John George Haigh English serial killer Date of Birth: 24.07.1909 Country: Great Britain

Biography of John George Haigh

John George Haigh, also known as the Acid Bath Murderer, was a notorious British serial killer and sadist active in the 1940s. Born in 1909 in Stamford, Lincolnshire, England, Haigh spent his childhood in Outwood, West Yorkshire. Raised in a religious sect, Haigh grew up in a secluded environment, shielded from the "sinful" outside world. Despite his isolation, he developed a passion for music and became proficient at playing the piano. He was also a diligent student and received a scholarship to attend Queen Elizabeth Grammar School in Wakefield and later became a chorister at Wakefield Cathedral.

In 1934, Haigh married Beatrice Hammer, a well-known fashion model. However, their marriage ended shortly after. The same year, Haigh was convicted of fraud for forging a car hire purchase agreement and misappropriating an Alfa Romeo car. He was sentenced to 15 months in prison. In 1937, Haigh established a finance company and managed to swindle large sums of money by sending out counterfeit promissory notes. In September of the same year, he was sentenced to five years of penal servitude. During his imprisonment, Haigh conceived his "perfect crime," which involved using sulphuric acid to dispose of bodies.

After being released early due to the outbreak of World War II, Haigh lured his first victim, a young man named McSwan, to his apartment on Gloucester Road in London. He bludgeoned McSwan and dissolved his body in acid. Haigh then deceived McSwan's parents into believing their son was hiding to avoid military service. Haigh went on to kill the couple and sold their property using a forged power of attorney. He became known for his fashionable appearance and always wore white gloves.

In 1947, Haigh responded to an advertisement for the sale of a plot of land placed by Mr. Henderson. He murdered Mr. and Mrs. Henderson at their home and disposed of their bodies using acid. Haigh's final victim was Olive Durand-Deacon, whom he presented himself as an engineer to and offered to make artificial nails for her. Haigh shot her in the back of the head and again used acid to dispose of her body.

Haigh's trial began on July 18, 1949, and lasted for two days. He was charged with the murders of six victims, although he claimed responsibility for nine. Haigh was defended by renowned attorney Sir David Maxwell Fyfe, who later became the British Foreign Secretary. Fyfe's defense strategy focused on Haigh's alleged insanity, claiming that he was plagued by hallucinations and not responsible for his murderous actions. However, the defense failed, and Haigh was found sane and sentenced to death. He was executed on August 10, 1949.