The Murder at 31 Bond Street: Emma Cunningham, 1857

Short Stories for Dark Nights - / @shortstoriesfordarkni...
In January 1857, a wealthy New York dentist, Harvey Burdell, was attacked and murdered in his own house. There was never any doubt that one of the residents of the house was responsible for his death - but who? The trial of the extraordinary Emma Cunningham created a sensation, and the newspapers were in no doubt as to the guilty parties...

[@TheyGotAwayWithMurder]

A number of people have asked if they can help support my channel - I don't have any adverts on my channel (and don't intend to) but if anyone wishes to help defray the expenses of making these videos in some small way, they can buy me a cup of coffee! www.buymeacoffee.com/MarkJohnMaguire paypal.me/MarkJohnMaguire?country.x=GB&locale.x=en_GB 95 Reply

[@KellyfromMemphis]

Possibly add a “thanks” tab on your videos?

[@cjrains6022]

I like your videos I just found them today

[@PollyAlice2000]

I’m so glad you found them! I enjoy them immensely, and I’ve also purchased 3 of his books that can be found on Amazon. Nice to read that a new reader has found the channel and enjoys the stories, too!

[@adriangilbert2390]

Thank you Mark. Again, another beautifully written essay. English prose at its best. You are a master of our language, but please don’t rush your delivery; give us a moment to savour every word. There’s no rush, we’re listening! Peace be with you. A. 🤗

[@glenn-younger]

Not sure how much coffee costs in England, but I think I just got you a cappuccino Italian style. Thank you for your sharing… ☕️

[@RSZ229]

The best true crime videos on youtube!

[@davidsauls9542]

I am excited ! With your new project of shorter stories, I feared we wouldn't be getting a longer version for some time. This is wonderful. I am still working on your book. Thank You Mark ! I'm a Psychiatrist and what I love about your work is that you answer all my questions. Most writers leave out the things that I consider important.

[@Rebwell]

Same!

[@tonicarrier1371]

That's tonights bedtime listening sorted. As always, thank you Mark. 😊

[@patricerogers5299]

My favorite Subscription on KZbin!!!!! Never lets me down. FASCINATING!

[@normamoore7024]

Mr. Maguire, I have a guilty secret, I am known to listen to these marvelous pieces, so meticulously researched twice. Once for the story and another to let your wonderful narrative voice relax me for sleep. Am I the only one?❤😊

[@lindastansfield460]

Don't feel alone..... I usually go to bed after listening to him.😂

[@TheyGotAwayWithMurder]

Thank you very much, Norma!

[@renee1961]

How awful to hear someone scream, "Murd"!!! And "Murder"! Scary! And then, to learn it just happened!

[@gwinniboots]

I’m amazed that she got away with all that! An intriguing story, yet one that has no real doubts for the listener. Thank you.

[@renee1961]

You ,and your Channel, are so dignified,! I love listening to you, and the sketches!

[@malcolmcook6268]

Although the doctor wasn't a pleasant person, he was surrounded by equally viscious individuals. What a nest of vipers.

[@THEPETERC1]

You have perfected this genre of video essay.

[@Val_Emrys]

You told an engrossing tale, thank you. This is one where there were no heroes and everyone was a villain - quite a twist.

[@renee1961]

I know this about how people got away with Murder, but I'm always surprised when they do!

[@Mrs.TJTaylor]

And I’m mad about it too!

[@kathrynmast916]

Another visit from my favorite presenter with a great story!😊 You alway weave an extremely interesting story with great graphics and a wonderful narrative. Thank you so much!🥰

[@REALcatmom]

Oh my gosh!! A new program, thank you so much!

[@christinethornhill]

Wonderful ! Such a joy to have your splendid story to listen to when being unable to sleep throughout the night. I truly appreciate every minute. Thank you so much. 🙏🏼 🌙✨

[@sc3pt1c4L]

I binged the entire channel in 2 days. Thank you! Very entertaining.

[@TheyGotAwayWithMurder]

That is astonishing! Thank you!

[@lisaalane7694]

I cant believe I went to you tube for a bedtime documentary or such, and this video was the first to pop up in my selection. Otherwise, only in my dreams 😄

[@barbarahill4125]

Thank God I was afraid you had stopped posting these. So glad you are back keep it up.😊

[@crochetology12]

Another wonderful video essay! Thank you!

[@keiththorpe9571]

YEAAAAAAAH! THE MAN IS BACK WITH ANOTHER AWESOME VIDEO!!!!!

[@summersolstice884]

The depth of research that you do on these cases is amazing .. You take us back into time and we are silent observers of the lives and deaths of these people ... Thank you

[@billkarmetsky4003]

Maguire's writing is so encompassing of every facet to these people and the case at hand. I am mesmerized how the writing draws me in with twist after twist! The fact someone got away with murder makes me sad for the victims in a way despite all the skullduggery and seediness of some of these characters. Mark John Macguire keeps a certain history alive and it's great stuff!

[@rogerscottcathey]

Extraordinary. If not documented, it would seem preposterous.

[@candicebergstrom4490]

Perfection, as usual. Your writing, narration, sketches, etc, make for such an enjoyable viewing experience. Thank you for sharing another fascinating case with us!

[@labwuh]

Mark's narration and presentation are simply the BEST. Thank you!

[@carolinecarter6874]

Mark Maguire, the master is back....with his touch of class. Thank you for another fascinating share...blessings and appreciation!

[@TheyGotAwayWithMurder]

You are very kind, Caroline - thank you!

[@lucyh4355]

Well, there was certainly no subtly in their misdeeds, was there? Shocking that they got away with it! If only he hadn't been such a miser, he'd might have escaped their plans by simply renting a room elsewhere for a few months. After all, he was obviously aware of what a clear & present danger they were to him! 😏

[@robertabrams8562]

I grew up at 67 E 2nd St, and am a very amateur NYC historian (The gate to the Marble Cemetery was right across the street from my apartment building)! To think this murder happened 103yrs before I was born, and right down the street from me, is absolutely fascinating to me! Thank you so much for such an amazing presentation…Cheers to you sir!

[@TheyGotAwayWithMurder]

Thank you, Robert! It is always special to visit the places where these crimes occurred. The very first episode - Robert Wood 1907 - which I did in Feb/March 2019 was of a case I have known of for 20-odd years. On a visit to the British Library in Euston Road in July a couple of years ago, I arrived before it was open, so walked along the road a little, just to stretch my legs. I had gone no more than a hundred yards when I suddenly found myself before a familiar building, which I knew instantly: it was The Rising Sun, a pub on which the Robert Wood story centred in 1907. Now called The Rocket, I walked inside and pictured the characters who inhabited it in those days... It is worth doing!

[@Asta-gs8pt]

Thank you for another great story.

[@Leslie12.66]

Thanks for the link to your other channel!

[@margaretburn713]

Thank you Mark for an American story. It seems their courts were just as hopeless as Britain`s in those days. So much research has gone into this one.

[@TheyGotAwayWithMurder]

You are most welcome, Margaret - thank you!

[@jenniferlee6955]

Always a joy to hear a new case presented by Mr. Maguire. As a child, I would listen to mystery theater on the radio with my father. Of course, it was presented as a play with various actors playing the roles. What sets this channel apart from those productions is a lone storyteller who has no need of actors. It is a rare gift that separates a narrator from a storyteller.

[@TheyGotAwayWithMurder]

What a lovely comment, Jennifer - thank you very much indeed!

[@mickymantle3233]

I soon as I see Mark Maguire, I see a top quality upload. Thank you Mark.

[@TheyGotAwayWithMurder]

Thank you very much indeed, Micky!

[@robertevans1996]

It's hard to imagine had Mark made the opening arguments the they would not be found guilty !

[@ajkleipass]

She died while living with a niece. Not a son, daughter, or grandchild. Nor her last spouse. Makes you wonder if her kids disowned her after the murder trial.

[@Teddyclaws]

Perhaps her children feared her.

[@moondancer4660]

​@@TeddyclawsProbably

[@SC.......]

I LOVE THIS CHANNEL ❤😊 thank you for helping me decide what I'll watch before bed !

[@sherrihinton2885]

I truly love Marks mystery murders. I've watched for years now. they are so well put together.

[@TheyGotAwayWithMurder]

Yes, you have, Sherri - thank you very much indeed!

[@Xxxxxx19-p1c]

What a great surprise!! It’s 7:30 am where I live… can hardly wait until 10pm … the perfect time to listen to your stories!! It’s a good day!

[@TheyGotAwayWithMurder]

That's nice - thank you, Cora Jean!

[@karenkilman1197]

As a daily KZbin listener/watcher, I can honestly say this is the only channel I get excited to see a new upload. Thank you.

[@TheyGotAwayWithMurder]

What a lovely comment - thank you, Karen!

[@1rjbrjb]

Mark you have not lost your fastball. This was brilliant in conception (partial credit to the murderers) narration and detail. I was particularly charmed by the dentist/surgeon/barber compulsively eating in "cheap restaurants". I tried to reconstruct 1857 knickerbocker cheap cuisine. Surely it was a bit early fot Cantonese. Oysters in brine? Hardboiled eggs with pickles? Excuse me, I am as food oriented as a German Shepard. Once again, the commendably obsessive conversions of 1857 to 2023 $ inform and delight though there are hierarchical as well as inflationary factors. Saying that $100K in 1857 is equivalent to $3.5M today does not quite capture the literally Dickensian misery of the era. A Cravath associate today might be worth $3.5M. But in 1857, a man with $100K was a demigod. Wonderful performance. You are a true artist. Thank you.

[@TheyGotAwayWithMurder]

Thank you very much, Robert - nice to hear from you and see you are still well and thriving! You are absolutely right about the inflationary conversions I make - I use an online calculator, and they hardly take into account the way in which people lived, the social conditions etc, which have such a bearing on such things. They provide only a general rule of thumb, I believe! All the best, and good wishes to you, sir!

[@staceyduncanbts486]

The highlight of my month!

[@mrblowhard2u]

Always look forward to your videos. My question is: what the hell was that jury thinking, it's obvious that she was guilty.

[@renee1961]

Good evening, Mark! How are you doing? Lovely to see you post! Thank You!

[@bridgettstephens5582]

If I had the least bit of resistance, I would have ignored my notification of this posting saving for tomorrow; to enjoy after the workday. But I can't be blamed, especially as this takes place in NY. Surely someone will agree with me?

[@Rebwell]

I don’t even bother to pretend to resist 😆

[@margaretlindner2703]

Nor do I. Sometimes I like to think that I’ll earn it after completing my “to do” list, but life’s short and that thought passes. Then everything else has to wait! Mark is the best!

[@hpyles30241]

Yay!!!! I've been sooooo looking forward for your next video and here it is!!! Thank you, as always, for your work and i can't wait. Here we go!!❤❤❤❤❤❤ 😊😊

[@renee1961]

They were Brutal! He had to have been So Terrified, and in so much Pain!!

[@purltwotogether8218]

As soon as I see you've posted a new video, I instantly click play. Thank you for sharing these stories in your own inimitable way.

[@SukiSays23]

Beyond words. A master storyteller. What a gem; what a gift! Pls consider financially supporting the channels who do such an incredible amount of work and bring the us quality that mainstream media couldn't conceive of if they tried.

[@TheyGotAwayWithMurder]

Thank you very much indeed! :)

[@renee1961]

How sad to be afraid of a person, and then be killed.💔💔💔💔

[@dawnklug6986]

Seems as though nothing has changed nearly 2 centuries onward.

[@sabrinatscha2554]

He let his nephews and their mother suffer in poverty by tricking his dying brother into leaving him as the sole benefactor to his will. Occasionally, bad things will happen to people who actually deserve it. Good riddance.

[@jeynjohnston8085]

Yes. I know.

[@jeynjohnston8085]

​@sabrinatscha2554 the Richard the third syndrome.

[@jenihansen7201]

Your Channel is great. Thank you.

[@fallionwater117]

Boy oh boy, if all the murder mysteries that have been set in the U.K. were actually to have taken place then the country would be empty. Sir, l you are such a grand author... thank you for sharing your writings with us.

[@TheyGotAwayWithMurder]

Thank you very much indeed!

[@fallionwater117]

@@TheyGotAwayWithMurder If I could have hearted your comment back, I certainly would have done!! 🌹

[@TawnyC_]

So who inherited the money? His nephew, I hope. Since some of it was rightfully his.

[@janemckee4922]

Bravo!

[@Bildgesmythe]

What a group, and all living in one house!

[@moonlightdancer5495]

I t has been ages since I watched your awesome videos. Absolutely love your videos ❤

[@kellyalkire1580]

Glad to hear another compelling story. Well done Mr. Maguire.

[@TheyGotAwayWithMurder]

You're welcome - thank you, Kelly!

[@michaelnorth1150]

Superb. The fact that she got away with it shows that New York was just as screwy then as it is today.

[@TheyGotAwayWithMurder]

Thank you very much indeed - as ever - Bill! I am so pleased you enjoyed it!

[@emmasurf8768]

when i hear that music and the cigarette exhale i know we're in for a good story

[@ohslimgoody]

Whoo hoo it's the Maestro! Now going to listen. This one kind of ticked me off because they knew who killed the Dr. Wow. Well done as Usual Maestro. Welp that's all folks!

[@CaptainDooDoo-ans]

Best channel on KZbin. After every episode, I'm ' hanging' out for the next one. The concocted plots of murderers, the tensions, the built up hates, the sloppiness!!...(especially of this crime) and yet they got away with murder! If she'd worn a dress emblazoned with I'M GUILTY on the front the jury would have not judged it. Was 90 minutes just too long in their day?

[@EdnaCloud]

Beautifully narrated

[@TheyGotAwayWithMurder]

Thank you very much!

[@Teffi_Club]

I was sorry for Dr. Burdell until you mentioned he was a miser and deprived his sister-in-law and her child from the money left by her husband. A small evil, Dr. B., met a greater evil, Emma Cunningham.

[@robertalpy]

That this woman escaped the gallows is disappointing. The Doctor may not have been a kind man, but he deserved better than to be murdered by such an evil woman. Had he only lodged his will with his lawyer, rather than keep it in his apartment, he might not have been murdered at all,there being nothing for Mrs. Cunningham to swindle. She certainly wasn't the only one involved. However, she was the mind behind this murder and earned a hanging.

[@gaslitworldf.melissab2897]

Thank you for the new channel featuring short stories. I'm often a night owl and enjoy podcasts as I doze off to sleep. Sometimes, I resist sleep just to listen longer. I love your presentation style and intellect. You seem like a British gentleman, in the best sense of the idea.

[@TheyGotAwayWithMurder]

I'm delighted you like them, Melissa - thank you very much for your kind words!

[@KellyfromMemphis]

YEAH!! My favorite channel of all time posted a video 🎉❤🎊🕺🍾💃🏻

[@catherinejohnson8478]

Fabulous! We wait SO eagerly for your new videos! And the piano, while only a few bars at the start, sets a marvelous tone. Thank you for making our summer evening.

[@jannetteberends8730]

A victim that was not an innocent man. I hope the widow of his brother got his money.

[@catherinetaylor164]

Yay! I cannot wait to listen to this. Thank you, Mr. Maguire. :)

[@sebastianmartinescu1987]

Wonderful video clip! It's like reading a Sir Arthur Conan Doyle novel. Thank you from Romania 🇹🇩.

[@stevebengel1346]

I agree, 💯

[@MartinBlackburn]

I enjoyed this thoroughly- thank you. The narration,sketches and flow are impeccible - keep going and going Mark.

[@TheyGotAwayWithMurder]

I'm glad you liked it - thank you very much, Martin.

[@chachadodds5860]

Our favourite raconteur with another recounting of intrigue and evil machinations from the past. For someone who had such a dislike for people, you'd think the doctor would've chosen to live alone. It seems to me that his downfall was the love of money. I can't think of any other reason he would have such a gaggle of strangers take over his house. The photo at the end was interesting. I've always had a fascination with cemeteries and headstones, and I found that one to be a bit odd. Thank you once again, Mark, for a wonderful rendition.

[@TheyGotAwayWithMurder]

Ah thank you very much - yes, he was certainly a victim of his own avarice...

[@deewesthill1213]

The drawing of Mrs. Cunningham about to stab Dr. Burdell shows her holding the knife in her right hand.

[@TheyGotAwayWithMurder]

Oops!

[@moondancer4660]

Sometimes I like watching these again just to hear the whole story unfold again😊

[@Kaymarie498]

Thank you, Mark. Your narration and drawings make these magnificent stories come alive. 🌹

[@moominmay]

Fancy being so Scrooge like that even when you fear for your life, you don’t lodge elsewhere to take yourself out of potential harm until the legal issues are resolved to extricate that danger from your home. Just made it heck of a lot easier for karma anyways.

[@Susan-ir5wo]

I’m so happy you are back!!! ❤

[@Buffalonie]

Another very interesting episode, I had never heard of Cunningham before!

[@boris1932]

Great job once again! Kind of a different murder case with up to 4 people involved -- pretty sizable conspiracy.

[@angelmessenger8240]

Thank you for another great story. I've subbed to your short story channel and look forward to listening.

[@sandic3892]

It must be Christmas again!! I get so excited when i see you have a new video up!!! Now to find a few precious moments to myself to savor it! I can't wait! Thank you my friend! No one can tell these stories quite like you do!

[@TheyGotAwayWithMurder]

Ah that's nice - thank you, Sandi!

[@normamoore7024]

Wonderful as always! I so do love these. ❤

[@merlapittman5034]

Another excellent story, as always! I'm going to check out your new channel immediately. Thanks for the link!

[@TheTesemeau]

Fantastic as ever Mark, thank you!

[@TheyGotAwayWithMurder]

Glad you enjoyed it - thank you.

[@conzmoleman]

A tip: recording in a closet full of clothing (or soundproofing boards or even cardboard egg crates) will dampen or eliminate the residual echo of your voiceovers! Thank you for all the research and work you do in making these already. I know it’s immense.

[@WildWestGal]

Incredible how psychopaths can manage to get away with a succession of crimes and not be held to account, in spite of overwhelming evidence. Houdini himself would be impressed. Of course, the stupidity of the court in removing a key piece of evidence to deliberate apart from the trial is mindboggling. The prosecution should have the trial date to commence after the court's decision came down! An amazing story, and, as usual, an excellent presentation, Mark, and your wonderful sketches add so much to the visual telling of the story! Looking forward to the next one and to next month's short story reading!!!

[@TheyGotAwayWithMurder]

Thank you very much, as ever, Danyel! Take care.

[@Republic4ever714]

So glad to see another installment I check all the time hoping new one is posted this man is absolutely master of telling these stories! Thank you!

[@TheyGotAwayWithMurder]

You're most welcome - thank you!

[@susiefoxy8130]

Thank you, was only thinking yesterday if I had missed a post from you, then this popped up!

[@TheyGotAwayWithMurder]

Thank you, Susie - hope you enjoyed it!

[@cherylparker8025]

What an awful woman, I wonder what happened to her sons and daughters. Thank you for another fascinating delve into the dark past.

[@chachadodds5860]

I was wondering the same thing. I'm sure if there had been any records of their whereabouts, Mark would've included it. He's so thorough in his research and storytelling.

[@cherylparker8025]

@@chachadodds5860 there are probably relatives alive today

[@jackie0604oxon]

They probably changed their names. Easy enough to do in those days when you didn't either have or need several documents to prove who you are, like you do now. Even in my youth, you didn't have to show your ID as often as you do today.

[@brandyjean7015]

Take heed players: not everyone plays the game fairly.

[@jeynjohnston8085]

You got it Brandyjean 😮

[@andymatthews9132]

Yet again, a fascinating and thoroughly enjoyable telling of this murder case. What an awful woman and it appears her actions brought her no happiness, only an infamous reputation!

[@TheyGotAwayWithMurder]

Many thanks, Andy!

[@Tisay40]

Hello, Mark it’s always a treat to watch your videos. Thank you!

[@RailfanDownunder]

Superb as always .... Well Done Sir

[@evinnra2779]

The Law of attraction at play here; someone who cheats his brother's widow out of her rightful inheritance gets his like minded double to live under his roof. Why? Because of their nature being similarly competitive and selfish, they naturally gravitate towards each other by chance.

[@Sad_Bumper_Sticker]

I absolutely adore crime stories from prewar NY. The literary aspect and your voice make for the utmost engaging experience

[@TheyGotAwayWithMurder]

Glad you like it - many thanks!

[@debt2055]

Your voice is so soothing. Thank you for all your hard work 💜

[@TheyGotAwayWithMurder]

You are welcome - thank you.

[@tammiep9628]

I am new to your channel and this is the first one. It was really good. The narration was excellent and I loved all the different possibilities of how Dr. Burdell was murdered and I also love that you went beyond to what their lives were like until they died, Thank you

[@TheyGotAwayWithMurder]

Thank you very much, Tammie - I am glad you liked it - and hope you will like the others also. I always make my best efforts to find out what became of those involved - it has always fascinated me!

[@tiberiusgracchus4222]

Always a treat. Thank you Mark!

[@dkcorderoyximenez3382]

I've come of a mind to wear a sport coat or suit when your next video is published, Mr. Maguire...I'll ideate having gone to the theater...🙂 Thank you for all of your hard work...!!!

[@TheyGotAwayWithMurder]

Hahaha! Thank you very much indeed, Sir!

[@SugarPlum369]

I do look forward to watching your exciting videos.