The Mysterious and Sinister Case of Mary Schippan

The Case of Mary Schippan, that rocked early 20th Century South Australia
Join this channel to get access to perks:
/ @briefcaseofficial
Please remember to subscribe and hit the bell icon as well as leave a like and a comment for more videos every week!
Brief Case is a True Crime Channel focusing on old or lost cases that have been forgotten to history. If you have any recommendations for future cases that you would like to bring to light, feel free to reach out to me to: [e-mail]
Music by CO.AG Music - • Video
Music by Myuu - / myuuji
Music by Kevin Macleod - incompetech.com

[@jacquelinedeblue5231]

(Super) thanks for such interesting cases from the past, every Monday without fail. 😊

[@BriefCaseOfficial]

Thankyou so much Jaqueline, your support is very much appreciated :)

[@waynegoddard4065]

Quality channel and no mistake. I don't know how you create these interesting stories from so long ago but it brings the past to life. You deserve all your success and then some.

[@BriefCaseOfficial]

Thanks so much Wayne, your support is very much appreciated :)

[@karawilliamson106]

Guaranteed fascinating stories

[@Sorchia56]

Indeed! I love the photos he always finds. It brings the whole picture together of how the people lived and makes it more meaningful.

[@waynegoddard4065]

@@Sorchia56 👍

[@gregevans6044]

Here, here!

[@ricklee5802official.1Rope_fan]

Gday BC, a case regarding my home town and state. Thankyou. First of, there is no way oldman schippan could have ridden from Eden Valley to his residence and back in 12 hours. Bit of an impossibility at night. I know these areas well, Eden Valley us in the valley of hills near Mt Pleasant this is hilly country. The residence was on the plains flat land. Berthas grave is still in Sedan. The buildings in Port Adelaide near the docks are the wool sheds, they do exist to some extent. Although the barge channels no longer exist but one can see where they were located. Thank you for covering this awesome case so well. You made my evening. Keep safe all. Johanne Elizabeth “Bertha” Schippan BIRTH 16 Jan 1888 Towitta, Mid Murray Council, South Australia, Australia DEATH 1 Jan 1902 (aged 13) Towitta, Mid Murray Council, South Australia, Australia BURIAL Sedan Lutheran Cemetery Sedan, Mid Murray Council, South Australia, Australia Show MapGPS-Latitude: -34.574785, Longitude: 139.293811 MEMORIAL ID 157156940 · View Source

[@BriefCaseOfficial]

Thanks Rick, it's very interesting that Mary's father could not have covered that distance, I appreciate the added information :)

[@harrymills2770]

@@BriefCaseOfficial Not that far, if you have a horse. Of course, sneaking out and back without detection would've been problematic. One suspects this happened because he was away, rather than because he sneaked back.

[@bettinabarry8423]

Most likely, Mary was jealous of the attention paid to her sister by the lover. In a fit of jealous rage, she killed her sister. I think she had a temper like her father that was awakened by the advances of the lover towards the sister. The father...what would his motive be? Thank you, BC for another intriguing case❤

[@Replicanna-rl6zg]

I was thinking she had sleep paralyses, and killed her thinking she was the monster, but yours seems more likely

[@tanishatanisha6847]

I cannot tell you how much I love to listen to Brief Case.

[@BriefCaseOfficial]

Thankyou :)

[@perrydowd9285]

This was the very case that began my interest in true crime when I saw a dramatized documentary on the ABC back in about 1980. These days it's pretty well accepted that it was probably Mary's doing. Even at the time many felt that Gustav's abusive use of Mary was the ultimate cause and that the jury had perhaps seen Mary and Bertha as joint victims of Gustav's immoral deeds. No juror is known ever to have breached confidentiality regarding their deliberations in the years following the trial (a rarity despite it being a basic tenant of jury duty). Either way, Bertha was dead, and Mary faced a life sentence. Thanks for this story, guys. It has always captivated and honestly bothered me. Such a terrible waste of two young lives. And for what?

[@pimpozza]

Great comment, Perry.. 👍

[@perrydowd9285]

@@pimpozza Thanks. 🐼

[@greendolphin100]

Every week at exactly 1pm my time, my watch vibrates it means BC is here! Can't watch it now but I'll watch it later on😊 thanks BC with love from sunny Malta❤😊

[@BriefCaseOfficial]

Thankyou :)

[@LoveMyDaisyGirl911]

7am my time .....

[@foppishdilletaunt9911]

Somewhere in the Hudson Valley of New York I’m listening to Brief………Case. Cheers to all-have a delightful day. ☕️

[@BriefCaseOfficial]

Thanks for listening

[@anisacoley8707]

Southern New Jersey

[@waynegoddard4065]

Portsmouth England.

[@LoveMyDaisyGirl911]

Charlotte NC here 😝

[@foppishdilletaunt9911]

@@LoveMyDaisyGirl911 I’m heading back home to California tomorrow and I will be stopping at your airport. My first time in NC. I’ll wave “hello” on my way in !

[@joyspettigue2855]

Great visuals I feel like I am a time traveler while listening to your channel ⭐️🇬🇧💯love Joy xx

[@BriefCaseOfficial]

Thanks for listening

[@bennettcawley4630]

'Morning, BC. Happy Monday, Casers, Cassettes, and other friends!

[@sapphoslips]

Very sad story. Both sisters' lives were tragic!

[@kathrynbillinghurst188]

Mary was jealous when Gustav jokingly asked Bertha to come to town! The girls had a scuffle and Mary did what she did and got away with it. Thanx again Brief Case!🫶

[@darran311]

seems pretty cut and dry really confused how they came back not guilty

[@kathrynbillinghurst188]

@@darran311 Pretty woman! ☝️🫤

[@goodgirl101ist]

Exactly what I was thinking

[@cocojo242]

I agree

[@greendolphin100]

Yes I agree!

[@user-gu1jk4qn6b]

Thank you so much, for narrating this yourself. You have a wonderful voice, and never make a mistake. God Bless you.

[@BriefCaseOfficial]

Thank you so much!

[@Ruth78620]

I moved house for the 4th time this year at the weekend and i am exhausted and this is just what i need. Thank you Brief Case ❤

[@Vickynorssken]

Good morning and good beginning of the week BC! A Monday is not a Monday if I'm not having breakfast while listening to these chilling cases ❤🇦🇷

[@BriefCaseOfficial]

Thanks Vicky

[@Pellegrineanita]

Amazing, poor Bertha rip.. thank you Brief Case xx

[@lisanunlist9510]

The ol’ man had “strong moral values” and “killed a peddler” and had “fits of rage.” Yep, my kind of virtuous example! 😣

[@mj-rg9kp]

It was meant for “other people” and not himself

[@londonsage8696]

Good morning, Another tragic story between family members. If Mary killed her sister, it sounded to me that it could’ve been out of jealousy or maybe she had a temper just like her father and things got out of hand. Only the two of them were in the home. First you have inconsistencies in her story and then blood and scratches and a bruise on her shoulder seems to me there was a fight between the two of them, and unfortunately, Bertha was killed. Then you have an innocent man blamed who ends up, changing his name and moving away because of a lie, and we all know how a lie can ruin someone especially something like this. I don’t think there was an intruder. It’s just my own personal opinion, but I think there was no justice done in this case and Mary got away with murder. Thank you so much for another great mystery. Have a wonderful day and week. Bless

[@BriefCaseOfficial]

Thanks Londonsage :)

[@kathrynbillinghurst188]

Yay 🎉 Hi from Australia 🇦🇺🤗 We are a multicultural place! 🎉

[@kristinek]

Thank you Brief Case. have a great day!😊❤

[@BriefCaseOfficial]

Thanks, You too

[@snazzy19]

So excited for this one! I live in South Australia, and have read 3 really good books on this case, including one focusing on the trial. Perfect timing for an early monday night bedtime viewing for me. Keep up the great work!

[@IntrepidsRus]

Who do you think did it Snazzy?

[@snazzy19]

@IntrepidsRus I really don't know! It couldn't have been Gustav Nitschke, and I feel sure it wasn't Mary. Popular opinion, and more likely that it was Matthes, but it's difficult to believe he rode there and back in that time without the friends realising.

[@IntrepidsRus]

@@snazzy19 Thanks Snazzy. I got back and forth too! 😁

[@snazzy19]

Mary was a caring sister. She had been working in Adelaide as a domestic when she was called home to nurse her sister, pauline, who actually had T.B. she gave up possibly her only chance to get out of the opressive family home, and shared a bed with Pauline during her illness, probably contracting her own tb illness during that time. Mary herself thought the attacker had a beard like her father, but didn't outright accuse him. Imagine she lost her sister, the public now knew about her improper relationship, which was now lost, and she had to return to live in that same house, with her father.. @IntrepidsRus

[@seonaelizabethcoster8465]

​@snazzy19 could you tell me the titles of the books? I'm really interested in reading more...

[@shasta7152]

Another great story from Brief Case!

[@BriefCaseOfficial]

Thanks for listening

[@CommonWealther]

Thank you for making my Mondays, happy days. You have a special talent for narration of the interesting stories you share with us. Stay Well. I'm already waiting for next Monday. Also, could you provide us with a link to your other channel? ❤ 🇨🇦

[@BriefCaseOfficial]

I do not have another channel, but if you like crime videos I can recommend The Crime Reel, that channel covers some very interesting cases

[@TheCrimeReel]

@@BriefCaseOfficial wow so kind of you, thanks Brief Case , cheers.

[@Eyes-ofthe-Ranger]

Awesomeness! Morning coffee and a new video from my favorite ❤

[@BriefCaseOfficial]

Yay! Thank you!

[@the.lilac.handbag]

One of the best channels on YT, very well researched, narrated and edited. Thank you for continuing quality content!

[@BriefCaseOfficial]

Wow, thank you!

[@LoveMyDaisyGirl911]

Hi BC I'm totally on time this morning ❤

[@BriefCaseOfficial]

Thanks

[@R08Tam]

Mark Maguire could add Mary to his Pantheon of "They got away with murder"

[@stacyrussell460]

Yes! Love his channel. I'm sure he'd really deep dive into the crime just like BC.

[@ecabe1793]

I agree. That would be so good.

[@LindaJones-uk6ee]

I absolutely love your stories . I travel a LOT for work. Your calming voice gets me through these long drives . I hear sweet and horrible stories, but I am always learning new things . Thank you brief case for your wonderful stories and the many hours that you spend putting these together for us. Thank you

[@margaretmoore1621]

Wonderfully said 😊

[@BriefCaseOfficial]

Thank you so much!

[@annmarie8414]

Interesting case, Yes I think her own sister murdered her

[@deenagara9151]

Hello BC! This is a very interesting case! Have a nice day too.

[@BriefCaseOfficial]

Thanks! You too!

[@seandelap8587]

If Mary was innocent then how terrible it must have been for to to be accused of murdering her own sister

[@fishandchipsupper]

Yes indeed, it must have been for to to be accused......... terrible! 😊

[@valeriemarott1923]

Don't worry, she was guilty.

[@ChildfreeMatto]

Hello again Brief Case! 👋 What a perfect video to watch after mowing the grass. Your relaxing voice will certainly make me feel better after doing that yard work. Thank you for your consistently excellent videos. 💯💯

[@BriefCaseOfficial]

I also cut the grass today :)

[@ChildfreeMatto]

@@BriefCaseOfficial What a small world! It wasn't much to cut since it has been so dry. It was hot but with a bit of a breeze. I hope yours isn't too much to cut. This heat has been ongoing. 😕

[@elleneisenkolb8689]

I have been listening religiously to your impressive stories for many a year. It was sad to hear this tragic tale from South Australia. Adelaide is my home, so to hear places and names from The Barossa area, which are familiar to me, was quite the surprise this morning. Thank you for your attention to detail in your descriptive narratives, your creative efforts in bringing grim historical events to life for us is much appreciated.

[@BriefCaseOfficial]

Thanks Ellen

[@seandelap8587]

Has drinking ever actually helped anyone with coping with grief

[@bennettcawley4630]

Depends on whether the "wound" is "clean".

[@kathrynbillinghurst188]

Temporarily! 🥴🤕

[@cesarincamendozaloyola4407]

No...

[@aprilkalcsa9336]

No

[@TawnyC_]

Yes it makes them forget but then the addiction causes more problems.

[@phionna6672]

My FAVORITE KZbin channel by far!! I can't even use words to express how much I appreciate the work your do Sir! You make me feel like I'm literally living in the times of these incredible stories!! Thank you from the bottom of my heart 🌹❤️ Much Love from Regina Saskatchewan Canada ✌️🙏

[@BriefCaseOfficial]

Wow, thank you!

[@Linda-in9ns]

Poor young girl. Jealously there with Mary I think! 😒

[@joannethortan2257]

Good morning Brief Case.

[@Bebecat477]

Thank you for the upload. Great case coverage.

[@BriefCaseOfficial]

Thanks for watching

[@TA-cm9yi]

Good morning BC from Exshaw Alberta , imagine if the investigators at the had the foresight to maintain items... maybe we wou.d have a solved murder.

[@BriefCaseOfficial]

Morning

[@1024laf]

Seems Mary Schippan was the Lizzie Borden of Australia and just like Lizzie, Mary got away with murder. Blaming the father was just dumb as it was mentioned he was away at the time and would never had enough time to ride home kill his daughter and ride back to where his wife was, seems this was all rumors by people who obviously didn't like him. No, I do believe Mary killed her sister Bertha because she got jealous when Gustav joking asked Bertha to go to town with him, after he left the sisters probably got into an argument with Mary accusing Bertha of trying to steal Gustav away and in a fit of rage Mary took a knife and killed her sister.

[@addie_is_me]

The case you find and cover are fascinating, but what gets me the most is how short a time people used to deliberate. Two hours in this one for a potential death penalty and it’s actually one of the longest deliberations you’ve ever reported. 😂 It’s the 15 minute one that I really find stunning. At least in two hours they had time to talk it over.

[@BriefCaseOfficial]

Thanks Addie :)

[@dianatapper4003]

I'm always grateful for your Time!

[@cherylbrooks7005]

My Monday vibe...❤😊❤

[@jenniferlonnes7420]

What a tragic life and tragic end to an innocent girl.

[@SC.......]

This is the first time I'm not quite sure who did it. Hmmm. 🤔 Thank you Brief Case !!!!🤗

[@lesleymacmillan8099]

Really interesting story. Poor Bertha though.

[@pioneercynthia1]

I really don't think we can possibly understand how common death was in the past. It would be a rare family that didn't lose one or more members, especially children. We are really blest.

[@ZedLeppelin1989]

Not 'blessed' with good grammar though

[@MrsJHarrington]

Listening from Saratoga Springs, NY USA, and I could see Mary's jealousy written on the wall, very selfish and silly indeed. A terrible thing to murder ones own sibling because of jealousy, no matter what they said about the other young man in my opinion. Another interesting case BC, thank you!

[@mrsmiggins6435]

Great coverage of this case. I love all the photos. Thank you🤗

[@BriefCaseOfficial]

Thanks for watching!

[@seandelap8587]

Happy Monday BC

[@aprilwoods7735]

@Brief Case 🎩💛 Good Morning to you as always! Ohh she definitely was super pee-o'ed with sista coming into town. This funk still goes on around this planet 🤔🤓 It's silly how we humans are geared to feel such boiling throughout our veins and our minds fall into this hole of "be better this way!?" Instead of trying to think about the long run of actions and words; I guess we wouldn't have awesome historical crime stories like these and those that our Brief Case speaks of if folks "panned" it out! Thank you again for all you do my friend 💙 love send to you through the clouds today as it is hazy and foggy here on the Bluenose Coast today

[@spacecowgurl57]

Excellent, as always ❤

[@BriefCaseOfficial]

Thank you!

[@darlenesutton7248]

Mary did it

[@lynn5050]

Excellent as always, Briefy. You never cease to amaze.❤

[@BriefCaseOfficial]

Wow, thank you!

[@kathrynbillinghurst188]

Well Mary washed her hair once a year whether she needed it or not! 🤭

[@daphnehinds5581]

😂😂😂

[@barbarajohnson3876]

Thanks you mr briefcase for all of your hard work, soothing voice, and stellar storytelling skills. 🥰😍👍

[@BriefCaseOfficial]

Thanks

[@donnahowse7359]

Just wanted to say I never comment but Always enjoy your shows ! You're Very professional...❤ A Great Big Thanks ❤

[@BriefCaseOfficial]

Thanks Donna :)

[@maryrichardson6029]

Always interesting Thank you ❤️

[@cathywelfare4162]

I love how you only give the facts of the case. There is no assuming what they thought it what might have been said. I enjoy every single episode!!

[@BriefCaseOfficial]

Thanks Cathy

[@chicagogyrl4846]

Seems to me most of the kids left as soon as they could, even the girls who were not married!!

[@hollymorris785]

I think Mary likely did it, but I think there's enough reasonable doubt to believe the jury chose correctly. A really great case this week! Im always impressed when you can get me all nervous about the outcome of a trial from so long ago! 💚👍

[@brettmeyer4951]

Another great video and being an Aussie o found it even more interesting. Great job again mate

[@BriefCaseOfficial]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@pimpozza]

I think Mary was jealous of Bertha.. 🤔 I'm a twin and simply can't imagine this scenario, 🤦🏻‍♀️ but jealousy can be a green-eyed monster, no matter how implausible and hard to imagine.. it's certainly not the first time it's happened.. 🤔 Have to add, I disapprove of anyone killing parrots for fun.. or *ANY* animal for that matter! Great case, as always.. thanks, BC💼

[@perrydowd9285]

@@pimpozza I'm pretty sure you're right about that. The killing of parrots here was considered culling of a pest back then. I'm not aware of any bounties but the Govt payed them on kangaroos and enus so it's possible. The practice died out after Co-operative Bulk Handling introduced concrete silos and covered transport replacing Hessian sacks for storage and transport, while the farmers begrudgingly reached a compromise with the parrots over the crops in the field. Or perhaps it was one of the terms of our surrender following the Emu Wars. 🌾🦜 You decide.

[@pimpozza]

@@perrydowd9285 That's very interesting, Perry.. and I was aware of parrot culling in Australia.. which refused to export them and the same birds cost an absolute fortune in Europe.. 🤷🏻‍♀️ Just I was imagining that Gustave was doing it for the fun of going out "hunting".. Thanks for your interesting comments, I always enjoy reading them! 👍

[@cuddlepaws4423]

Have to add, I disapprove of anyone killing parrots for fun.. or ANY animal for that matter! - They went hunting for food, not fun. Are you vegan by any chance?

[@pimpozza]

@@cuddlepaws4423 Why the sarcasm? You even got a heart for it from Briefcase! As I explained to Perry in his *NICE* comment, I thought they were shooting for fun.. 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@perrydowd9285]

@@pimpozza Thanks mate. It's mutual. 👍👍

[@ecabe1793]

Late to the party today but another intriguing and well told tale. BC makes Monday better. ❤

[@jenniferh8148]

As an American these stories always make me wonder when this magical time was that everyone is so nostalgic for...

[@fadeblac5633]

I don't think Mary killed her sister. As for the blood on her, she couldn't even have come from the attack on her. The killer cut her sisters throat with a knife. And, she heard what sounded like a knife fall. Don't think the father did it either. Someone got away with murder. Why did they kill a child who knows. Everyone stay safe. ✌️ BC good one. 👍

[@Zaft_K]

I agree with you. I think an intruder attacked and killed the younger sister, then attacked Mary. The blood on her clothing could be from the killer's knife, and her injuries were consistent with the struggle she had with him. The man might have grabbed her blue blouse to wrap up the knife and carried it off. There is no mention whether the sister was sexually assaulted. Maybe there was other evidence, but based on what we heard, I think Mary's story was plausible.

[@marionbowler5440]

Thank you BC excellent as always, please continue. 🍁🎈👏

[@BriefCaseOfficial]

Thank you, I will

[@TheRetirednavy92]

My birthday today and I get a new case. Thank you.

[@BriefCaseOfficial]

Happy Birthday, hope its a good one

[@deannahollis9976]

Thank u Brief Case. Luv ur channel. Top notch content

[@BriefCaseOfficial]

Thanks Deanna

[@gillianpetrie9771]

Brief case channel is awesome. Excellent research and visuals!

[@BriefCaseOfficial]

Much appreciated!

[@tuvia4082]

Thanks BC, always great content.

[@BriefCaseOfficial]

Much appreciated

[@431COfree5Storm4]

Excellent story & very well told--as always!

[@BriefCaseOfficial]

Thanks

[@deniseconsultant1538]

You are the only channel I have ever turned on notifications for.

[@BriefCaseOfficial]

Thanks

[@v.watson4179]

Consistently great content, one of the best channels on yt

[@BriefCaseOfficial]

Wow, thanks!

[@smsabala6668]

Good afternoon BC ❤

[@BriefCaseOfficial]

Hello

[@carriekelly4186]

What a joyful couple they(mathis and lovely wife) appear to be

[@serenitynow288]

😂😂😂😂

[@daguard411]

Thank You!

[@anniej1834]

Thanks 4 another fantastic video 📸 now time 2 buckle up and get stuck in as always I've smashed the like button this is why Monday's are great 😃

[@vinawaldren6888]

Good video BC! Thank you for years of quality work! 😁

[@BriefCaseOfficial]

Much appreciated!

[@lorishu48103]

So glad I circled back (was here at the onset of the booms or no booms impasse era ) these BRIEFCases have only gotten better 🎉!!!

[@BriefCaseOfficial]

Thanks

[@thejudgmentalcat]

I'm the 666th Like...not sinister 😮 I think Mary did it to keep Bertha quiet about "something"

[@bobbyrutherford9359]

Brief Case always has great content and I Love hearing him narrating

[@BriefCaseOfficial]

Thanks Bobby

[@elmin82]

02:12 she have a creepy look

[@lindawilson4625]

Interesting story. Thanks for doing this video!

[@BriefCaseOfficial]

Thanks for watching

[@carlysimmen1067]

I just wanted to say that I listen to you just about every day. 😊 love your work ❤️

[@BriefCaseOfficial]

Wow, thank you!

[@berenicewaters4096]

Another excellent story from the past! We love the historical content you produce 🎉

[@BriefCaseOfficial]

Thanks Berenice :)

[@sadielevens1144]

Fabulous story teller. Keep being the past forward❤

[@BriefCaseOfficial]

Thanks Sadie

[@amysewell6336]

Love a good story, and these are the best!

[@BriefCaseOfficial]

Thanks

[@lilliankeane5731]

Yep! Im in! 😂

[@derekstocker6661]

Thanks for this, yet another great mystery and sadly an innocent life taken.

[@BriefCaseOfficial]

Thanks for listening

[@cindysmith6612]

Thank you ❤😊

[@BriefCaseOfficial]

Thanks Cindy

[@fishandchipsupper]

3:39 😮🤯 Look! A two headed sheep! 😮

[@pimpozza]

Funky Monkey is correct.. 🤣😅👍🐑

[@MarianneKat]

Good morning😊

[@BriefCaseOfficial]

Good morning

[@maryserrato1024]

Good morning BC once again another great story I love your stories ❤

[@BriefCaseOfficial]

Thanks Mary

[@resourcedragon]

Oh, my goodness! I lived on Carrington Street, Adelaide for about 3 years, a long time ago (but also a long time after the events in the story).

[@catherinedileo7393]

WAIT WHAT? Shot some parrots WHY????

[@dementedopossum8148]

Lutherans in all likelihood and at that time they were extremely strict and often inter-married. Insanity was quite common. Plenty of murders and family annihilators among them.

[@IntrepidsRus]

We are doing a live on the 24th about this case. I'll link your video in the description for peeps to check out.

[@donnadunlop7853]

Thankyou 🖤 🖤

[@melinalack6224]

I think that Mary became jealous of Bertha and Gustav asking her to go to town with him, and it set her off and she killed her. It seems that she had the same violent tendencies as her dad! But no way did her dad or Gustav or anyone else kill Bertha.