Ep 17. The Death William Wood

In season 5, episode 17 of Mysteries at the Museum, viewers are taken on a journey back in time to the year 1878 when a wealthy man named William Wood met an untimely death. The episode, titled "The Death of William Wood," explores the mysterious circumstances surrounding Wood's demise and the various theories that have emerged over the years.

The episode begins by setting the scene, introducing viewers to Wood, who was a successful businessman and avid collector of art and artifacts. Despite the fact that Wood was quite wealthy, he was widely disliked by his peers, many of whom felt that he had made his fortune through shady dealings and questionable business practices.

As the episode progresses, viewers learn that on the night of November 23, 1878, Wood was found dead in his home, with a gunshot wound to his head. Initially, it was assumed that Wood had taken his own life, as a revolver was found next to his body. However, as investigators delved deeper into the case, they began to uncover evidence that suggested foul play.

One of the most compelling pieces of evidence was the fact that Wood's revolver had been fired twice, even though he had only suffered a single bullet wound. This led investigators to believe that someone else had fired the gun before Wood took his own life.

The episode takes viewers through the various theories that have been put forth over the years to explain Wood's death. Some have suggested that Wood was murdered by a business rival or a disgruntled employee, while others think that his death may have been the result of a love triangle gone wrong.

One of the more intriguing theories centers around a piece of evidence that was discovered at the crime scene. Apparently, a lock of hair was found clutched in Wood's hand, and some have speculated that it was left there by the killer as a taunt or a message. This piece of evidence has been examined by forensic experts over the years, but no definitive conclusions have ever been reached.

Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to a fascinating look at the history of forensic science and crime investigation techniques. From early fingerprint analysis to the development of DNA testing, the episode explores how investigators have pieced together clues and evidence to solve some of history's most baffling cases.

The episode also examines the role that superstition and cultural beliefs played in the investigation of Wood's death. For example, many people at the time believed in the concept of "corpse revivification," which held that a dead body could be brought back to life if certain rituals were performed. Some of the investigators involved in the case even employed these beliefs in their search for the killer.

Overall, "The Death of William Wood" is a fascinating and thought-provoking episode of Mysteries at the Museum. Through a combination of reenactments, archival footage, and expert interviews, viewers are given a glimpse into a bygone era of crime investigation and the human psyche. Whether you're a true crime buff or simply love a good mystery, this episode is worth checking out.