London: A Murder Verdict in Victorian Court
Foul Play: A Historical True Crime Podcast
Shane L. Waters, Wendy Cee, Gemma Hoskins
4.5 • 992 Ratings
🗓️ 24 February 2026
⏱️ 24 minutes
🧾️ Download transcript
Summary
A Victorian courtroom drama unfolds as a chilling murder verdict is delivered in 19th-century London, a place of evolving laws and societal norms. This episode, nestled in the heart of Season 38's exploration of 'The Rugeley Poisoner,' uncovers the judicial outcomes and societal impact of murder trials during this transformative era. Episode 3 follows the toxic trail left by the infamous Dr. William Palmer. This physician, perceived by many as a respectable figure, secretly loitered in deceitful practices. Before accusations shadowed over him, Palmer was known for his medical expertise and charm, captivating the trust of many. This case's significance lies in its key role in shaping forensic science and challenging perceptions of professionalism and truth within Victorian society. It underscored the era's limitations in legal frameworks concerning evidence and the interpretation of scientific data. Case details chart Palmer's methodical approach to eliminating those around him, using poison, an agent of death that walked hand in hand with mystery. As the case unravelled, evidence pointed to a methodical plot built on small errors and oversight, leading detectives through a maze of deceit. The Victorian era bridged the old and new in terms of judicial practice. Emerging scientific techniques clashed with antiquated beliefs, reflecting broader social unrest amidst rapid industrialization and class divisions. Listeners will enter the Victorian courtrooms, visualizing the tension-laden trials through dramatizations and expert narratives. Insights into legal and social standards will illuminate the blurred lines between truth and justice in a rapidly changing world. --- Support Foul Play: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/foulplaypodcast Website: https://www.mythsandmalice.com/show/foul-play/ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/foul-play-crime-series/id1525832703 Follow us: Instagram: @foulplaycrimeseries Twitter: @foulplaypod
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Transcript
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| 0:00.0 | Hello, friend. I need to tell you about a book that had me completely locked in. It's called |
| 0:06.3 | Run on Red by Noel W. Ely. Picture this, a dark empty highway through the Idaho Hills. No cell signal |
| 0:15.7 | for miles. Two women realize the headlights behind them aren't going away. |
| 0:22.2 | What starts as road rage turns into something far worse, a brutal, heart-pounding fight for survival that doesn't let up for a single page. |
| 0:33.9 | Laura and Olivia can't outrun what's coming, so they have to fight back. |
| 0:39.3 | And this book does what the best thrillers do. |
| 0:43.2 | It takes an ordinary situation and makes you realize how fast it can go sideways. |
| 0:49.9 | I burned through it. |
| 0:51.4 | Every chapter drops you off a cliff. |
| 0:54.3 | If you're into Frieda McFadden or Karen Slaughter, this is your next read. |
| 1:00.1 | Run on Red is now available as a deluxe special edition, |
| 1:03.9 | with gorgeous stenciled edges, as beautiful on the shelf as it is terrifying in your hands. |
| 1:12.0 | Out February 24th. Grab it while you can. Hello, friend. |
| 1:38.0 | In this season of Foul Play, we are talking about the case of Casey Anthony and her daughter, Kaylee, |
| 1:45.5 | who went missing and was later found murdered in 2008. |
| 1:50.1 | Throughout the series we are joined by Rob Dick, who spent a lot of time with Casey and |
| 1:54.5 | her family during August 2008 while Casey was out on bail. |
| 2:00.5 | If you already haven't listened to episodes 1 through 9, |
| 2:03.7 | I recommend that you go back and do so. |
| 2:06.5 | This is the final episode in our season, |
| 2:10.0 | Casey Anthony, Truth and Lies. |
| 2:13.2 | This is episode 10, The Verdict. |
... |
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