed that Donald had gone to Scotland to avoid the military draft. However, in his confession, Hayes admitted to murdering Donald in a fit of rage and dissolving his body in acid. The episode then details how Hayes, after murdering Donald Mixwan, forges letters to his parents, posing as Donald. He convinces them to meet him in his workshop, where he kills them both and dissolves their bodies in acid. The episode then shifts to an advertisement for the podcast "Hysterical," which explores a mysterious illness that spread through a high school in Leroy, New York. It then transitions to an advertisement for the podcast "Scam Influencers," which investigates infamous scams and the impact on victims. The episode then returns to the story of John Hay, now known as the "Acid Bath Murderer." After murdering the Mixwans, Hay sells their belongings and forges a power of attorney to gain control of their assets. He then continues to engage in various scams and fraud schemes. The episode details how Hay targets a wealthy couple, Archibald and Rose Henderson, and befriends them. He lures Archie to his workshop, where he shoots him and dissolves his body in acid. He then kills Rose in the same manner. The episode then focuses on Hay's murder of Olive Durand Deacon, a wealthy widow. He befriends her and lures her to his workshop under the pretense of discussing her artificial fingernail invention, where he shoots her and dissolves her body in acid. The episode details how Olive's friend Constance Lane reports her missing after she fails to show up for breakfast. Police investigate and suspect Hay, who has been late on his rent and suddenly paid it in full. They find evidence of Olive's murder at his workshop and arrest him. The episode concludes with Hay's confession and trial. He initially claims to be a victim of blackmail but eventually confesses to Olive's murder. He attempts to use an insanity defense, claiming he was a "vampire killer," but his claims are rejected. He is found guilty and sentenced to death. The episode ends with Hay's execution by hanging at Wandsworth Prison. The podcast concludes with a reflection on the heinous nature of his crimes and the impact on his victims.
Outlines
Introduction and Podcast Announcement
This segment introduces the podcast "Morbid" and its hosts, Elena and Ash. They also announce a new podcast from Wondery and Pineapple Street Studios, "Hysterical Early End," and promote their other podcast, "The Re-watcher Buffy the Vampire Slayer."
John Hayes' Early Life and Criminal Beginnings
This chapter delves into the life of John Hayes, a man with a troubled past and a penchant for fraud. It details his upbringing in a strict religious household, his early attempts at conning businesses, and his eventual arrest and imprisonment for forgery and fraud.
John Hayes' Escalating Crimes and Prison Time
This chapter explores John Hayes' escalating criminal activities, including his car dealership scam and subsequent prison sentence. It also highlights the impact of his crimes on his wife, Beatrice, who ultimately put their child up for adoption.
John Hayes' Encounters with the Mixwan Family
This chapter recounts John Hayes' encounters with the wealthy Mixwan family, particularly Donald Mixwan. He worked as a chauffeur for the family, befriended Donald, and later returned to his criminal ways, defrauding someone of a significant sum of money.
John Hayes' Military Service and Subsequent Arrest
This chapter details John Hayes' attempts to avoid military service during World War II. Despite registering for service, he was arrested for stealing household goods and returned to prison. He later failed to attend a medical review for military service, successfully avoiding combat.
John Hayes' Prison Life and Experiments with Acid
This chapter describes John Hayes' time in prison, where he charmed both inmates and guards. He obtained a job in the tinsmith's shop, learning to work with acid and chemicals. He also engaged in animal cruelty, killing field mice and dissolving them in sulfuric acid.
John Hayes' Release from Prison and Car Accident
This chapter covers John Hayes' release from prison and his subsequent move back in with his parents. He later rented a room in London and obtained a job as a bookkeeper. However, a car accident in 1944 would have a significant impact on his future.
John Hayes' Reunion with Donald Mixwan
This chapter recounts John Hayes' chance encounter with Donald Mixwan at a pub. Despite his past criminal activities, Donald seemed happy to see him and offered him a job collecting rents. The two rekindled their friendship, and John enjoyed the benefits of having a wealthy friend.
Donald Mixwan's Disappearance and John Hayes' Confession
This chapter reveals the shocking disappearance of Donald Mixwan. John Hayes, who had been collecting rents for the Mixwan family, claimed that Donald had gone to Scotland to avoid the military draft. However, in his confession, Hayes admitted to murdering Donald in a fit of rage and dissolving his body in acid.
The Murder of Donald Mixwan and the Mixwan Family
This chapter details how John Hay, after murdering Donald Mixwan, forges letters to his parents, posing as Donald. He convinces them to meet him in his workshop, where he kills them both and dissolves their bodies in acid.
John Hay's Continued Crimes
After murdering the Mixwans, John Hay sells their belongings and forges a power of attorney to gain control of their assets. He then continues to engage in various scams and fraud schemes.
The Henderson Murders
John Hay targets a wealthy couple, Archibald and Rose Henderson, and befriends them. He lures Archie to his workshop, where he shoots him and dissolves his body in acid. He then kills Rose in the same manner.
The Murder of Olive Durand Deacon
John Hay sets his sights on Olive Durand Deacon, a wealthy widow, and befriends her. He lures her to his workshop under the pretense of discussing her artificial fingernail invention, where he shoots her and dissolves her body in acid.
Olive's Disappearance and John Hay's Arrest
Olive's friend Constance Lane reports her missing after she fails to show up for breakfast. Police investigate and suspect John Hay, who has been late on his rent and suddenly paid it in full. They find evidence of Olive's murder at his workshop and arrest him.
John Hay's Confession and Trial
John Hay initially claims to be a victim of blackmail but eventually confesses to Olive's murder. He attempts to use an insanity defense, claiming he was a "vampire killer," but his claims are rejected. He is found guilty and sentenced to death.
John Hay's Execution
John Hay is executed by hanging at Wandsworth Prison. The podcast concludes with a reflection on the heinous nature of his crimes and the impact on his victims.
Keywords
Morbid
"Morbid" is a podcast hosted by Elena and Ash, focusing on true crime and dark history. It explores various cases, often with a humorous and engaging approach.
John Hay
John Hay was a British serial killer who murdered four people in the 1940s. He was known for dissolving his victims' bodies in acid and was dubbed the "Acid Bath Murderer."
Acid Bath Murderer
A term used to describe John Hay, a British serial killer who dissolved his victims' bodies in acid to dispose of them. This method of disposal was particularly gruesome and became a defining characteristic of his crimes.
Donald Mixwan
Donald Mixwan was a wealthy British man who befriended John Hayes. He was described as isolated and lacking close relationships, making him vulnerable to Hayes' manipulative tactics.
Sulfuric Acid
Sulfuric acid is a highly corrosive and dangerous chemical. In the podcast, it is used by John Hayes to dissolve the body of Donald Mixwan, highlighting the brutality and calculated nature of the crime.
The Re-watcher Buffy the Vampire Slayer
"The Re-watcher Buffy the Vampire Slayer" is a podcast hosted by Elena and Ash, where they discuss and analyze episodes of the popular television series "Buffy the Vampire Slayer."
Hysterical Early End
"Hysterical Early End" is a new podcast from Wondery and Pineapple Street Studios, announced in the transcript. The podcast's subject matter is not explicitly revealed, but it is likely related to true crime or dark history, given the hosts' other work.
Old Bailey
The Old Bailey is a historic courthouse in London, England. It is the central criminal court for the Greater London area and is known for its role in high-profile trials, including those of John Hay.
Insanity Defense
A legal defense strategy used in criminal trials where the defendant argues that they were mentally ill or insane at the time of the crime and therefore not responsible for their actions. John Hay attempted to use this defense but was unsuccessful.
Q&A
What was John Hayes' upbringing like, and how did it influence his criminal behavior?
John Hayes grew up in a strict religious household, which instilled in him a strong sense of morality. However, he later rebelled against this upbringing, engaging in various fraudulent activities, suggesting a disconnect between his upbringing and his actions.
How did John Hayes manage to charm and manipulate people, despite his criminal history?
John Hayes was described as having a charming personality and an ability to be persuasive. He used these traits to gain trust and exploit others, often convincing them to believe his fabricated stories and schemes.
What was the nature of John Hayes' relationship with Donald Mixwan, and how did it ultimately lead to Donald's demise?
John Hayes and Donald Mixwan initially formed a close friendship, with Donald offering Hayes a job and financial support. However, Hayes' inherent criminal tendencies and a sudden \"need for blood\" led him to murder Donald in a brutal and calculated manner.
How did John Hayes dispose of Donald Mixwan's body, and what does this reveal about his character?
John Hayes dissolved Donald Mixwan's body in sulfuric acid, demonstrating a chilling level of callousness and a willingness to go to extreme lengths to cover up his crime. This act highlights his lack of remorse and his manipulative nature.
What was John Hay's motive for murdering his victims?
John Hay's motive was primarily greed. He targeted wealthy individuals and killed them to gain access to their money and assets.
How did John Hay dispose of his victims' bodies?
John Hay dissolved his victims' bodies in acid. He would first strip them of their valuables, then cut them into pieces, and place them in a steel bathtub filled with a mixture of sulfuric and hydrochloric acid.
Why was John Hay's case so sensational?
John Hay's case was sensational due to the gruesome nature of his crimes, his elaborate lies and attempts to fabricate an insanity defense, and the media's fascination with his \"vampire killer\" persona.
What evidence was used to convict John Hay?
The evidence against John Hay included a receipt for Olive Durand Deacon's Persian lamb coat, receipts from the pawn shop where he sold her belongings, and biological material from Olive's body found in the acid barrel.
What was the outcome of John Hay's trial?
John Hay was found guilty of Olive Durand Deacon's murder and sentenced to death. He was executed by hanging at Wandsworth Prison.
Show Notes
On February 20, 1949, police in London arrested thirty-nine-year-old John George Haigh on suspicion of his connection to Olive Durand-Deacon, a wealthy widow who’d gone missing a few days earlier. Haigh had a long criminal history of fraud and theft, so when police discovered that Haigh had recently pawned several items belonging to the missing woman, they naturally believed he had robbed and possibly killed Duran-Deacon. The truth, they soon learned, was far worse.
After days of interrogation, Haigh eventually confessed to the murder of Olive Durand-Deacon, telling detectives he had drained her of her blood, which he intended to drink, then disposed of her body in a forty-five gallon barrel of acid—but she was far from the first of his victims. By the time his case went to trial, investigators had connected Haigh to six victims, all dissolved in acid, and he’d confessed to three additional murders that were unconfirmed.
In his confession, Haigh claimed he’d murdered his victims in order to drink their blood; though, it’s far more likely his motive was primarily greed. Nevertheless, Haigh’s claim was immediately seized upon by the British tabloids, who labeled him a “vampire killer” and provided endless sensational coverage of the arrest, trial, and his eventual execution.
Thank you to the incredible Dave White of Bring Me the Axe Podcast for research!
References
Daily Record. 1949. "Haigh was a model boy." Daily Record (Glasgow, Scotland), July 20: 1.
Evening Dispatch. 1949. "Haigh: Defence will plead insanity." Evening Dispatch (Birmingham, England), July 18: 1.
—. 1949. "Silence in court." Evening Dispatch (Birmingham, England), July 1: 1.
Evening Express. 1949. "Haigh for trial at Old Bailey." Evening Express (Liverpool, England), April 2: 1.
Evening Sentinel. 1949. "Dramatic developments in mystery of missing widow." Evening Sentinel (Staffordshire, England), March 1: 1.
Herald Express. 1949. "'Haigh put the body in a drum' - prosectiuon." Herald Today (Devon, England), April 1: 1.
Lincolnshire Echo. 1949. "Haigh lived to lives, says mind doctor." Lincolnshire Echo, July 19: 1.
Lowe, Gordon. 2015. The Acid Bath Murders: The Trials and Liquidations of John George Haigh. Cheltenham, UK: History Press.
Ramsland, Katherine. 2006. "John George Haigh: A Malingerer's Legacy." The Forensic Examiner 59-62.
Root, Neil. 2012. Frenzy: The First Great Tabloid Murders. New York, NY: Preface Publishing.
Sunday Dispatch. 1949. "Wide search for missing rich widow." Sunday Dispatch (London, England), February 27: 1.
The Times. 1949. "Hiagh sentenced to death." The Times (London, England), July 20: 2.
Western Daily Press. 1949. "Haigh smiles at sentence." Western Daily Press, July 20: 1.
Western Morning News. 1949. "Yard fears for fate of five people." Western Morning News, March 3: 1.
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your spf is more likely to give you cancer than the sun
I don’t know why, but that comment about the victim who had a prototype for fake nails sounds awfully familiar. Is this a rerun? Or did I just have déjà vu?
and we're y'all referring to Buffy the movie or the TV show?
what's the name of y'all's other podcasts?