Murder, Mystery and My Family Season 5 Episode 11 Devlin and Burns

Devlin and Burns is the eleventh episode of the 5th season of Murder, Mystery and My Family. This historical true-crime series focuses on the revisiting of some of the most shocking and complex cases from the past, those of the individuals who were accused of murder and sentenced to death. This series shows the efforts of two eminent barristers, Jeremy Dein and Sasha Wass, in exploring the mysteries and controversies surrounding those convictions in the light of the modern legal system.

In this episode, Jeremy and Sasha are asked to uncover the truth about an Irishman, Michael Lagan, who was convicted of the double murder of his relatives Bridget Devlin and Alice Burns in 1928. Lagan was hanged for his supposed crimes, but his family has always disputed his guilt. Now, almost a century later, Lagan's surviving relatives want to find out if he was truly innocent or framed for a crime he did not commit.

The episode starts with the series hosts meeting Lagan's nephew, Billy, in his hometown, County Tyrone, Northern Ireland. Billy tells them that Lagan was a quiet and kind man who had spent his entire life helping his relatives. According to Billy, Lagan loved his aunt Bridget Devlin and was devastated by her murder. The hosts then speak to locals who recall the case and its aftermath. Some people insist that Lagan was innocent and unfairly accused, while others argue that he was rightfully found guilty.

The hosts then travel to London, where the murders took place, and examine the trial records in detail. They discover that the prosecution relied heavily on circumstantial evidence, including the fact that Lagan was the last person to see Devlin and Burns alive and that he had a possible motive, which was financial. The defence had argued that other suspects, including Devlin's husband, should have been investigated more thoroughly.

Jeremy and Sasha then visit a forensic expert, who analyses the evidence from the case with modern techniques. They find out that some of the forensic evidence from the crime scene, including the handprints on a window pane, was not considered during the trial and could have provided a different interpretation of events.

The hosts also investigate the wider social and political context of the case. They find out that Ireland was going through a turbulent time, with the conflict between Protestants and Catholics dividing the country. Lagan, a Catholic, was on the wrong side of the religious divide in a predominantly Protestant community. His case was seen by some as an opportunity for the authorities to show their power and authority. This angle suggests that Lagan might have been convicted for political reasons, rather than his actual involvement in the murders.

The episode ends with Jeremy and Sasha returning to Northern Ireland to share their findings with Lagan's family. The two barristers show them that, even after all these years, there are still too many questions and inconsistencies in the case. Lagan's family is left wondering if justice was truly served and whether their uncle was a victim of prejudice or a killer. The hosts conclude that this case is one of the most challenging and intriguing ones they have ever encountered and that they may never know for sure what truly happened on that fateful day in 1928.

Overall, Devlin and Burns is a thought-provoking and engaging episode that sheds light on the complex issues of justice, prejudice, and power. The hosts' thorough investigation and fascinating discoveries make this episode a must-watch for fans of true crime and history.