5 Minute Murder
Simonetta Vespucci was the face that defined beauty in Renaissance Florence. Admired by the powerful Medici family and immortalised in Botticelli’s paintings, she seemed untouchable. But in 1476, at just 22 years old, Simonetta died suddenly. Officially, it was illness, but rumours of jealousy, poison, and political plots have surrounded her death ever since. In this episode, we explore the mystery behind the life and untimely end of Florence’s most famous muse. Please consider supporting the show by subscribing and leaving a review wherever you get your podcasts, and if you would like to...
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Dubbed the “Butcher of Rostov,” Andrei Chikatilo was one of the Soviet Union’s most prolific and terrifying serial killers. Between 1978 and 1990, he preyed on the vulnerable, leaving a trail of horror across Russia. In this episode, we explore how Chikatilo evaded capture for years—and how his monstrous crimes finally caught up with him. Please consider supporting the show by subscribing and leaving a review wherever you get your podcasts, and if you would like to support us more directly, then why not buy us a coffee? Head on over to to see how. An article...
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On December 27, 2007, Benazir Bhutto, Pakistan’s former Prime Minister and a symbol of hope for many, was assassinated at a rally in Rawalpindi. Her death shook the world, throwing a fragile democracy into chaos. Was it a lone act of terror, or part of a deeper conspiracy? In this episode, we unravel the final moments of one of the most significant political figures of the 21st century. Please consider supporting the show by subscribing and leaving a review wherever you get your podcasts, and if you would like to support us more directly, then why not buy us a coffee? Head on over...
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In 1678, the suspicious death of Sir Edmund Berry Godfrey sent shockwaves through London. A respected magistrate, Godfrey was found dead under mysterious circumstances, fueling hysteria at the height of the Popish Plot. Was it political murder, religious conspiracy, or something even more sinister? In this episode, we dive into a 17th-century mystery filled with intrigue, fear, and unanswered questions. Please consider supporting the show by subscribing and leaving a review wherever you get your podcasts, and if you would like to support us more directly, then why not buy us a coffee? Head on...
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On June 27, 1924, nine-year-old Rosa Armstrong vanished after leaving her Sutton-in-Ashfield home to return to school. Her disappearance alarmed the community, and by the early hours of the next morning, a man approached a policeman in Mansfield Market Place, confessing to her murder. The man was Arthur Simms, Rosa's brother-in-law. He led police to a field near St. Mark’s Mission Chapel, where Rosa's body was found. The case shocked the nation, not only for its brutality but also for the complex family ties and psychological factors involved. In episode 32 of 5 Minute Murder, we delve into...
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In Episode 31 of the 5 Minute Murder podcast, we investigate the brutal murder of Mary Ann Nichols, the first confirmed victim of Jack the Ripper. On 31 August 1888, Nichols' body was discovered in the dark streets of Whitechapel, London, marking the beginning of one of history’s most infamous unsolved murder sprees. Her death sent shockwaves through Victorian society and sparked a frenzied hunt for the mysterious killer. Who was responsible for the Ripper murders, and why has the case remained an enduring mystery for over a century? Join us as we explore the tragic fate of Mary Ann Nichols...
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In Episode 30 of the 5 Minute Murder podcast, we delve into the disturbing case of John Wayne Gacy, one of the most infamous serial killers in American history. Known as the Killer Clown, Gacy was a seemingly respectable businessman and entertainer who led a horrifying double life. Between 1972 and 1978, he lured and murdered at least 33 young men and boys, burying many of his victims beneath his suburban Chicago home. His arrest and trial exposed the shocking depths of his crimes, leaving a lasting impact on criminal psychology and law enforcement. Join us as we examine the chilling story of...
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In Episode 29 of the 5 Minute Murder podcast, we examine the tragic assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., a moment that shook the world and marked a turning point in the civil rights movement. On 4 April 1968, King was fatally shot while standing on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee. His death sparked grief, outrage, and widespread unrest across the United States. Officially, James Earl Ray was convicted of the crime, but questions and conspiracy theories about the assassination have persisted for decades. Join us as we explore the events leading up to King’s murder,...
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In Episode 28 of the 5 Minute Murder podcast, we examine the chilling case of Bridget Cleary, a woman whose brutal murder in 1895 became one of Ireland’s most infamous crimes. Believed by her husband and family to be a changeling, Bridget was subjected to a horrific ritual intended to drive out what they claimed was a fairy imposter. Her tragic death, fuelled by superstition and paranoia, shocked the nation and led to a highly publicised trial. Was this a case of deep-rooted folklore gone too far, or something even more sinister? Join us as we uncover the disturbing details of the murder of...
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Episode 27 of the 5 Minute Murder podcast examines the baffling and still-unsolved murder of Julia Wallace in 1931. Found brutally beaten in her Liverpool home, her death became one of Britain’s most perplexing mysteries. Her husband, William Herbert Wallace, was arrested, convicted, and later acquitted in a rare legal reversal, leaving the case shrouded in doubt. With a mysterious telephone call, conflicting evidence, and a host of unanswered questions, the murder of Julia Wallace remains a case that has intrigued detectives and true crime enthusiasts for decades. In this episode, we...
info_outlineIn episode nine of 5 Minute Murder, we delve into one of history’s most infamous assassinations—the murder of Julius Caesar. On the Ides of March in 44 BC, the Roman leader was brutally stabbed to death by a group of senators, including his once-trusted ally Brutus. This betrayal, carried out in the name of preserving the Roman Republic, marked a turning point in Roman history, leading to the fall of the Republic and the rise of the Empire. Join us as we examine the motives, the conspirators, and the lasting impact of Caesar’s assassination.
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