The Medicine Murders

Ep. 9-Opioids, Murder, and Medicine: Harold Shipman

Welcome to The Medicine Murders, the podcast where true crime meets pharmacology.
In this episode, we unravel the horrifying case of Dr. Harold Shipman—a trusted physician who became one of history’s most prolific serial killers. Over two decades, Shipman used his medical authority to quietly take the lives of at least 215 patients, exploiting the very trust that defines the doctor-patient relationship.
How did he get away with it for so long? What finally exposed him? And how did the drug he used—morphine—become both a life-saving medicine and a silent weapon?
After diving into the shocking details of his crimes, we shift gears to Talk Nerdy and explore:🔬 How morphine works and its medical uses💊 The dangers of opioid overdose⚠️ The role of pharmacists in preventing prescription abuse🚔 The safeguards in place to track controlled substances
If you love true crime with a scientific twist, don’t miss this deep dive into medical murder and the drugs that made it possible.
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Sources:
The Shipman Inquiry Reports – Official UK government reports on the investigation into Shipman’s crimes. Available at: https://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ukgwa/20090808154959/http://www.the-shipman-inquiry.org.uk/
"Prescription for Murder" by Brian Whittle & Jean Ritchie – A detailed book examining Shipman’s crimes, how he was caught, and the legal response.
BBC News Archives – Various reports from the time of Shipman’s arrest, trial, and the public reaction to his crimes. Search: "Harold Shipman BBC"
Sources on Morphine & Opioids:
U.S. National Library of Medicine – Morphine Drug Profile (MedlinePlus)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Opioid Basics (CDC Opioid Overview)
World Health Organization (WHO) – Guidelines on the Use of Morphine for Pain Management (WHO Guidelines)
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) – The Science of Opioids (NIDA Opioid Research)
Sources on Prescription Monitoring & DEA Regulations:
Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) – Controlled Substance Regulations (DEA Diversion Control)
U.S. Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) – Overview & State-Specific Information (PDMP Clearinghouse)
•  American Pharmacists Association (APhA) – Guidelines for Dispensing Controlled Substances (APhA Guidelines)

Ep.8- The Paroxetine Murders of Wyoming

In this gripping episode of The Medicine Murders, we explore a case that shook the medical and legal world—the 1998 Wyoming murder-suicide committed by Donald Schell just 48 hours after starting the antidepressant Paxil (paroxetine).
Was this a tragic consequence of untreated mental illness, or did the medication itself play a role? We dive deep into:🔬 How SSRIs work and their impact on brain chemistry⚖️ The landmark lawsuit against GlaxoSmithKline⚠️ The controversies surrounding SSRIs, impulsivity, and aggression💊 The risks, benefits, and hidden side effects of antidepressants
Join us as we unravel one of the most shocking cases in pharmaceutical history, where science, psychiatry, and the law collided.
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Sources:
1. Mechanism of Action of SSRIs:
Mayo Clinic: Provides an overview of how SSRIs function by blocking the reabsorption (reuptake) of serotonin in the brain, making more serotonin available. mayoclinic.org
2. The Donald Schell Case:
ABC News: Reports on the lawsuit where the family of Donald Schell sued the manufacturer of Paxil, alleging the drug was responsible for a murder-suicide. abcnews.go.com
The Guardian: Discusses the case where Don Schell, after taking an antidepressant, killed his family and himself, leading to a significant legal verdict. theguardian.com
3. Side Effects and Controversies:
MDPI: Discusses the adverse effects associated with SSRIs, including sexual dysfunction and emotional blunting. mdpi.com
Psychiatric News: Highlights legal cases and debates surrounding SSRIs and their potential links to violent behavior. psychiatryonline.org
4. Additional Information:
Wikipedia: Provides a comprehensive overview of SSRIs, including their development, uses, and controversies.

Episode 7- Greg de Villers and the power of Narcan

In this episode of The Medicine Murders, host Dr. Meredith Beavin unravels the chilling case of Kristin Rossum, the brilliant toxicologist whose knowledge of deadly substances became her downfall. What began as a love story between Kristin and Greg de Villers ended in betrayal, addiction, and murder. With a trail of red rose petals, a deadly dose of fentanyl, and a web of lies, this case shocked the nation. Plus, we dive into the science of Narcan—how it works, how to use it, and its life-saving impact in the fight against opioid overdoses.
Follow us on social media for behind-the-scenes content and discussions. Sources and links are in the show notes!
 Email- medicinemurderspod@gmail.com
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Sources for the Episode:
True Crime Resources:
Court transcripts and case files for Kristin Rossum's trial
News reports from The San Diego Union-Tribune and Los Angeles Times (for case background and trial coverage)
Forensic Files episode featuring Kristin Rossum (provides detailed reenactments and expert interviews)
Pharmaceutical and Medical Resources:
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) – Information on fentanyl and opioid use in the U.S.Website: nida.nih.gov
CDC – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Data on opioid overdoses and naloxone accessWebsite: cdc.gov
FDA (Food and Drug Administration) – Details on naloxone approvals and usage instructionsWebsite: fda.gov
Books and Documentaries:
"American Overdose: The Opioid Tragedy in Three Acts" by Chris McGreal (context on the opioid epidemic)
"Dopesick: Dealers, Doctors, and the Drug Company that Addicted America" by Beth Macy (overview of fentanyl and opioid crisis)
The Pharmacist (Netflix documentary focusing on opioid overdoses and Narcan interventions)
Medical Research Articles:
New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) – Articles on the pharmacology of fentanyl and naloxone's clinical impact
The Lancet – Research on opioid dependency and emergency naloxone protocols
Public Health and Harm Reduction Organizations:
Harm Reduction Coalition – Guidance on naloxone distribution and overdose prevention programs
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) – Resources on opioid abuse and recovery options
Primary Case-Related Media:
"Kristin Rossum: American Beauty Murderer" on Snapped (for character exploration and timeline)

Episode 6- The Onion Pie Murder of 1851

In this episode of The Medicine Murders, Dr. Meredith Beavin takes us back to Victorian England for a chilling Christmas Eve tale. Sarah Ann French, trapped in a loveless marriage and longing for freedom, baked an onion pie with a deadly twist—arsenic. Her crime shocked her small village and became a landmark case in forensic history. Join us as we unravel the events leading to this infamous murder, the groundbreaking Marsh Test that uncovered the truth, and the role arsenic played as both a poison and a medicine. This story isn’t just about a crime; it’s a haunting reflection on societal constraints, desperation, and the evolution of forensic science.
Social Media Handles:
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Sources:
Historical records and trial transcripts of Sarah Ann French’s case (1851-1852).
Archives on Victorian-era arsenic use in medicine and crime.
Research on the development of the Marsh Test by chemist James Marsh.
Articles from The Times of London and local historical societies in East Sussex.
Books on forensic science history, including "The Poisoner’s Handbook" by Deborah Blum.
 

Episode 5-The Survival Story of Janice Trahan

When medicine turns into a murder weapon, even the most trusted doctor can become the ultimate threat. In this episode of The Medicine Murders, we uncover the chilling true crime story of Dr. Richard J. Schmidt, a respected Louisiana physician whose twisted need for control led to an unprecedented act of biological warfare.
This groundbreaking case shocked the world and changed forensic science forever. Using cutting-edge viral RNA sequencing, investigators unraveled a horrifying tale of obsession, betrayal, and a crime carried out with surgical precision.
Join us as we explore:🔬 The calculated plan involving an HIV- and hepatitis C-contaminated syringe⚖️ The groundbreaking forensic science that exposed the truth💔 Janice Trahan’s harrowing fight for survival—and for justice
Stay tuned for our signature Talk Nerdy segment, where we explain how HIV works, its impact on the immune system, and how science has advanced in the fight against this deadly virus.
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📧 Case tips or personal stories? Email us—contact info and sources are in the show notes.
Listen now — because in the hands of the wrong person, even medicine can become a weapon.
 
Sources
Wikipedia - Richard J. Schmidt Case Overviewhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_J._Schmidt
The New York Times - Landmark HIV Forensic Case Coveragehttps://www.nytimes.com (Search for articles on Dr. Richard J. Schmidt's trial and forensic breakthrough)
CNN Archives - Legal Case Reportshttps://www.cnn.com (Search for Richard J. Schmidt HIV trial)
Baylor College of Medicine - Forensic Science Studieshttps://www.bcm.edu (Research articles on viral RNA sequencing)
The Journal of Forensic Sciences - Case Analysis and Use of Viral RNA Sequencinghttps://onlinelibrary.wiley.com (Search for HIV forensic case reports)
Science Direct - Molecular Virology and Forensic Applicationshttps://www.sciencedirect.com
FindLaw Legal Database - Trial Summaries and Court Transcriptshttps://www.findlaw.com (Search for court documents on Louisiana v. Richard J. Schmidt)
Louisiana Supreme Court Archives - Case Fileshttps://www.lasc.org
 

Episode 4 - Clara Winnicki and the Fight for Women in Pharmacy

This week on The Medicine Murders, we explore the life of Clara Winnicki, Switzerland’s first female pharmacist. Learn how she broke barriers, developed groundbreaking treatments, and faced systemic injustice. Discover her forgotten legacy and its lasting impact on modern pharmacy.
📜 Sources Mentioned in This Episode:
Ebers Papyrus and Ancient Egyptian Remedies
Clara Winnicki Biography - Swiss Historical Records
The Islamic Golden Age and Pharmacy Innovations
Insel Gruppe’s Tribute to Clara Winnicki
Swiss Citizenship Laws in the Early 20th Century
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Episode 3-The Insulin Murders of Heather Pressdee

 
In this chilling episode of The Medicine Murders, Dr. Meredith Beavin and her co-host Andy dive into the case of Heather Pressdee. Explore the disturbing details of her actions, the heartbreaking impact on victims and families, and the crucial role of healthcare ethics in preventing such tragedies.
Don’t miss this mix of true crime and medical insight, bringing awareness to the darker side of medicine.
Follow us on X (@MedMurdersPod) and YouTube (The Medicine Murders). Email us at medicinemurderspod@gmail.com and connect with us on Twitter (The Medicine Murders) for updates, sources, and more!
Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General: Official press release detailing Heather Pressdee's sentencing and the charges against her.
Western Pennsylvania Nurse Sentenced to Consecutive Life Sentences
Associated Press: Coverage of Heather Pressdee's sentencing and the impact on the victims' families.
Pennsylvania nurse who gave patients lethal or possibly lethal insulin doses gets life in prison
Tribune-Review: Local news report on Heather Pressdee's guilty plea and the reactions from victims' families.
‘She is evil personified’: Victims' families face killer nurse Heather Pressdee
People Magazine: Article discussing Heather Pressdee's guilty plea and the details of her crimes.
Pa. Nurse Pleads Guilty to Killing Patients with Fatal Insulin Doses
CBS News Pittsburgh: Coverage of Heather Pressdee's court proceedings and the impact on the community.
Pennsylvania nurse pleads guilty to killing nursing home residents with insulin
WTAE Pittsburgh: Report on Heather Pressdee's guilty plea and the details of her actions.
PA nurse pleads guilty to killing patients with excessive insulin
Wikipedia: Comprehensive overview of Heather Pressdee's background, crimes, and sentencing.
Heather Pressdee - Wikipedia
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: In-depth article on Heather Pressdee's case, including victim impact statements.
Heather Pressdee pleads guilty in deaths of 17 Pittsburgh-area nursing home patients
People Magazine: Additional coverage on Heather Pressdee's case and her sentencing.
Pa. Nurse Pleads Guilty to Killing Patients with Fatal Insulin Doses
The Times: Article discussing Heather Pressdee's case and its implications.
Is this nurse one of America's most prolific serial killers?

Episode 2 - Kenneth Barlow and the First Insulin Murder

In Episode 2, we examine the Kenneth Barlow case, a groundbreaking story from 1957 England. Kenneth Barlow, a trusted nurse, used his medical knowledge to murder his pregnant wife, Betty, by injecting her with insulin. This shocking crime became the first documented murder conviction involving insulin and forever changed the field of forensic toxicology. 
This episode is dedicated to Diabetes Awareness Month, highlighting the dual nature of insulin—its life-saving importance and its potential for harm when misused. 
 
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References:
Marks, V., & Richmond, C. (2008). Kenneth Barlow: the first documented case of murder by insulin. Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine, 101(1), 19-21.SAGE Journals
"Medicine: The Imperfect Crime." TIME, September 8, 1958.Time
"Kenneth Barlow | Murderpedia, the encyclopedia of murderers." Murderpedia

Episode 1-The Murder of Betty Bowman

In our first episode of The Medicine Murders, we dive into the disturbing story of Betty Bowman, whose untimely death was allegedly caused by a potent drug more commonly associated with treating gout.
Join Dr. Meredith Beavin and her co-host, Andy, as they uncover the twists and turns in Betty's life, the chilling details of the crime, and the mysterious role colchicine played. After exploring the case, we'll break down what colchicine is, how it’s used in medicine, and why this drug, used incorrectly, can be so deadly. Get ready for a blend of true crime and medical insight that will make you see familiar medications in a whole new light.
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email us at- Medicinemurderspod@gmail.com
 
Main Sources
1.CBS News Report: Connor Bowman and Bumble Search Warrant
•Source: CBS News, October 2023. Details about the search warrant related to Connor Bowman’s use of Bumble and other key evidence in the investigation.
2.Criminal Complaint Against Connor Bowman
•Source: Minnesota State Criminal Complaint, 2023. Comprehensive documentation of Connor Bowman’s alleged actions, digital footprint, and evidence leading to his arrest.
3.Mayo Clinic – Information on Colchicine and Gout Treatment
•Source: Mayo Clinic’s medical resources, providing background on colchicine, its therapeutic uses, and its toxicity.
4.WebMD - Overview of Gout and Colchicine’s Use
•Information on gout, common medications for treatment, and typical dosing of colchicine.
5.American College of Rheumatology - Gout Management and Medication Guidelines
•Latest guidelines on acute and chronic gout management, including colchicine.
6.Healthline - Colchicine Toxicity and Overdose Risks
•Details on the toxic effects of colchicine and symptoms of overdose.
7.Rochester Local News Articles
•Background articles on Betty Bowman’s community impact, family statements, and updates on the case.