Due to the graphic nature of this killer's crimes, listener discretion is advised.

This episode includes discussions of murder and assault that some people may find offensive.

We advise extreme caution for children under 13.

In the summer of 1828, 36-year-old William Burke and his friend William Hare

led a horse across Edinburgh.

But just as the pair reached a crowded part of town, the horse skidded to a stop.

His cargo was just too burdensome.

He wouldn't take another step.

The halted, winning horse attracted attention and a crowd began to form.

Do-goaters and nosy neighbors alike offered to help, but Burke and Hare wouldn't let anyone near their cart.

They couldn't risk someone discovering what they were hauling.

To the bystanders, it looked like the men were transporting a barrel of single-brine herring,

but appearances can be deceiving.

On the previous day, the men had killed two people and stuffed their bodies inside the barrel.

Now they were enroute to sell the corpses, excited to line their pockets.

But with their stubborn horse, the men stood helpless.

People wanted to know why they weren't allowed to assist and how one fish barrel could possibly be so heavy.

As the crowd grew into a mob, the murderous duo exchanged a look.

Was this it? Were they about to get caught?

Hi, I'm Greg Polson.

This is Serial Killers, a Spotify original from Podcast.

Every episode we dive into the minds and madness of Serial Killers.

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