Lewis Hutchinson Jamaican serial killer Country: Spain

1. Biography of Lewis Hutchinson
2. The Infamous Edinburgh Castle
3. A Notorious Character

Biography of Lewis Hutchinson

Lewis Hutchinson, also known as the "Mad Master" and the "Mad Doctor of Edinburgh Castle," was born in Scotland in 1733. He is the first recorded serial killer in the history of Jamaica and one of the most prolific criminals. It is believed that he studied medicine in his homeland before immigrating to Jamaica in the 1760s with the intention of becoming the owner of Edinburgh Castle.

The Infamous Edinburgh Castle

Although it was rumored that Hutchinson acquired the castle through legal means, he was known for stealing large herds of cattle from his neighbors. However, this was not the only accusation made against him. Shortly after his arrival in Jamaica, travelers started to disappear, giving rise to suspicions. Edinburgh Castle was a popular resting place for travelers on their way from Saint Ann's Bay, and they were unaware that Hutchinson's rifle was aimed at them. The Mad Doctor took pleasure in shooting random passersby of all races, ages, and sizes, claiming their belongings for himself. The truth about Hutchinson's murders remains disputed. Some reports suggest that he shot lone travelers to feed on their blood and dismembered their bodies. The killer himself, or possibly his slaves according to some accounts, disposed of the remains in a karst sinkhole or an animal cesspit, where they became a feast for the creatures. This karst sinkhole later became known as Hutchinson's Hole.

A Notorious Character

As Hutchinson gained a reputation for being depraved, many people avoided him out of fear. Stories of his mistreatment of slaves and gruesome details of his murders turned the Scottish immigrant into a legend. Perhaps it was because of this notoriety that he remained free for a long time. However, his freedom came to an end when he shot an English soldier named John Callendar while attempting to apprehend Hutchinson. After shooting John, Hutchinson fled to Old Harbour, a town in the southern part of Jamaica, and boarded a ship. The Royal Navy, under the command of Admiral Rodney, captured Hutchinson before he could escape. Soon after his capture, he was sentenced and found guilty. In 1773, he was hanged at Spanish Town Square. Though the exact number of his victims was never determined, a significant amount of clothing was found on his property during the search conducted after his arrest.