127: The Postal Poisoner
Summary
This episode details the 1898 poisoning of Catherine Adams by Roland Molyneux, who sent cyanide disguised as hangover cure to his rival Harry Cornish. The case hinged on circumstantial evidence and a disputed death of another club member, leading to a controversial first trial where prior crimes were used as evidence. Molyneux was initially convicted but acquitted on appeal, establishing the "Molyneux Rule" in New York which prohibits using uncharged crimes to prove guilt.
Topics discussed
Sponsors and the collapse of Catherine Adams
Dr. Edwin's discovery of the poisoned seltzer
Introduction to the case and cyanide symptoms
Bromo Seltzer history and the 'cousin' debate
Legal context: NY vs UK systems
Harry's recovery and the Knickerbocker Club
Detectives test the bottle: Cyanide of Mercury
The anonymous note and handwriting analysis
Identifying Roland Molyneux as the suspect
Roland's background, jealousy, and appearance
Roland's chemistry training and motive
Gathering evidence: Access to poison and the box
Dr. Wendell Phillips and the second victim
Sponsors and case recap
Henry Barnett's death and the pattern
Blanche's past and Henry's poisoning method
The letter box trap and Roland's arrest
Public opinion and the first trial setup
The Molineux Rule and the first guilty verdict
The second trial and Roland's acquittal
Legal comparison: Molineux Rule vs UK Law
Aftermath: Blanche's memoir and Roland's decline
Listener mail and case suggestions
Scone debate, dog photos, and credits
Promotion for BBC Radio 4 and sponsors
BBC Podcasts Premium promotion
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