Their Forbidden Love Affair Turned Deadly - The Story of Madeleine Smith & Emile L'Angelier

One of the most famous murder cases in Scotland's history is that of Emile L'Angelier. He was the lover of wealthy socialite Madeleine Smith but when their affair threatened the heiresses' future she decided it was time to end things. Permanently.
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[@sydneyfairbairn3773]

"Not proven" makes better sense than "not guilty" as the burden of proving guilt lies with the Government.

[@toastercatx]

More prejudicial though, it reads as "we think you did it and should be convicted, but we can't prove it beyond reasonable doubt". Kind of the opposite idea of jury nullification, "we think you did it and have the evidence but don't believe you should be convicted".

[@no-oneinparticular7264]

​@@toastercatxthat's what not proven means in actual fact.

[@moondancer4660]

Not proven means that the jury believes you to be guilty however they can't prove it and so the Witness Goes free. However they don't have their name clear.

[@barneyronnie]

Even if one is arrested, but not convicted, one's reputation is often tainted despite acquittals. Just getting arrested can destroy your life. This happened to me and cost me my job.

[@feliciagaffney1998]

Seems like a verdict of "not proven" should allow a second trial where the prosecution gets another chance to do better at proving their case. Although, we wouldn't want them to go around giving all criminals 2nd trials... should have to be some other stipulations or rules to govern how and when one gets a 2nd trial.

[@Bluechimpvr]

I have trouble falling asleep. I absolutely love true crime stories and enjoy listening to them while I try to drift off. And the way you tell these stories is so cozy and relaxing, making a nice juxtaposition with the dark subject matter. I fall asleep more easily listening to you rather than every other true crime channel. These stories are way more interesting than anything in the last 100 years. Your whole vibe is just immaculate and you're the sharpest dresser. Please never stop making this content.

[@cherimolina2121]

The adult version of Grimms fairy tales. Paul's voice is melatonin to me. I mean that in a good way. ❤

[@Trauerdurst_TD3D]

@@cherimolina2121 "adult version of Grimms fairy tales" you need to read the original ones, cant get more adult than those ;) but i agree, the calming effect of his voice is astonishing!

[@rvdb7363]

I also regularly listen these when I have trouble falling asleep. And the next morning I watch them for real, because they are way too good to just use to fall asleep. (Even though they are effective; with this one I dozed off around the 3 minute mark).

[@Heather-eh7du]

I think it was her parents

[@Heather-eh7du]

I reckon the father knew about her affair and so he got this guy William but saw it kept happening protecting his daughter and family reputation he murdered the lover

[@janetcw9808]

According to the book Scottish Murders by Judy Hamilton, Madeleine moved to New York, becoming Lena Sheehy and died there in April 1928. ❤️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@Delicate_Disaster]

Interesting! It must have been wild back then to just go somewhere new with a brand new name and back story, and no one knew to question anything.

[@olwens1368]

Born and bought up in Scotland- the 'not proven' verdict used to be referred to as 'Not guilty, but don't do it again'.

[@amywebb4586]

Similar statement in the US "it's only illegal if you get caught"

[@gennevievehuskshirley9287]

Thank you for providing me with my favorite guilty pleasure. I've found that I much prefer your true crime stories from the 19th and early 20th centuries over more modern tales, as everyone who was directly affected is long dead and gone. The idea that people are still currently hurting and mourning is too much for me, I suppose.

[@louisegross3886]

Yep the older the better way way back when

[@DVD927]

She died in 1928 in the state of New York. She was 93. She married a man named Sheehy.

[@DD-DD-DD]

Madeleine is buried in Mount Hope Cemetery in Hastings-on-Hudson, New York.

[@nicolad8822]

As “Lena” Sheehy she seems to be on the 1910 Federal census 8th Ave Manhattan, her age understated by nearly 30 years! Same on the NY death index. The arsenic must have worked wonders. 😏 I wonder though if she was ever divorced, it was a pretty difficult process in Britain. Her daughter took out probate in England under the Wardle name, residence at time of death 1498 Park Ave Bronx. Building still there, lovely view of the railway. Should have stayed in Glasgow.

[@LISA-gv5yo]

Não é ela.

[@tullochgorum6323]

My father was one of the most distinguished Scottish judges of his generation. He defended the Not Proven verdict despite it's lack of legal logic, on the pragmatic grounds that it helped prevent unsafe verdicts. There are cases like this where there is strong suspicion but a lack of conclusive evidence. This can lead juries to convict for fear the accused will go unpunished. The Not Proven verdict allows them to basically say "We think you did it but we're reluctantly letting you go because it's not beyond reasonable doubt". This does stigmatise the accused, but that's surely better than unsafe imprisonment. The debate continues to this day, and the verdict is under active review.

[@gloriamontgomery6900]

I read somewhere that someone joked that the not proven verdict means, “ Not guilty, but don’t do it again”

[@tullochgorum6323]

@@gloriamontgomery6900 Well put!

[@MrsABC7997]

You father was a smart man!

[@tchrisou812]

I agree with your father.

[@user-yg2zv5tx7k]

Yes not proven is a good idea, it tells us they're guilty but not enough evidence

[@deniseleplatt1616]

2 videos in 1 week, your spoiling us Paul. I'm not complaining. Thanks so much

[@martinwarner1178]

"Well I never" is my favourite. The fellow knows how to present a story. And, he looks the part, playing a distinguished law advocate. Peace be unto you.

[@suzannebosjolie7532]

What’s with the rolling of the r’s at times and at times not?

[@malina1239]

@@suzannebosjolie7532Scottish ..

[@galelascala105]

I saw something recently, I think it was with Lucy Worsley, and the mug from Madeleine's room was tested with our modern technology, and arsenic was found in it.

[@flapjackfae]

There's certainly reasonable doubt. I've heard this story before (I love historical crime tales), but your telling has (as usual) more detail, and no unnecessary drama. As always, thanks!

[@tracyanne8616]

Well not just a wonderful and salacious video but the fact that your good self with this wonderful Scottish accent just lifts it to a higher level. Wonderful story telling thank you.

[@jessica-fcm]

Wow I had requested this video and you made it!!! I feel so lucky ❤❤❤❤❤

[@WellINever]

Thank you for the suggestion! It was a very interesting case to cover 😊

[@Katya-zj7ni]

Fun fact, Madeleine Smith went to America where she married a wealthy man and was the first hostess to serve lavish dinners without a tablecloth, she invented the custom of highly polished tables with individual mats to hold flat wear and glasses.

[@SweetChicagoGator]

TFS ! Interesting fact !

[@mikesanders8621]

This is not a "fun" fact. She should have been in prison for life.

[@bobbisparks53]

You should cover the story of Lavinia Fischer ...she was an active piece of work back in the late 1700s.... pretty vile stuff in general with that one!! I am so glad I found this channel of yours!!❤❤❤

[@civillady13]

Do you have a link? The only Lavinia Fischer that comes up on KZbin is Lavinia Fisher from the mid/late 1800’s South Carolina I believe. She is thought by many to be America’s first female serial killer.

[@1videoluvr]

Another quality story. Well, I Never consistently delivers. 👌

[@MissTikka]

I’m new to this channel and just want to say last night I slept without nightmares for the first time in a year! Your voice is so soothing

[@ericleesmith6774]

Not Proven! I remember the film with Ann Todd as Madeleine walking out of the courthouse free and clear. Great video, Paul!!

[@jparker59able]

As I was watching this video parts of it sounded familiar. I saw this film a couple of months ago.

[@christinecarter6836]

Great presentation, always intriguing stories and first I'd heard about the 'not proven ' verdict. Greetings from a hot summer in Auckland New Zealand

[@ayakashisanji]

I really love your videos. They're always well put together with a clear storyline and very thrilling to follow. But even better is the voice telling these stories. You have a calm voice, very clear and comfortable on the ears. Perfect pace too. I love doing chores while listening to the stories, relax on the couch watching the videos or help me fall asleep with your calming voice. Thank you so much for uploading frequently ❤

[@Bluechimpvr]

I have a video suggestion. Would you please cover Sarah Freeman, the "Shapwick Murderess"?? It took place in 1843 and I don't think I've seen many people cover that story. Sarah was absolutely wild and would make such a great video!

[@laura6796]

Another wonderfully told story.

[@jpendowski7503]

What a great story, well presented and thoroughly researched. Love seeing the original maps. Keep the glimpses of period pieces and news reports.

[@mauricewascom658]

"Upon my word" ❗"Ahem, I should say, 'olmes !"❤❤❤ Love the Format. It is Authoritative and also Very Listenable ❗☺️👍🏼

[@thebooknitter]

I already knew this story but hear you tell it with so much taste is the best Paul ❤

[@julieproctor3159]

I read the book on this case and it is very fascinating. Thankyou for sharing the video xxx

[@moondancer4660]

I've already heard about this but Mr Brody. Asked questions that weren't asked in the last documentary I watched I think he did a very good job here.

[@lynnstafford7916]

Love your content, always well researched and beautifully presented. I adore your voice and must say it adds to my enjoyment. So glad you're covering this one as it's my home town. So very interesting when you can picture all the places mentioned. Thanks again for entertaining and educating x

[@colleenwatch]

I love your voice so much… not to mention your writing and research.

[@mimsydreams]

It's always very possible that she did it. But if she was smart enough not to be seen with him in the weeks before his death and smart enough to lie about her purchase of arsenic and having a cover story of cosmetic use... Wouldn't she also be smart enough to secure the letters? At the very least, the one he was walking around with in his pocket? If they had not found that most recent letter, they may not have saw her as a suspect at all. Odd. That was a more important piece of evidence than the arsenic purchase.

[@janetpendlebury6808]

I doubt she could have taken the letter from his pocket while she was with him! He died in his rooms after seeing her. And I doubt his landlady would have allowed her access to his rooms after his death.

[@gloriamontgomery6900]

Apparently Madeleine asked him to return her letters, but he refused. He hoped to blackmail her into marriage

[@consciousobserver629]

Why hadn't she taken the letters with her to destroy them? She could have avoided all of it. It's crazy to imagine going from loving someone passionately to killing them in cold blood. But it happens all the time.

[@crystalball82]

It's called passion, not love. People call love what most of the time is just passion. And passion is a "neutral" sentiment, it can be positive or negative.

[@selmahare]

It seems like what they had was chemistry, but not love. They were both too immature, as souls, for love.

[@codeblue89]

I just can’t get past the fact that she didn’t attempt to destroy the letters. If indeed she committed the murder, was that not the whole point? Very odd.

[@KittyNoodlesPPC]

If she had only been honest and ended things from the beginning instead of tormenting the poor man with tales of her new beau, none of this may have happened...

[@michelledesgroseilliers2956]

You are wonderful Paul!!! Keep up the great stories ❤

[@kathrinfisher3411]

After a grueling shift at work, this was much needed thank you xx

[@jacktheripper13]

Such an interesting bit of history Thank you for a great end to the evening Paul

[@andrewbyrne2173]

She got away with it. I suspect if it had been tried today, she would have been found guilty.

[@HelenMStevens]

Silent Witness... Yes the forensics would have proved it SOMEHOW. Perhaps the would have been able to prove dates by examining the letters stuffed into the single envelope. Today it is much harder to get away with murder!!!

[@janelarsen4788]

Jep

[@ABerCul]

You would never use DYEd arsenic on your skin either.. cuz it's DYED meaning DyED

[@moogdome2562]

Love your excellent history lessons. Much appreciated.

[@KDSima]

I love your accent. Very soothing.

[@angelamary9493]

Love to hear these stories ! 😊

[@mollybell5779]

Thank you, Paul, for sharing your work. Interesting and unusual topics, and I love your manner of story telling. Something about your accent and unique cadence keeps me on the edge of my seat. 😁

[@m39fan]

Always a good day when there's a new episode!

[@fernandmathurin2720]

Thanks paul watching and listening from saint lucia on a warm thursday evdning.hope everyone is well and safe i always look foward to your vidoes

[@lesleekahler6514]

Thanks for this great story, they actually made it into a black and white movie

[@bellarose1562]

You have an amazing channel! Love your fashion style btw!

[@micheledushsne712]

Great start to my morning thank you.

[@alietheartist734]

The funny thing about secrets is that they rarely, if ever remain secret. One way or another, whether now or 100 years into the future, they will be found out.

[@suebt8794]

Brilliant as always X thank you

[@derekstocker6661]

More than interesting this case, tragic but such a legendary case. Thank you for this.

[@Blaklege63]

Excellent as always

[@tamsin1969]

This was a great video. There was definitely not enough proof of guilt. For all who watch, please press the like button.

[@simoneclift3155]

Thank you for another fab vid. X

[@JJW77]

Well, I never thought that Madeleine would get away with murder!

[@deemecklin4864]

I do love your videos. They are so interesting! Thank you!

[@leannelittle6067]

I just love all your videos. Thank you for doing them. I find them very fascinating. 🙏🙏❤️❤️

[@thegreencat9947]

No such thing as a secret lover.😁 Never put anything in writing.😍😎

[@SweetChicagoGator]

Your calm, bedtime story voice is cozy ! Sorry thing despite evidence & vivid killer face, she got away with murder ! Long time loyal fan of your Channel, Mr. Brodie ! 😊 🐊

[@moondancer4660]

Not proven means not guilty unless somebody chooses to pay for another trial and they very rarely do that because if they weren't sound to guilty the first time they figure they want the second time. Besides you just said you only listen to his voice😅 not the words he says LOL😅😅

[@SweetChicagoGator]

@@moondancer4660 All the evidence of arsenic was there, except there were no witnesses. Witch got away with murder or can she be retried in their convoluted court system?

[@SweetChicagoGator]

@@moondancer4660 Mr Brody's voice has nothing to do with the storyline I listen intently all his stories ! Get a life, Mister Presumptuous !

[@lindaarrington9397]

Love this show ty....😊

[@user-ch2zw2qt4g]

I just found this channel and I’m hooked!!! I Such a perfect person to tell these amazing stories 💯Thanks

[@AnnaAnna-uc2ff]

Thank you so much.

[@Flamsterette]

Thanks for the upload, Paul. I remember hearing about this case. Happy Chinese New Year 2024 - it's MY YEAR, YEAR OF THE DRAGON!

[@sinajasminhess5004]

I just discovered this channel and very much enjoy it!

[@gigiwilson9124]

What a fantastic treat twice in one week great video and research Paul thanks

[@karenvanwyk5307]

Interesting. Wonder how she would have been tried if it was in our day and age

[@alycewonderland5824]

Here in the United States, our legal system has a term, "nolle prosequi," meaning the case will not be pursued further. It is a choice of the solicitors or district attorneys normally used when they decide not to continue to prosecute a case. I think that is similar to the Scottish "not proven," isn't it?

[@erickagilbert7310]

That sounds reasonable.

[@quentincollins1825]

As we say in the States, Paul, "Keep on truckin" 🙂👍

[@annegoodreau4925]

Recently you asked about ideas for upcoming shows. You might want to look at the Victoria Cushman murder, August 11, 1989 in Warwick, Rhode Island USA. That's a real "Well, I Never!"

[@cindysmith6612]

Thank You

[@sammiekay08]

Fascinating!

[@nelsonmaynard1766]

Ah, now, that’s more like it. The AI renderings in the previous video were distracting, and not at all in keeping with the channel’s aesthetic. Paul’s narration is, as always, simply splendid, and I’m glad to see the channel return to its proven formula. Good job all ‘round; looking forward to more quality content. Right. Carry on, then!

[@TheSlong123]

Or maybe he was taking just enough to get ill to garner her sympathy, and took it too far.

[@LowejaDogs]

That was a great murder suspense story. You tell it so very well. I think that in this one, Madeline did poison Emile. There is no mention of anyone else that could have done it. No mention of another person with a grudge against him, nothing. but it does make one wonder why she didn't return to retrieve her letters back. All I can think of is after he died, she never had the time to get them. She must have known finding them would incriminate and ruin her life. Hmmmm. Thanks again for another great story told. (cant find your name on this page lol. Sorry, rather disrespectful I know)

[@janetpendlebury6808]

His landlady would not have allowed her access to his rooms after his death, and if she had, then the landlady would have been able to tell the police that she had been alone in his rooms and they would have been suspicious about her anyway.

[@ktkat1949]

Excellent video. No question in my mind she killed him.

[@donnadunlop7853]

Thankyou Paul 🖤 🖤

[@carolmurray187]

Always a pleasure

[@CAROLUSPRIMA]

Emil died on the very day that Mr Otis installed his first elevator. I’m seeing some interesting and valid points regarding the “Not Proven” verdict. Here’s my take. In the US a not guilty verdict means either not proven (the State or Commonwealth failed to meet its burden) or that the defendant is factually innocent. But we never know which because a jury is not required to reach the latter issue. In Scotland a not proven verdict means that the accused most likely committed the offense but the state (or Crown or whatever) failed to meet its burden of proof. Whereas a not guilty verdict means the defendant is factually innocent. I find the Scottish practice to be helpful in determining the thinking of the jury. What does Otis have to do with any of this? Nothing that I’m aware of. He’s here because he picked that day to show off his elevator.

[@SweetChicagoGator]

Glad they are scrapping this law in Scotland. Absolutely ridiculous nonsense law that should have never been enacted ! 🤪

[@johnhenderson131]

The relationship you described and common sense suggests she got away (legally speaking) with murder. 17:12

[@TippyPuddles]

I like these stories.

[@user-de8mu8xh9j]

Great storytelling.and setting.

[@CollegeMan69]

Under English law you are either guilty or not guilty ..... and at one time if you were judged not guilty then you could not be charged with the same offence later. I do wonder if the Scottish 'not proven' could have led to a further conviction later if more evidence was forthcoming. I believe now a defendant judged not guilty can be prosecuted again if fresh evidence becomes available. Perhaps someone can put me right if this is not the case.

[@joannabaparileszczynska]

And all of this would have been avoided if society didn’t put people in classes.

[@PennyMaxted]

But still happens taday.

[@gloriamontgomery6900]

I’ve heard that “not proven” means not guilty, but don’t do it again…!

[@phyrhfbr1819]

I actually like 'not proven' some modern variation should be implemented 🤔

[@barneyronnie]

No. Even being arrested, but not convicted, is enough to destroy a person's life. I was falsely accused of a crime that I never committed; my attorney prevailed in establishing my innocence. I still lost a job and had to start over. Innocent until proven guilty is a lie!!

[@cherylpurdue888]

She got away with murder.

[@PaganPunk]

My Favourite YT channel x

[@mirrlamp]

A very interesting case and I think her social position and lack of witnesses led to her getting away with murder! There's a very hard to access 1932 Joan Crawford film called Letty Linton based on a novel about this case. In the film, Letty and Emile are in a suite on an ocean liner. They are having a blazing row as he refuses to give her up, he storms off into another room, in her despair she prepares a drink and drops poison into it intending to drink it herself. He storms back into the room, picks up the glass and starts drinking. She doesn't stop him...

[@Oni-Ryu8]

Thanks boss man

[@reachandler3655]

The arsenic Madeleine purchased had colour added to it, would that not effect it's usefulness as a cosmetic? Surely it would colour the skin?

[@nicolad8822]

Madeleine seems to have met Wardle when she was staying with a Vicar/Curate and his wife in Devonport, Devon. They both appear in the April 1861 census there. He was described as a Drawing Master. They married in July 1861, she was already a good few months “up the duff” as their first child was born in the November. One questions the wisdom of sending her to live near the docks in a naval port! 🤣 I wonder if she blighted her siblings prospects, none of them look to have married.

[@KidarWolf]

I think the jury made the right ruling on that one, based on what was said in this video. What evidence they had was circumstantial and tentative. I suspect she probably did murder L'Angelier, but with the evidence as it is understood, I wouldn't have felt confident with saying she was guilty, but likewise have enough doubt of her innocence that not guilty feels like it would be the wrong verdict as well. Thank you for this video, it's highlighted an interesting verdict in Scotland that I think might have useful applications for many, as this case proves.

[@tricorvus2673]

This story was done, slightly different, by Norah Lofts, in Lovers All Untrue.

[@victorious3926]

Hey Paul 😊 i feel like i seen a movie based on this story it was a good movie but i can't remember what it was called? Update, I had to look it up. It's called Madeleine. It was made in 1950 it's a very good movie.

[@jenniferbreaux7385]

I like the idea of not proven.

[@artheemisia]

It’s pronounced LanJElier… Besides that, great video! Thank you! 💐

[@DavidKeener-jf8xb]

Great drawings

[@ginasreview1030]

Gurrrl to ME she got away with murder.

[@maymellor7592]

Well I never.......loved it ❤😊

[@Wildcosmicgypsy]

She married George Wardle afterwards in 1861 whose father Sir Thomas was the dyer for William Morris. Sir Thomas was knighted for services to industry and introducing silk to Liberty’s of London. He was my great x 4 grandfather which means MS is a relative. Sheesh.

[@LowejaDogs]

Did you ever find out other information about her and where she ended up. Makes fascinating family history.

[@johnnyboyvan]

She killed him!!