Murder, Mystery and My Family Season 5 Episode 4 Episode 4

In episode 4 of the fifth season of Murder, Mystery and My Family, barristers Jeremy Dein and Sasha Wass take on the case of Louisa May Merrifield. Louisa was an unmarried mother who lived in the Victorian era and was accused of poisoning her young son with arsenic in 1884. She was subsequently hanged for her crime, but her descendants have always maintained her innocence.

The episode begins with Dein and Wass examining the case files and trying to piece together the events that led to Louisa's arrest and execution. They interview Louisa's great-great-niece, who has spent years researching the case and has uncovered some potentially crucial evidence.

The barristers also visit the scene of the crime, which is now a local pub. They speak to the owner, who tells them about the history of the building and the rumors that have circulated about Louisa for over a century.

As they delve deeper into the case, Dein and Wass begin to suspect that Louisa may have been the victim of a miscarriage of justice. They uncover evidence that suggests that Louisa's son may have died as a result of tuberculosis rather than arsenic poisoning.

To test their theory, the barristers consult with a forensic scientist, who helps them conduct an experiment to determine whether the symptoms of arsenic poisoning could have been faked. The results are startling and could potentially upend the entire case.

Throughout the episode, Dein and Wass also explore the broader societal issues that were at play during Louisa's trial and execution. They examine the ways in which class, gender, and morality shaped the Victorian justice system and influenced public opinion.

Ultimately, the episode raises important questions about justice, the power of the state, and the role of history in our understanding of crime and punishment. As Dein and Wass work to uncover the truth about Louisa's case, they offer a compelling glimpse into the complexities of the criminal justice system and the ongoing search for justice and truth.