A search is on to find the families of two women killed by a Lancaster doctor in the infamous ‘Jigsaw Murders’ almost 90 years ago.
An appeal has been launched after their skulls were rediscovered in a storeroom at the University of Edinburgh.
Isabella Ruxton and Mary Jane Rogerson were murdered in Lancaster in September 1935 by Mrs Ruxton’s husband, Buck Ruxton.
LISTEN: Historian Peter Wade tells the story of the Buck Ruxton Murders to Beyond Radio’s Bryan Griffin
Their bodies were disposed of in woodland in Dumfriesshire, where parts of their remains were later found.
The remains were examined and identified at the University by experts from the Universities of Edinburgh and Glasgow.
The forensic results helped to secure a conviction of Buck Ruxton and the court case is considered the first in forensic medicine to do so.
Dr Ruxton (pictured below) was hanged for his crimes, two months after his conviction, at Strangeways Prison in Manchester.
The university has now discovered that the skulls and other bones are still in their possession and are trying to trace any relatives to ask if they wish these to be returned.
A spokesperson for the university said: ‘’Following an academic enquiry in November 2023, the university became aware it was still in the possession of some of the women’s remains.
‘’We are asking any known relatives to get in touch to enable the women’s bodies to be laid to rest, in line with their families' wishes.
‘’Upon learning that the women’s remains were still being held within its Sydney Smith Collection, the university carefully considered the most moral and ethical course of action, engaging with ethics experts and the Scottish Government.
‘’While the circumstances under which the women’s remains came into the possession of Professor Sydney Smith are not known, it is clear that there have been huge changes in medical ethics since then, and we want to do what is morally right for the women and their family members.’’
The university decided to issue a public appeal instead of approaching the families privately, because it isn’t known whether Ruxton’s three children were ever told that their father had been hanged for murdering their mother.
The university says any contact from relatives would be confidential and the families should not feel under any pressure to come forward.
If you think you, or someone you know, is a relative of either Isabella Ruxton or Mary Jane Rogerson, please contact the university, at ruxton.rogerson.enquiry@ed.ac.uk
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