This episode contains distressing themes, profanity and descriptions of violence.

This podcast is intended for a mature audience.

Listener caution is advised.

A telegram arrived unexpectedly.

Mrs Butterfield hoped it was a sign that her daughter was finally ready to speak to her again.

She hadn't seen Harriet in over a year,

although she had tried unsuccessfully several times since then. The short message in the telegram dashed all hope of reuniting with her

daughter. It bluntly read, Harriet Staunton died yesterday at 34 Forbes Road, will be buried today Sunday.

Welcome to Season 9, Episode 26 of They Walk Among Us, a podcast dedicated to UK true crime.

This is part one of a two-part case.

The second installment will be available in three days.

Harriet Staunton was the youngest of four children born to James and Harriet Richardson in 1841.

James Richardson passed away when Harriet was 12 years old, but her mother married Reverend John Butterfield six years later.

Harriet was reported to have learning difficulties.

In the Victorian era, a correct diagnosis and support was more than a century away.

She was described at the time in archaic terms as being mentally deficient but not an

imbecile. Although she was afforded the same education as her siblings, Harriet was unable to spell

or express herself without difficulty. However, she was friendly, polite and took pride in her

appearance. Harriet lived with her mother and stepfather in Brentwood, Essex, until she was 33,

at which time she moved to Woolworth to stay with her aunt, Mrs. Ellis.

It was 1874, and Mrs. Ellis was in poor health.

When Mrs. Ellis died six months later, Harriet began spending more time with Mrs. Ellis's son,

...