Who killed Caroline Luard? The Seal Chart Murder 1908 by Mark John Maguire

[@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

[@takohamoolsen2486]

Did anyone ever check on the neighbour who owned the summerhouse or even Mary Stewart?

[@cyndiknapp4904]

This site is my favorite for mysteries; not only are the narratives fascinating and well presented, but the illustrations by Mr. Maguire are excellent. Plus, he has a calming voice.

[@GenghisCohen257]

I wish all such documentaries had a voice this good.

[@deborahleone4351]

AMEN! Not to mention the “SOUND QUALITY” is excellent! I love this channel! Mr. McGuire is so genteel!!!!🕊💕🙏💜✝️✡️🙋‍♀️🌹

[@LoriWallis]

100% Agree

[@johnoconnor4111]

More of these please. Possibly the best crime channel on KZbin.

[@TheyGotAwayWithMurder]

Thank you very much, John!

[@mauricedavis8261]

Definitely one of the best channels, bar none!!!🙏😷

[@danchinoloves7804]

@@TheyGotAwayWithMurder most definitely "more more more" I have watched them all thrice so please do

[@TheyGotAwayWithMurder]

@@danchinoloves7804 I will load one up in a couple of hours - many thanks!

[@barbaralamson7450]

It is the very best tc channel on KZbin. IMO. I've yet to meet its equal.

[@ladyjenny1746]

I stumbled upon your channel while recuperating from a surgery. I enjoy true crime, both and new. This channel is far superior than any other channel on YT. Thank you so much with your remarkable storytelling and bringing older cases back to the present.

[@kathrynmast916]

I wish the Major-General had pick another way to end his life. That’s a terrible thing to do to the poor railroad engineer. I know because My grandfather, N. Wayne Bridge was a railroad engineer from 1908 to 1948 in the United States. Since, grandpa’s family were from England and we’re all railroad engineers, I wonder if we aren’t related to Mr. Bridges. I don’t remember grandpa because he died when I was just two years old. However, my mother told me numerous stories. One was about a collision with a car. The investigation and the aftermath was horrible for him. He was completely cleared of any wrong, but the awful memories plagued him the rest of his life. He told mother that he kept remembering twist metal, mangled bodies, lots of blood, and the diamond jewelry the women were wearing sparkling in the lights. He suffered with horrible nightmares and flashbacks which we now know as PTSD.

[@TheyGotAwayWithMurder]

Yes, I understand, Kathryn. I have read before about the horror train drivers have experienced seeing someone jump in front of their train. I can well imagine it would live with you for the rest of your life.

[@brandyjean7015]

How awful for your grandfather. Unfortunately selfish folks only think of how they feel, and have no regard for their impact on others.

[@tracytracy622]

@KathrynMast, how awful for your poor grandfather :( I'm sorry he had to go through that.

[@tracytracy622]

@@brandyjean7015 Please don't say that. It isn't true that depressed, suicidal people are selfish and uncaring. The majority of us DO care about others, and many of us put others before ourselves a great deal of the time. Such a deep pit of depression, that would lead someone to kill themselves, is deeper agony than you can possibly imagine. To arrive at the point where suicide seems like the only option, one has sunk to where there is no hope of that agony ever ending, and no help will ever arrive. On top of that, we often keep it to ourselves because we don't want to burden anyone with our pain, OR we've been met with such accusations of being weak, self-centered, lazy, and more, that we have no trust that anyone will want to help us if we reach out. Sometimes, all of these things are at work in our minds. You apparently have been fortunate enough never to have experienced this depth of the darkness and pain, or you wouldn't say such a thing. It's fair to say suicidal people aren't able at that point to make gentler decisions about the circumstances of their departure. We just want the pain to stop and can no longer think about anything else. Please try to understand this.

[@brandyjean7015]

@ Tracy Tracy, I'm not unsympathetic towards depressed or suicidal folks in general. And you do not know me, or the challenges I have overcome. He chose to take his life when he knew he was about to be held accountable for his wife's murder.

[@gigig2492]

I am surprised that people nearby heard a woman’s scream followed by two gunshots yet didn’t bother to investigate.

[@loriboufford6342]

I'm surprised that they heard a scream after he hit her in the head. Yes, I'm assuming that he was behind her, as the blow to the head was at the back of her head.

[@maramarxx2431]

loving neighbours, everywhere in the world

[@Apollo_Mint]

Some people tend to “remember” that they heard relevant sounds after they have been told an offence has been committed. Attention-seeking has been part of our DNA long before the advent of social media.

[@ThomasAllan-up4td]

People shooting foxes was not an unusual sound to hear in the countryside in those days. So maybe the witnesses made nothing of it , until later, when they heard of the murder. Like in Glasgow today!

[@creolelady182]

Another fantastic presentation by Mr. McGuire. i like the new touch where you have added yourself as the seen narrator

[@TheyGotAwayWithMurder]

Thank you! It was suggested to me and I hope to improve them a little with time!

[@thesmoog734]

Improve the videos? I’m not sure that’s possible!

[@TheyGotAwayWithMurder]

@@thesmoog734 Many thanks!

[@creolelady182]

@@TheyGotAwayWithMurder can I make a suggestion, what about standing in front or sitting at a desk in front of a fireplace with a smoking jacket on and a martini glass.. Reminds me of the gentleman detective. I love that stuff.

[@TheyGotAwayWithMurder]

Oh I think I am self-conscious enough without donning a smoking jacket! But thank you for the suggestion!

[@camelia9802]

I so much enjoy listening to your audiobooks as I am sight impaired.

[@allandavis8201]

As soon as you said that Luard “didn’t know where the ammunition was” alarm bells 🔔 started ringing, for a veteran or serving military man/woman (nowadays) to not know where the ammunition was is plain daft, any gun owner would know exactly where it’s stored and exactly how many rounds they had, even the most affluent gun owner with staff to clean and store the weapons and ammunition would still know. Your summing up is spot on in my humble opinion, thanks for another excellent account of a brutal murder, keep the episodes coming please. 😀👍🇬🇧🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@TheyGotAwayWithMurder]

Many thanks - I agree with what you say! I am working on the next one as we speak!

[@tonilequire-schott3691]

Please make more of this wonderful series. I have seen them all and look, each day, to see if another has come along. It far surpasses everything else on KZbin.

[@TheyGotAwayWithMurder]

Thank you, Toni - I'm delighted you like them!

[@Bpl541]

I feel very sorry for the son. He must have felt devastated when he lost all his family.

[@thatguyinelnorte]

The last of the Luards doesn't even have a grave... "Major Charles Elmhirst Luard, DSO, served with the 1st Battalion Norfolk Regiment and was killed in action on 15 September 1914. At that time, his wife was living at Sark Brig, Camberley in Surrey. Initially Major Luard was reported missing in action at Chivres Hill, Missy-sur-Aisne and later it was officially confirmed that he must be presumed to have been killed in action ... has no known grave and is commemorated on the La Ferte-sous-Jouarre Memorial in France."

[@ilanamillion8942]

The murder of his mother and suicide of his father must have been horrible for him, especially since he had already lost his brother.

[@PetroicaRodinogaster264]

Ilana Million and he died In 1914 in the war.

[@daftirishmarej1827]

(Like thousands and thousands of other families in the 14-18 war)

[@Blankenboom77]

There are still Luard’s alive. In fact my great uncle still has the last name and is breathing today.

[@dawnklug6986]

@@Blankenboom77 But is Major General Luard's branch still continuing after his son's death in 1914? Did they have any children?

[@HowBrownPhiladelphia]

Mark....in all seriousness...I personally consider you alongside Bill Kurtis and Will Lyman, for best vocal delivery of crime stories. Thank you for this terrific series.

[@TheyGotAwayWithMurder]

How - that is a compliment worth having indeed! Thank you!

[@taramcdonagh9444]

Agreed, you have such a soothing voice.

[@TheyGotAwayWithMurder]

@@taramcdonagh9444 Thank you!

[@thejudgmentalcat]

"She had been heavily sedated by a blow to the head" The most English description

[@chuckh5999]

obviously from a struck wayward golf ball.

[@thebeastofthecandlerbuildi3640]

A familiar story but an extremely well-written account improved greatly by the faultless narration. Full marks.

[@TheyGotAwayWithMurder]

Thank you again - I am delighted you thought so!

[@ImJABBee]

A family demolished by tragedy, war and unknown motives. How incredibly sad.

[@TheyGotAwayWithMurder]

Yes, it is a very sad story altogether - a murder, a suicide and both sons met untimely deaths. They must have felt cursed at times.

[@Lforaday3]

Only one glove was removed in the search for jewelry. Many people wear rings on both hands, but the killer knew where she wore hers. Another point to add to your wonderfully thought through reasons why the Colonel was more likely to have been the killer. Absolutely love your channel!

[@TheyGotAwayWithMurder]

Thank you - that is an excellent point!

[@mrjones2721]

Alternatively, women’s gloves were thin and tight enough to feel rings through. A thief could have felt her fingers and known she had rings on only one hand. I don’t think it was a thief who attacked her, but this is one aspect of the murder that would make sense from a thief’s perspective.

[@sandic3892]

I'm so glad I found your channel! I love these older crime mysteries!

[@TheyGotAwayWithMurder]

Thank you, Sandi - I'm delighted you like them!

[@tedlongton1751]

Excellent. Thanks for the upload, Mark. I'm liking the new face to camera slot at the beginning.

[@TheyGotAwayWithMurder]

Thank you Ted!

[@maneckineckbeard1749]

What a heartbreaking story, all round. Nothing but tragedy.

[@Blankenboom77]

Not completely tragic as I was born, that lady was my ancestor.

[@maneckineckbeard1749]

@@Blankenboom77 Wow!

[@Blankenboom77]

@@maneckineckbeard1749 I didn't even know until my great uncle told me. They have a lot a wikipedia pages and primary sources about them. Big military family with roots in sugar cane planting.

[@maneckineckbeard1749]

@@Blankenboom77 That's remarkable! What an amazing thing to discover! My family's only claim to fame is that Mitch Miller, host of the 1950s NBC TV program "Sing Along With Mitch," was apparently a very, very distant cousin of my dad's, LOL! (Although my grandpa did used to say that his family had had "the cleanest dirt floors in all of central Ukraine," so there's that, too!) Your story is vastly more fascinating, albeit also vastly more tragic.

[@thesmoog734]

This is far and away my favourite channel. At the risk of denying us all such quality free entertainment, might I suggest that you market your KZbin videos as a series of audiobooks? Your narration sounds professional, and three or four of these videos might constitute one book. Actually, don’t do that, your stuff is rubbish, but please release it more often.

[@TheyGotAwayWithMurder]

Hahaha! Thank you for your kind comment and suggestion - I'll give it some thought in the New Year. I think i'd need to improve some of the recording aspects which I certainly struggle with at the moment. But it is definitely something I will give some thought to! Many thanks again.

[@jemgem9593]

It's not 'rubbish', it's brilliantly narrated. I'm sure the narrator isn't that needy for money that he has to produce this to sell. It's generous and quality. It helps everyone understand and be aware of the dynamics that lead to murder, and the lies and deception that murderers live by, especially when previously they have been highly regarded citizens. Most educational and informative thank you. I see where Agatha Christie got her inspiration from... Real life cases

[@thesmoog734]

Oh sweet pea, I see you didn't actually read my comment. However, whether the OP needs money or not is something that I have no clue about. And neither do you. So, unless you're willing to actually read KZbin comments before launching into a condemnation, I'd appreciate it very much if you just kept your fingers away from the keyboard.

[@tinglestingles]

@@TheyGotAwayWithMurder Very easy to upload to Amazon & Audible. Certainly profitable.

[@dawnklug6986]

I for one would buy an audio book compilation of TGAWM's 'Cases' thus far. Constantly rewatching or listening to them as I weave my tapestries. Thank you Mark.....yours is such a melodic voice

[@julieblackstock8650]

I hadn't heard of this case before,, thank you for bringing it to light

[@TheyGotAwayWithMurder]

You're very welcome, Julie

[@kudu42]

Such a sad tale, brilliantly research and told. I kept hoping someone else would be identified as the killer. Thank you for these fascinating stories. I have subscribed

[@TheyGotAwayWithMurder]

Thank you - yes, I find it very sad.

[@stuartmenziesfarrant]

This is the kind of program the BBC should be making.

[@TheyGotAwayWithMurder]

Thank you very much, Stuart - much appreciated!

[@maramarxx2431]

yes, these old crime pics and drawings deserve a show!!

[@andywelch4357]

I am absolutely loving all these videos. Thank you for bringing to life all these old mysteries. Looking forward to more you unearth.

[@TheyGotAwayWithMurder]

Glad you like them! Thank you, Andy.

[@suereeves5994]

That intro.......wow! Great Channel. I've heard of some of these cases but good to hear so much more about them

[@bilindalaw-morley161]

You always do a splendid job about the old faithfuls, each time finding new and interesting evidence, but it was great to find a tale unknown to me. Thanks, with much appreciation.

[@marshabennett7440]

They parted ways at 3:00pm at the wicker gate. She took the path that led to the summer house, because beyond the summer house the path continued that led to her house. He, to the golf course. He was seen firstly at 3:20 at Hall Farm heading toward the golf course & various other times during the hour. At no time did he show distress about killing his wife. If he killed his wife he hadn't much time to dispose of her purse, rings & gun, that were never found & only 5 minutes to compose himself before being seen at 3:20. Were I there, I would walk from the summer house to the spot at Hall Farm where he was 1st seen. I doubt he killed her, he had no motive.

[@sasharaj]

I agree that there is no discernible motive by which to pin the crime on him, but for one fact: the suicide points to his guilt, and the motive went with him to his grave. He could not live up to his own code of honor, ie the murder, and could not face his son, not even to comfort his son and ask for pardon. Reminds me of Judas.

[@victory8928]

Agree only way it makes sense is if he hired/ got assistance from someone that knew her given the details. Even then you would expect him to at least try to stage a robbery better if he wanted to get away with it. Like it is so clearly a crime of passion that it feels like the murderer wanted to pin the Major with the crime over the Major killing his wife.

[@melmack2003]

Very good reasoning; however, just because no motive was identified doesn't mean there wasn't one.

[@derby1884]

I first came across this case some 45+ years ago and have always thought that his wife was a victim of a botched robbery as there was what would now be known as a "travellers' camp" not too far away - and the Ightham Woods location wasn't too far from a route used by those walking from London to pick hops (?) in the area. Your video has certainly made me rethink my opinion but there's still a lack of motive (if it was Luard) and I can imagine him not even considering his son's feelings at thetime he killed himself through grief.I also have difficulty believing a not-too-fit 69 yr old man could easily carry his wife to another location having shot her. I don't often disagree with you, but on this occasion I'm sticking with Luard having nothing to do with it. You may well be right, though!

[@neillp3827]

I live about 10 miles from seal/ightam and hop picking was definitely a working holiday for the working classes during wakes week when the factories machinery was serviced. My theory is maybe he discovered love letters from an affair say 20/30 years ago when he was away and took it as a dishonour. I can't see them having affairs at the age they were in 1908. Only because people aged more quickly and didn't live as long, I don't intent to be agist.

[@christina3521]

@@neillp3827 these are great historical details to add!

[@neillp3827]

@@christina3521 thank you my dear

[@julielevinge266]

Don’t see how travellers would have a gun & want her dead, if it was just robbery? Shooting in the face sounds like someone was very angry with her? Reckon it had to be her old man, angry that she’d dishonoured him. Definitely guilty old man, but police would never Nick someone of his social standing.

[@SmartStart24]

@@julielevinge266Yeah their reasoning sounds a bit like stereotyping to me…. It’s typically the spouse. Not saying it was in this case but….

[@Eva_Zark]

Happy New Year! I think I got addicted to your videos! Excellent!!! [I mean your videos are excellent!

[@blorac9869]

Excellent in every aspect! TYVM!

[@weilandiv8310]

The general's mustache is really something special. After Luard traversed the hallway, there was no need to sweep it!

[@soulshine1873]

Another masterpiece! Your voice is wonderful. Tragic story but well presented, thank you!!

[@TheyGotAwayWithMurder]

Many thanks indeed!

[@deniselittle5543]

This is a great site, the narrator has such a melodious voice for these stories

[@TheyGotAwayWithMurder]

Thank you very much, Denise - I am delighted you like it!

[@No1grandma74]

Been following your channel for a couple of years - and I very much appreciate your concise narratives, your ability to generate audience interest, and your very pleasing voice. Regards from Toowoomba, in Queensland, Australia.

[@TheyGotAwayWithMurder]

Thank you very much for your kind words - and very good wishes to you!

[@farahyusuf199]

I don't know why this case has made me feel sad 😞. I couldn't imagine how their son managed to live with all of that .

[@patagualianmostly7437]

And then be among the first to be killed in WW1....... Terrible waste.

[@saymyname2417]

He didn't. He chose to die 😢!

[@rajeswarypillay657]

What a fascinating presentation!! Awesome, Mark!! Incredibly impressive 👍👏

[@TheyGotAwayWithMurder]

Many thanks, Rajeswary!

[@Tom_Bee_]

So sad in so many ways. The narration and writing are, as always, of the very highest order, throwing much light on a case that could so easily be lost in the mists of time.

[@TheyGotAwayWithMurder]

Thanks, Tom!

[@dkcorderoyximenez3382]

The Major General's behavior post mortem, Mrs. Luard's murder are highly indicative of his contemplating inevitable discovery and its attendant shame.... Fun fact: The Texas Department Of Corrections had bloodhound that was so gifted that many law enforcement agencies made use of him...I'm told the dog was able to track a scent 4-5 weeks after a crime was committed....more to the point, those tracked were successfully prosecuted in both State and Federal Courts.... Another great presentation...thank you...

[@TheyGotAwayWithMurder]

Thank you, Donaldo - I think the police could have done with that bloodhound in this case! The same dog was used in the George Harry Storrs case and did not enjoy great success there either!

[@dkcorderoyximenez3382]

@@TheyGotAwayWithMurder interesting in that I watched the Storrs case last night and saw the same insert featuring the same bloodhound in the Luard case... I can only imagine how many Victorian and Edwardian cases that would have been solved had modern forensics been available...??? The genius of your niche in my view, is that your presentations feature famous cases that precede the forensic techniques now available...couple that with your writing, drawing and smooth vocal delivery and presto....I'm addicted...haha... Keep 'em coming...I really enjoy your videos...🙂

[@DalekSec4]

What i enjoy is that it's about case's which despite being big news at the time are now all but forgotten now. Makes a change from the usual multiple videos about Jack the ripper or Dr. Crippen. The style of narration and use of photos just draws you in. Since discovering this channel i haven't watched anything else.

[@TheyGotAwayWithMurder]

Wow - thank you very much, Iain. I am so pleased you like them!

[@angbairdab]

Poor, poor train driver

[@loriboufford6342]

A Good friend who is a large truck driver, came upon a 5-point Crossing. He had the right away. A 23-year-old mother with her four young children, came to the 5th point of a star intersection, she stopped, then pulled forward to the crossing, stopped once more, then with her head still turned in his direction, looked directly into his eyes and drove her vehicle in front of him. The 300 feet of tractor trailer tire marks, beyond the crushed bodies, tell the sad ending.

[@crescentmoonchild4031]

You even told us the blood hound’s name!! Bravo!!

[@TheyGotAwayWithMurder]

Thank you, Debbie - it was also used in the case of George Harry Storrs.

[@mauricedavis8261]

👍🐕

[@donnakerr4997]

It just goes to prove how meticulous and professional the narrator is. Bravo 👏

[@KK-hq8jd]

Thank You! im a lover of criminal history, & youve done an Amazing job, having binge watched most of your blogs & knocked my socks Off! Which such a rich & long history, I hope you conti ue on! Thanking you, again

[@TheyGotAwayWithMurder]

Many thanks indeed! Yes - another one coming very soon!

[@angelo1962]

What a beautiful, well-written text in English. It is a pleasure to hear your narrative.

[@TheyGotAwayWithMurder]

Thank you very much, Angelo!

[@julielevinge266]

Enjoy true crime, but have only just found your channel, what a treasure trove it is!!✊♥️

[@TheyGotAwayWithMurder]

Thank you, Julie!

[@TheJamiebaby15]

Love this channel been watching for hours on end I love how far deep you went to get this information and the photos init:) kinda amazing after all this time when you think about it

[@TheyGotAwayWithMurder]

Thank you very much, again - yes, the photos can be hard to find, frustratingly so!

[@TheJamiebaby15]

@@TheyGotAwayWithMurder your welcome this is one of my new favourite channels keep up the good work :)

[@thatguyinelnorte]

I appreciate the effort you put into these videos, even when we draw different conclusions. That, and the fact that you dress up, shows you respect your audience. Which is why I am going through all of your videos...

[@jeanettecook1088]

People considered to be "pillars of the community"... well, I knew one who was guilty of rape, adultery and exploitation of his position as an officer of the state system of higher education. Position in the community means nothing but having a better viewpoint from which to spot and calculate moves on future victims...and operating from a very innocuous looking facade. Fascinating video. Thank you. 👏👏👏

[@angelacattell9315]

I love how you show actual pictures of the victims, suspects and the scene of the crime. Thank you for this series, thoroughly enjoy them!

[@TheyGotAwayWithMurder]

Many thanks indeed, Angela.

[@karenkennedy6293]

I love this channel, great voice for narrating true crime

[@kathleenmckeithen118]

Wonderfully done. Thank you, Mr. Maquire!

[@conningdale8805]

Interesting video - and very well presented. Thank you for posting.

[@daisy13joyce]

Another enthralling video, thank you.

[@islewait6107]

What a timely subject for the times so at a subject. TY!!!!!

[@michaeldillon3113]

I regularly walk in that area . It is beautiful and walking there has brought me much peace and happiness. A bit of a surprise to discover this dark story .

[@TheyGotAwayWithMurder]

The house is still very much the same - I don't know whether or not the summer house remains...

[@brianandrewstuart]

A very forensic and astute psychological analysis. The author/narrator sounds like he is a practising barrister/solicitor. If is isn't - he sound be.

[@suereeves5994]

I read about this case years ago. Was Dickman the man Winston Churchill blamed for the murder? It occurred to me also, would a stranger shoot her when he must have seen her leave her husband minutes before, wouldn't he be afraid Luard would hear the shots? Thanks again to the best crime channel on KZbin 🕵️‍♂️

[@TheyGotAwayWithMurder]

Hello Sue - I wasn't aware Churchill thought John Dickman was the killer. I know of the Dickman theory, of course, but can find no basis for it. We don't have enough surviving evidence in this case, unfortunately - there appear to be no police files on the case, which means that it is difficult to know exactly what the police uncovered. So much evidence (even where a case has gone to trial) never reaches court, for all kinds of reasons - often there is a great deal of hearsay involved, and this has no place in the prosecution evidence...but, it is extremely useful for the historical researcher of crimes of this kind. But I can find no way of understanding what happened here, no way of slotting all the various pieces together unless we consider who could have done it, who could have had a motive etc - and how subsequent events played out.

[@adamgriffiths9842]

Fantastic episode, I find it really sad his last remaining son died at the start of the war.

[@MelanieMaguire]

Another treat! From the age of extravagant moustaches! The Mary Stewart anomolies are strange - General Luard said that his wife was going to meet Mary at the summer house. But then when he got home late in the afternoon, Mary was there waiting for his wife. If Mary had been going to meet Caroline at the summer house, she would have either been present at the murder or have found the body. So presumably, Mary was *not* going to meet Caroline at the summerhouse? Not being able to remember where the ammunition was is plainly ridiculous and extremely suspicious. The way Caroline was killed was clearly an execution. It's a shame there isn't more evidence as to why - the motive - but does there ever need to be a motive between husband and wife? It's interesting that she didn't name him in her will, and he didn't name her in his will (if I have remembered correctly). Perhaps not such a happy marriage? Thanks very much, great stuff!

[@TheyGotAwayWithMurder]

Thanks Mel - General Luard intimated that Mary Stewart was to meet Caroline at home, not the summerhouse. I'm sorry if I haven't made that clear! But her absence from the house "for a walk" at a time when she was expecting Mary Stewart is odd. The fact that when the General returned home and found his wife absent after a full hour and a half and yet sat down for a cup of tea with Mary Stewart is even odder! Caroline didn't leave much in her will and it may be that she named her brother as administrator simply because she expected to outlive the General, who was 11 years older than her. Many of the facts in this case have never been fully elucidated - for instance, it seems to be a great oversight that Mary Stewart was not rigorously cross-examined at the inquest into Caroline's death. The police seem to have treated all concerned - especially General Luard himself - with kid gloves.

[@MelanieMaguire]

@@TheyGotAwayWithMurder Thanks for the clarification, Mark, these cases are complex and it's brilliant that you manage to succintly create these synopses within a relatively short video. And they're so old and the evidence is hard to find, often not documented properly at the time. And not investigated to today's standards. But that's what makes them so fascinating as well. :)

[@TheyGotAwayWithMurder]

@@MelanieMaguire Exactly, Mel - there are many gaps in the records, the police files and the press reports. Piecing together the somewhat fragmentary accounts can be quite a challenge - and giving the correct emphasis to these even more so! Thanks!

[@MelanieMaguire]

@@grahamt33 You're welcome Graham, stay well! :)

[@MelanieMaguire]

@@grahamt33 yes it's suddenly taken off. I think it's reached a critical mass in youtube's algorithm and it's turning up as recommended on people's right hand column. As for you and I - I think we should get ALL the reflected glory that's going! ;) Seriously, thank you for your efforts in growing the channel, I think it's on a roll now... :)

[@HWYflower]

Just discovered and love this chanel. One of the BEST

[@TheyGotAwayWithMurder]

Thank you very much, Rebecca!

[@tapsars7911]

Everything points to Luard being his wife's murderer . However , nothing can be proved because no motive has been established ...........and now , after more than a hundred years , none can be .

[@aussiegirl5050]

I’m not convinced that he murdered his wife. They had lost one son in the war and the other was living abroad. Then his wife is murdered. To me that is enough reason to sell the family home and possessions and leave. Too many memories of a time when they were a happy family. I’d say the poor man was suffering from loneliness and depression and eventually succumbed to suicide. As to who killed his wife - perhaps she came upon something that she shouldn’t have seen and was silenced, an infidelity, a depraved act or some other action that would have destroyed someone else’s reputation if it ever came to light.

[@heathermacdonald7854]

Fascinating. I'm wondering how you find these cases. Are you a lawyer/barrister/solicitor? These are just the thing when I sit down with my embroidery. Please keep them coming.

[@FionaNici-jq7mz]

Ahhh Agatha Christie! 😊 I recognise that it's from many a true crime that she got her inspiration. I started reading Agatha Christie when I was 12years of age. By far one of my favourite mystery writers. Possibly why I enjoy this channel, your telling of the cases is in such a way that it takes me travelling back in time. Superb!

[@blissgirl9052]

With just 4 minutes to wrap this up, the thing I keep coming back to is motive... It feels completely absent. Hmmm.

[@madeleine7411]

This video is so well done. I really enjoyed it. Thank you.

[@TheyGotAwayWithMurder]

Thank you too, Madeleine.

[@brianharbut4054]

What a sad story! Tragic.

[@TheyGotAwayWithMurder]

It is - all rather tragic from every point of view. And I feel there is some more in this one too...

[@evinnra2779]

It is the way the story unfolds after the murder that makes me think Luard was innocent of his wife's murder. He received anonymous letters, sold his home and finally ended up living with a 'friend', where he killed him self the day after he moved in to stay there. Maybe his wife discovered something at the summer house which was not to be discovered by anyone and by any means. Luard could be suspected of having some knowledge about what his wife discovered and being a military man he knew which questions not to ask, he may have returned to the scene to discover his wife's body and remove jewelry to side track the upcoming investigation. He didn't nominate his only surviving son as executor of his will because he wanted to take the attention away from his son possibly knowing something related to what his wife discovered at the summer house. When he arrived at his friend's house the day before his suicide, Luard possibly realized that he and his friend are not safe there either and that is why he immediately wrote the letters then killed himself. All his actions after his wife's death appear to be the actions of a person who tries to evade suspicion that he knows something which he shouldn't know and hence attempting to save his son and friends from consequences. That said, this is just a theory, but from what was said above it seems to me the Luards were a happy couple so there is no motive to commit such a drastic violent murder by a husband. Wives in unhappy marriages not likely to go into the woods with their husband if they suspect violence coming their way.

[@davhuf3496]

You weave a masterful tale, Sir!

[@msglennyd]

I love the way you tell a story.

[@TheyGotAwayWithMurder]

Thank you v much, Glenny!

[@msglennyd]

@@TheyGotAwayWithMurder 🤗

[@jopeart914]

Thank you for another great story.

[@barbaralamson7450]

You really are a gift. Thank you for sharing with us.

[@TheyGotAwayWithMurder]

Thank you for saying so, Barbara.

[@craigchambers4183]

I tend to approach these with an unconvinced mind regarding the guilt of the subject, and this was especially true in regard to Major General Luard. But two things sway my opinion: the removal of the rings, which is exactly what a man whose sense of honor would do if there were adultery on the part of his wife, and his suicide which kept him from seeing his only living son 25 days after his wife's death. If true, the pistol, ammunition and rings must lie within a small radius of the site. I wonder if anything was ever found...a good metal detector put to use here might contribute to a further resolution, or if not, perhaps a reconsideration of guilt. In these cases one wonders if any evidence still exists, like the bullets removed from the victim. I have now watched all these videos and consider them elite among all the crime channels available. Well done. Subscribed.

[@derekstocker6661]

I believe a gun was found somewhere near the site some years ago when some groundwork was being carried out but was deemed not to be anything to do with the case, I'm afraid my recollection on this is vague, but as you say there could be some evidence still in the vicinity...

[@glinda9243]

@@derekstocker6661 you'll probably never see this period but my nephew who was born in 1972 is also named Derek. I never knew where my sister got the name but I was wondering if your mother had read it in a novel or you were named after a character on a soap opera? I and being nosy. But many years ago I worked for WVU which included the residency program. One resident was named Yancey and his mother named him after a character in a Louis L'Amour novel. 😁

[@derekstocker6661]

@@glinda9243 Thanks for contact, mum was going to name the baby Dawn if a girl but I came out! The name Derek has various spellings but mine is the Dutch version I am informed, not an unusual Christian name in the UK apparently. My parents thought that people would not be able to shorten it, but of course, I get called Del frequently.

[@ammiller3911]

Theory: she killed herself and her husband, being a proud man or maybe to spare his son of pain, moved her body to look like murder and then killed himself.

[@nancy-jodillman1672]

So very sad and heart-breaking in so many ways...Yet riveting in conclusion.

[@JudeNance]

My grandfather was a fireman on a steam engine in the mountains of Colorado. He was burnt with live steam in the 1920s. The doctor poured cocaine directly into the wound. His life was ruined. He committed suicide in 1935.😢

[@TheyGotAwayWithMurder]

What a tragic story, Jude...

[@Teffi_Club]

😢

[@PumaLyn]

Checking in at bedtime. Thank you, good Doctor. 🙏🏾

[@andymcquade]

Absolutely loving these. Brilliantly written and performed.

[@TheyGotAwayWithMurder]

Thank you, Andy!

[@paulhemingway9149]

Absolutely brilliant channel.👍👍

[@sandramillett8267]

A favourite channel the story telling is excellent. A voice made to tell stories.

[@TheyGotAwayWithMurder]

Glad you like them! Thank you, Sandra.

[@JoColours]

Thank you for all these wonderful videos. This one really makes you think about all kinds of scenarios. What a tragic story. As some others here, I too doubt whether the major was guilty. There doesn't seem to be a motive. Was he protecting someone else? And couldn't live with the knowledge and/or without his wife. It was very, very strange that the inheritance did not go to his only surviving son.

[@JPW965]

Perhaps he had discovered evidence of her having an affair and suspected that their son was not his ? Wild speculation of course

[@Trampas8]

Superbly written and narrated. I like the drawings too.

[@TheyGotAwayWithMurder]

Many thanks, Jay.

[@bryan5549]

You make such good videos... I'm sincerely impressed. Thank you!

[@TheyGotAwayWithMurder]

Thank you too!

[@lorimcfarland4479]

I total agree, great voice and wonderful story telling

[@deniselittle5543]

I have only just discovered this site. I am finding this story fascinating and like all the others well narrated.

[@JudeNance]

Thank you so much 💓

[@davidcouch6514]

Someone in my neighborhood deliberately stepped in front of a train. A clarinet musician, in his 60’s or 70’s residing in a garage apartment and who was familiarly seen in tuxedo and waiting for a bus to his evening performance. He was one afternoon seen crossing the usual eight track road junction at usual pace with a finger pressed into each ear, without his instrument case.

[@raquellofstedt9713]

Some people dispose of a loved one´s things almost as if it were part of mourning. My father did this. He loved my mother intensely. but he grew up in a VERY emotionally controlled environment, and I suspect that his manner of clearing the home was a kin to the old ceremony of washing the corpse.

[@angbairdab]

I also considered a similar thought, and that as an old soldier who had lived in many countries, it may have made him more pragmatic over possessions when .. moving on.

[@marctempler3250]

Brilliant, as usual. A wonderful insight also into a time when honor still meant something.

[@TheyGotAwayWithMurder]

Thank you very much Marc - I'm delighted you saw it this way too!

[@maggiemay4388]

So so sad,this story has intrigued me for years

[@paulinefairbrother6647]

Omg, i lived in Seal as a child, Seal Chart being just up the rd 😮😮 will watch story now

[@keithmountain9437]

A fascinating tale and a very well judged and persuasive analysis based upon the discernable facts. Wonderful period photographs taken at the time really conveyed a feeling for the time and place...how remote that world seems now yet my grandparents lived through it. I wonder if the summerhouse was ever used again by the family which owned it and whether it still stands ?

[@TheyGotAwayWithMurder]

Thanks Keith - this is one of the cases I would like to revisit - I don't know about the summer house - google satellite did not reveal it to me. I have since been told that there is a police file on the case, which might present some indication of where the investigation was headed. Most particularly, if there was ever a suggestion that General Luard's story was suspicious; and what fueled the rumours against him.

[@johelenfugate3498]

What if he discovered that his son Charles had been fathered by another man? Or that she had had an affair long ago? A man who took his honor seriously would be unhinged by a revelation of misconduct by his wife. Men of his generation took matters of fidelity to heart.

[@TheyGotAwayWithMurder]

Thank you, Johelen. I think something of this kind occurred, yes.

[@donnakerr4997]

I get more and more embroiled in every story you tell.You have a way of engaging your viewers with the first sentence out of your mouth.Each case is presented in such a way that the viewer can’t help but pay very close attention to your every word.

[@TheyGotAwayWithMurder]

Thank you, Donna - I'm delighted you like it so much!

[@crispinhardbarking977]

There is a contradiction in your theory of Major Luard's guilt. You suggest the murder was prompted by an affair on his wife's part. But you also say she had no enemies, and led a quiet life that centred around respectable activities. An extramarital affair would in itself open up new possibilities of a motive on the part of people other than Major Luard.

[@marbleman52]

Crispin....You made an interesting point and I would add that hiding an affair in that little community would be very hard to accomplish.

[@aliquot8404]

One possibility is any affair was not current, but had occured sometime in the past, even the long ago past. If it cast doubt on the paternity of their offspring, it would provide ample motive both for the murder and the delayed suicide.

[@patienceboafo1998]

I have been spending all my leisure hours listening to your readings. Is there anything like being addicted to a voice ?🤣🤣🤣

[@TheyGotAwayWithMurder]

Thank you, Patience!

[@emmamartin1448]

My new favorite KZbin videos, wish he has done more videos

[@emmamartin1448]

Xiaomin L Feador 我 好！what did he say in his message?

[@j.j.w.6431]

With your talent, how come you aren't you working with the police department on solving cold cases?

[@toniadugger3954]

Heartbreaking story... may God rest their souls.