Murder They Wrote with Laura Whitmore and Iain Stirling Murder They Wrote with Laura Whitmore and Iain Stirling

132: The Woman by the River

Sep 21, 2026 · 33m

Summary

This episode investigates the 1928 murder of Yee Sung Siu, a wealthy Chinese woman found strangled in the Lake District during her honeymoon. Her husband, Jung Yi Miao, was convicted and executed despite unclear motives, language barriers, and evidence suggesting a staged crime scene. The hosts discuss the trial's key evidence, including missing rings and a suspicious cord, while exploring theories ranging from financial gain to a debunked Tong society rivalry. The case remains controversial due to the lack of a clear motive and the husband's unusual behavior.

Topics discussed

Intro and BMW ad BMW Certified Pre-Owned promotion Discovery of body by Thomas Wilson Podcast intro and content warnings Revisiting the scene and identifying victim Victim background: Wa Sung Siu Wa Sung's education and inheritance Husband background: Jung Yi Miao Honeymoon itinerary and arrival in UK Cause of death and staged crime scene Police investigation at the hotel Jung Yi's suspicious behavior and statements Autopsy results and staged assault theory Sherwin-Williams ad Recap of events so far Evidence found in hotel room Charges and defense strategy Trial: Defense arguments and witnesses Motive: Financial gain and inheritance Motive: Infertility diagnosis Media sensationalism and Tong theory Debunking the Tong punishment myth Verdict and appeal process Appeal outcome and burial Hosts' final thoughts on the case Listener mailbag and Q&A Outro and BBC subscription ad
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