Thomas Neill Cream

Dr. Thomas Neill Cream (May 27 1850 - November 16, 1892) was a serial killer, who claimed his first victims in the United States and the rest in England. Cream poisoned his victims and was executed after his attempts to frame others for his crimes brought himself to the attention of London police.

Capture

Cream's downfall came through an attempt to frame two respectable and innocent doctors. He wrote to the police accusing these fellow doctors of killing several women, including Matilda Clover. Not only did the police manage to quickly determine the innocence of those accused, but they also realised that there was something significant within the accusations made by the anonymous letter-writer. Namely, he had referred to the murder of Matilda Clover. In fact, Clover's death had been noted as natural causes, related to her drink problem. The police knew that the false accuser who had written the letter was the serial killer now referred to in the newspapers as the 'Lambeth Poisoner'.

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Not long afterwards, Cream had met a policeman from New York City who was visiting London. The policeman had heard of the 'Lambeth Poisoner', and Cream was considerate enough to give him a brief tour of where the various victims had lived. The American policeman happened to mention it to a British policeman who, understandably, found Cream's knowledge and interest in the case suspicious.

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The police at Scotland Yard put Cream under surveillance, soon discovering his habit of visiting prostitutes. They also liaised with the police in the United States and learned of their suspect's conviction for a murder-by-poison in 1881.

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On July 13, 1892, Cream was charged with the murder of Matilda Clover. His trial lasted five days, between 17 and 21 October that same year. He was convicted and sentenced to death.

Related Topics:
July 13 - 1892

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The death penalty was a quick process in Victorian England. Less than a month after his conviction, on November 16, Dr. Thomas Neill Cream was hanged at Newgate Prison.

Related Topics:
Death penalty - November 16 - Newgate Prison

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