Assume Nothing: A Deadly Diagnosis episode artwork

EPISODE · Jan 27, 2025 · 42 MIN

Assume Nothing: A Deadly Diagnosis

from Crime Writers On... · host Partners in Crime Media

In the 1940s and 50s, Dr. John Bodkin Adams grew a large practice in East Sussex caring for the elderly. But few knew that Adams was administering heroin to his wealthy patients before they slipped into comas. Many listed the doctor as executor of their estates or left him a sizable inheritance in their wills. Officials later determined the deaths of over 160 of Adams’s patients were suspicious. His 1957 prosecution for murder was dubbed the “Trial of the Century.” But was Adams killing his elderly patients for money or was he simply easing the pain of their dying days?Broadcast on BBC Radio Ulster and distributed by BBC Sounds, “Assume Nothing: A Deadly Diagnosis” is the latest installment in the investigative podcast series. Host Vinny Hurrell revisits the historical true crime case of the Northern Irish GP suspected of being a serial killer. Was Adams an angel of mercy or an angel of death?OUR SPOILER-FREE REVIEWS OF "ASSUME NOTHING: A DEADLY DIAGNOSIS" BEGIN IN THE FINAL ELEVEN MINUTES OF THE EPISODE.In Crime of the Week: Souper Bowl-less. For exclusive podcasts and more, sign up at Patreon.Sign up for our newsletter at crimewriterson.com.This show was recorded in The Caitlin Rogers Project Studio. Click to find out more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published Jan 27, 2025

Embed this episode

A Northern Irish doctor was known for his care of elderly patients - and for winding up in their wills. Was he responsible for more than a hundred deaths? We’ll talk about the podcast “Assume Nothing: A Deadly Diagnosis” from BBC Radio Ulster.

Distinct summary based on available episode metadata or transcript content.

NOW PLAYING

Assume Nothing: A Deadly Diagnosis

0:00 42:10

No transcript for this episode yet

We transcribe on demand. Request one and we'll notify you when it's ready — usually under 10 minutes.

No similar episodes found.

No similar podcasts found.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of Crime Writers On...?

This episode is 42 minutes long.

When was this Crime Writers On... episode published?

This episode was published on January 27, 2025.

Can I download this Crime Writers On... episode?

Yes. Use the download control on the episode player to save the publisher-provided media file.
URL copied to clipboard!