Skip to main content

Burke Murder Trial begins with partner Hare giving evidence

A photograph of a medical stethoscope surrounded by Christmas decorations
Image: Shutterstock.com

Date

Partners in crime they may have been but when the body-snatchers were arrested, William Hare quickly gave evidence against William Burke in exchange for immunity.

Both of them had profited from providing their murdered victims to doctors for medical dissection. However, both Hare and his wife escaped prosecution while Burke and his partner did not.

Commencing on Christmas Eve, the trial was very brief and the jury returned their verdict on Christmas Day.

The result for Burke was indeed fitting...