Jigsaw murders: Search for families of women 90 years ago after bones found

A university has launched a public appeal to find the families of two women killed 90 years ago after their skulls were rediscovered in its archive.

The bodies of Isabella Ruxton and Mary Rogerson were found in Moffat, Dumfries and Galloway in 1935, in part of a case known as the “Jigsaw Murders” because of the challenge in putting together the identities of the victims.

Dr Buck Ruxton was hanged for his wife’s murder after a groundbreaking breakthrough in forensic science when experts from the universities of Edinburgh and Glasgow helped build evidence for the case.

Groundbreaking forensic techniques confirmed the remains were those of Isabella and Mary. University of Edinburgh via Supplied

After discovering the skulls and other bones in its storeroom, Edinburgh University is trying to trace the women’s relatives to ask if they want them to be returned.

It is not known whether Isabella and Buck Ruxton’s three orphaned children were ever told that their father had been hanged for murdering their mother.

A spokesperson for the University of Edinburgh said: “The university is asking relatives of Isabella Ruxton and Mary Jane Rogerson to get in contact.

“The two women were tragically murdered in 1935.

“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.”

‘Trial of the century’

The Jigsaw Murders took place in Lancaster in September 1935 and made headlines around the world after dismembered and disfigured human remains were discovered beneath a bridge over a stream near Moffat in Dumfries and Galloway.

After being sent to Edinburgh University, forensic scientists and colleagues from Glasgow University pieced together the body parts as the investigation led to Dr Buck Ruxton in northwest England.

Ruxton Murder case: Accused double-murderer Dr Buck Ruxton with his eldest daughter. circa 1935. (Photo by Mirrorpix via Getty Images) Getty Images

The popular GP had given various explanations for the disappearance of his wife Isabella and their nursemaid Mary Rogerson – but had failed to report her disappearance, a task left to Mary’s family.

Investigators in Scotland made the link between the two women and the remains which were found near Moffat.

The bodies still had to be identified beyond doubt and their killer, who was known to have experience of surgery, had taken great care to make that as difficult as possible.

It was the groundbreaking forensic techniques which confirmed the remains were those of Isabella and Mary.

Ruxton entered the dock at the Assize Court in Manchester in what was described as “the trial of the century”.

Tom Wood, author and former deputy chief constable and director of operations of Edinburgh & Lothians police, said: “This was a tragic case, where two women were brutally murdered, but it was also transformational for modern-day policing.

“The Professors who worked with the police at the time were critical in securing a conviction for the killer, and this was the first time forensic evidence was used to do so. I am pleased that the University of Edinburgh is working to return the women’s remains with their respective families, and I hope their relatives come forward.”

Professor Tom Gillingwater, chair of anatomy at the University of Edinburgh, said: “Upon learning that Isabella Ruxton and Mary Rogerson’s remains were still being held within university, we carefully considered the most moral and ethical course of action.

“While the circumstances under which the women’s remains came into our collections 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.”