The University of Edinburgh is asking relatives of Isabella Ruxton and Mary Jane Rogerson to get in contact. The two women were tragically murdered in 1935 their bodies were disposed of in woodland at Moffat in Dumfriesshire, where parts of their remains were later found.
Following an academic enquiry in November 2023, the University became aware it was still in the possession of some of the women’s remains.
The University is now asking any known relatives to get in touch to enable the women’s bodies to be laid to rest, in line with their families’ wishes.
Background to the case
Isabella Ruxton (left) and Mary Jane Rogerson (right) were murdered in Lancaster in September 1935 by Mrs Ruxton’s husband, Buck Ruxton.
Their bodies were disposed of in woodland in Dumfriesshire, where parts of their remains were later found.
The remains were examined and identified at the University by experts from the Universities of Edinburgh and Glasgow. The forensic results helped to secure a conviction of Buck Ruxton and the court case is considered the first in forensic medicine to do so.
University decision making
Upon learning that the women’s remains were still being held within its Sydney Smith Collection, the University carefully considered the most moral and ethical course of action, engaging with ethics experts and the Scottish Government.
While the circumstances under which the women’s remains came into the possession of Professor Sydney Smith are not known, it is clear that there have been huge changes in medical ethics since then, and we want to do what is morally right for the women and their family members.
Professor Tom Gillingwater, Chair of Anatomy at the University of Edinburgh, said: “Upon learning that Isabella Ruxton and Mary Rogerson’s remains were still being held within University, we carefully considered the most moral and ethical course of action. While the circumstances under which the women’s remains came into our collections are not known, it is clear that there have been huge changes in medical ethics since then, and we want to do what is morally right for the women and their family members.”
Tom Wood, author and former Deputy Chief Constable and Director of Operations of Edinburgh & Lothians Police, said: “This was a tragic case, where two women were brutally murdered, but it was also transformational for modern-day policing. The Professors who worked with the police at the time were critical in securing a conviction for the killer, and this was the first time forensic evidence was used to do so. I am pleased that the University of Edinburgh is working to return the women’s remains with their respective families, and I hope their relatives come forward.”
Further information:
If you think you, or someone you know, is a relative of either Isabella Ruxton or Mary Jane Rogerson, please contact the University using the following email address: [email protected]
