John George Haigh: The ‘Acid Bath Killer’ Who Dissolved Victims’ Bodies

John George Haigh, known as the Acid Bath Serial Killer, committed mass murder in the 1940s by dissolving his victims’ corpses in sulphuric acid-filled metal drums. Haigh had a bleak childhood due to his parents’ strict religious beliefs, leading to a passion for classical music and a scholarship to a prestigious school. He married, but his wife left him after his arrest for forgery, giving birth to their child while he was in prison.

Haigh’s criminal activities began with fraud and escalated to murder inspired by the French murderer Georges-Alexandre Sarret’s acid disposal method. He killed his former employer and his parents, using acid to dissolve the bodies and steal their assets. Haigh continued his killings, targeting a couple to steal their possessions and posing as their son to collect rent. He then killed Dr. Archibald Henderson and his wife, using their assets for his gain.

After running out of funds, Haigh targeted his neighbor, Olive Durand-Deacon, killing her and dissolving her body in acid. Suspicion arose when she went missing, leading to an investigation that found evidence linking Haigh to the crime. He confessed to several other murders but pleaded insanity during his trial. Despite his claims of vampiric desires, Haigh was found guilty and sentenced to death by hanging.

While awaiting his execution, Haigh requested a trial run of his hanging, wrote letters to loved ones, and provided his life story to a newspaper. On August 10, 1949, he was hanged, ending his reign of terror. Haigh’s twisted tale continues to captivate audiences, raising questions about his mental state and unconfirmed murders. Ultimately, he remains one of England’s most infamous serial killers, known for his gruesome acid bath murders.