John George Haigh: 15 Intriguing Facts

John George Haigh, also known as the Acid Bath Killer, was a notorious serial killer in England who gained infamy for his method of murdering victims and dissolving their bodies in sulphuric acid. He was born into a religious family in 1909 and grew up in an isolated environment with no childhood friends. Haigh was a talented pianist and choir boy before turning to a life of crime.

Haigh’s criminal record began with forgery, which led to his first arrest and imprisonment. He later posed as a solicitor, selling fraudulent stock shares from his deceased clients’ estates. Haigh’s criminal activities escalated, leading him to commit a series of gruesome murders using sulphuric acid to dissolve his victims’ bodies. Inspired by the French killer Georges-Alexandre Sarret, Haigh adopted the method of disposing of his victims in acid baths.

Haigh’s first victim was his former employer, William McSwan, whom he killed out of jealousy. He went on to murder the McSwan family as well as Dr. Archibald Henderson and his wife, using their own revolver to commit the crimes. Haigh was ultimately caught after leaving incriminating evidence at the scene of his last murder, Olive Durand-Deacon. It was the discovery of body parts and personal belongings that led to his arrest.

Haigh used the funds and possessions of his victims to afford a lavish lifestyle and fuel his gambling addiction. He pleaded insanity during his trial, claiming to have hallucinations and dreams of drinking his victims’ blood. Despite his defense, Haigh was found guilty and ultimately executed by Albert Pierrepoint, a renowned executioner who had hanged other infamous serial killers. A wax figure of Haigh was created for Madame Tussauds’ Chamber of Horrors, but the exhibit was later shut down.

Several directors have used Haigh as inspiration for plays and films, including “Under a Red Moon” and “WAX,” which offer fictionalized accounts of Haigh’s life and crimes. Martin Clunes portrayed Haigh in the television film “A is for Acid” in 2002. Haigh’s legacy as the Acid Bath Killer continues to capture public interest and serve as a reminder of his heinous crimes.