A university has launched a public appeal to find the families of two women murdered 90 years ago after their skulls were rediscovered in its archive.

The bodies of Isabella Ruxton and Mary Rogerson were found in Moffat, Dumfries and Galloway in 1935, part of a case known as the “Jigsaw Murders” because of the challenge of piecing together the identities of the victims.

Doctor Buck Ruxton was hanged for his wife’s murder after a breakthrough in forensics when experts from the universities of Edinburgh and Glasgow helped build evidence for the case.

University of Edinburgh by provided

After discovering the skulls and other bones in its warehouse, the University of Edinburgh is trying to track down the women’s relatives to ask if they want them returned.

It is not known if the three orphaned children of Isabella and Buck Ruxton were ever told that their father had been hanged for their mother’s murder.

A University of Edinburgh spokesman said: “The University is asking the relatives of Isabella Ruxton and Mary Jane Rogerson to get in touch.

“The two women were tragically murdered in 1935.

“Following an academic inquiry in November 2023, the University learned that it still had the women’s remains in its possession.

“We are appealing to all known relatives to get in touch to allow the women’s bodies to be laid to rest in accordance with their families’ wishes.”

“Trial of the Century”

The Jigsaw murders took place in Lancaster in September 1935 and made headlines around the world after dismembered and disfigured human remains were discovered under a bridge over a stream near Moffat in Dumfries and Galloway.

After being sent to the University of Edinburgh, forensic scientists and colleagues from the University of Glasgow pieced the body parts together as the investigation led to Dr Buck Ruxton in North West England.

Getty Images

The popular GP gave various explanations for the disappearance of his wife Isabella and their nanny Mary Rogerson – but did not report her missing, a task left to Mary’s family.

Investigators in Scotland linked the two women to the remains that were found near Moffat.

The bodies had yet to be identified beyond doubt, and their killer, who was known to be experienced in operations, took great care to make this as difficult as possible.

Innovative forensic techniques confirmed that the remains were those of Isabella and Maria.

Ruxton entered the dock at Manchester Allocation Court in what has been described as the “trial of the century”.

Tom Wood, author and former deputy chief constable and chief operating officer of Edinburgh and Lothians Police, said: “This was a tragic case, where two women were brutally murdered, but it was also transformative for policing today .

“Teachers working with the police at the time were critical in securing a conviction for the killer and this was the first time forensic evidence had been used to do so. I am delighted that the University of Edinburgh is working to return the women’s remains to their families and I hope their relatives will come forward.”

Professor Tom Gillingwater, chair of anatomy at the University of Edinburgh, said: “After learning that the remains of Isabella Ruxton and Mary Rogerson were still held at the university, we carefully considered the most moral and ethical course of action.

“Although 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.”

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