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.

🎧 Listen on: ✅ Spotify: The Medicine Murders ✅ Apple Podcasts: The Medicine Murders ✅ YouTube: The Medicine Murders ✅ Instagram: @themedicinemurderspod

📩 Got a case suggestion or thoughts on the episode? Email us at medicinemurderspod@gmail.com.

If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review, subscribe, and share—it helps more listeners discover the show!

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)

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.

🔊 Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts and follow @MedMurdersPod on Instagram and The medicine murders on Youtube for more!

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.

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

• YouTube: The Medicine Murders
• X (formerly Twitter): @MedMurdersPod
• Spotify: The Medicine Murders
• Instagram-TheMedicineMurders

1. 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)

2. 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 access Website: cdc.gov
   • FDA (Food and Drug Administration) – Details on naloxone approvals and usage instructions Website: fda.gov

3. 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)

4. 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

5. 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

6. Primary Case-Related Media:

   • "Kristin Rossum: American Beauty Murderer" on Snapped (for character exploration and timeline)

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.

• YouTube: The Medicine Murders
• Twitter (X): @MedMurdersPod
• Spotify: The Medicine Murders

1. Historical records and trial transcripts of Sarah Ann French’s case (1851-1852).
2. Archives on Victorian-era arsenic use in medicine and crime.
3. Research on the development of the Marsh Test by chemist James Marsh.
4. Articles from The Times of London and local historical societies in East Sussex.
5. Books on forensic science history, including "The Poisoner’s Handbook" by Deborah Blum.

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.

Follow Us for More Medical True Crime Stories: 🎥 YouTube: The Medicine Murders 🐦 BlueSKy: The Medicine Murders 🎙️ Spotify: The Medicine Murders

📧 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

1. Wikipedia - Richard J. Schmidt Case Overview https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_J._Schmidt
2. The New York Times - Landmark HIV Forensic Case Coverage https://www.nytimes.com (Search for articles on Dr. Richard J. Schmidt's trial and forensic breakthrough)
3. CNN Archives - Legal Case Reports https://www.cnn.com (Search for Richard J. Schmidt HIV trial)
4. Baylor College of Medicine - Forensic Science Studies https://www.bcm.edu (Research articles on viral RNA sequencing)
5. The Journal of Forensic Sciences - Case Analysis and Use of Viral RNA Sequencing https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com (Search for HIV forensic case reports)
6. Science Direct - Molecular Virology and Forensic Applications https://www.sciencedirect.com
7. FindLaw Legal Database - Trial Summaries and Court Transcripts https://www.findlaw.com (Search for court documents on Louisiana v. Richard J. Schmidt)
8. Louisiana Supreme Court Archives - Case Files https://www.lasc.org

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

Social Media Handles:

YouTube: The Medicine Murders https://www.youtube.com/TheMedicineMurders

X (formerly Twitter): @MedMurdersPod https://twitter.com/MedMurdersPod

Spotify: The Medicine Murders https://open.spotify.com/show/TheMedicineMurders

TikTok: @MedicineMurdersPodcast https://www.tiktok.com/@MedicineMurdersPodcast

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!

1. 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

• Pennsylvania nurse who gave patients lethal or possibly lethal insulin doses gets life in prison

• ‘She is evil personified’: Victims' families face killer nurse Heather Pressdee

• Pa. Nurse Pleads Guilty to Killing Patients with Fatal Insulin Doses

• Pennsylvania nurse pleads guilty to killing nursing home residents with insulin

• PA nurse pleads guilty to killing patients with excessive insulin

• Heather Pressdee - Wikipedia

• Heather Pressdee pleads guilty in deaths of 17 Pittsburgh-area nursing home patients

• Pa. Nurse Pleads Guilty to Killing Patients with Fatal Insulin Doses

• Is this nurse one of America's most prolific serial killers?

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.

Tik Tok-@MedicineMurderspod

Follow on X- @MedMurdersPod

email us at- Medicinemurderspod@gmail.com

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