Canadian True Crime — "The Twisted Story of Sergeant John Wilson" [Part 2]

Host: Kristi Lee
Date: March 14, 2026

Episode Overview

In this gripping conclusion to a two-part series, host Kristi Lee unravels the shocking and tragic case of Sergeant John Wilson—one of the most infamous crimes in early 20th-century Canada. Through meticulous research and a trauma-informed lens, Kristi weaves together testimony, historical context, and personal letters to reveal the complex web of lies, betrayal, and murder that ultimately led to Wilson becoming the only member of the Royal North West Mounted Police ever executed for murder in Canada.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Recap of Part One & Setup ([01:23])

• John Wilson, originally from Scotland, left his wife Mary and son to seek fortune in Canada, joining the Royal North West Mounted Police in Saskatchewan.
• He began a secret relationship with Jessie Patterson, a 16-year-old, never revealing his existing marriage.
• Mary, concerned after losing touch, traveled to Canada, only to become entangled in John's web of deceit.
• As Mary becomes pregnant again, John secretly obtains a marriage license with Jessie (listing himself as a "bachelor") and lures Mary to Saskatoon under false pretenses—setting the stage for tragedy.

2. John Wilson’s Deception Intensifies ([08:06])

• John concocts three misleading letters:
  • To the landlady (as Mary): Requests her luggage be sent to Prince Albert.
  • To the landlady (as himself): Falsely claims Mary is gravely ill with the Spanish Flu and under expensive medical care.
  • To Mary’s family in Scotland: Details Mary's supposed costly illness and asserts he's near death himself, painting himself as a dedicated husband.
• "I spared no expense on Polly since she got laid up...I am paying one nurse $30 and the other 25 per week and I have already paid the doctor $300." (E, [10:40])

3. Professional Downfall & Growing Suspicion ([12:09])

• Wilson’s misconduct as a police officer escalates: open drinking, missing fines, and embezzled funds.
• He loses his job with the Dominion Police after WWI ends but is re-hired by the Mounties, working undercover to root out suspected communists in Vancouver.
• Mary’s family, uneasy after months of silence, begins an international letter campaign, prompting Canadian police to investigate her disappearance.

4. Investigation Unravels John’s Lies ([17:12])

• Mary’s sister, Elizabeth, drives the investigation from Scotland, writing authorities:
  • "We have no faith now in anything he told us about my sister. He always was a plausible liar." (F, [19:40])
• The Mounties discover the woman living with Wilson is Jessie, not Mary, confirming suspicions of bigamy ([22:49]).

5. Evidence of Murder, Not Disappearance ([24:34])

• No trace of Mary is found—no records at hospitals, burial companies, or city halls.
• Her luggage is never claimed, and the only communication are John's forged letters.
• Mounties note: "Just Discovered Wilson remarried September 29, 1918. Second wife mistaken for your sister. No trace of Mary Wilson since September 1918. Grave suspicions; search energetically continued." (C, [28:06])

6. Confrontation and John’s Confession ([29:37] – [33:16])

• Under interrogation, Wilson offers contradictory explanations about Mary’s disappearance:
  • Claims a divorce took place and Mary was last seen in Edmonton.
  • Admits to a "quarrel" at the station; says Mary simply walked away.
  • After pressure, writes a vague statement: "I have only a faint recollection of what happened. But she died on the way." (E, [33:16])
• Attempts suicide in custody—the trauma and pressure evident.

7. Discovery of Mary’s Body ([41:39] – [42:20])

• John eventually confesses to shooting Mary, at first calling it a hunting accident.
• Leads police to her shallow, well-concealed grave near the crash site:
  • "We came upon a pair of ladies boots. They were high heeled, laced, pointed toes. The boots had bones in them and decomposed flesh." (C, [41:39])
• Autopsy: Mary was six months pregnant, shot at close range, with powder burns indicating she faced the gun.

8. The Trial of John Wilson ([48:35] – [57:07])

• The trial ignites national interest—courtrooms are packed to the rafters.
• Crown paints a damning portrait: John killed Mary to marry Jessie, forged letters to cover it.
• Defense claims insanity and a "tragic accident," but reputation and evidence overwhelm.
• John’s bizarre courtroom behavior is noted—possibly feigned insanity:
  • "Symptoms of insanity, either real or cleverly feigned, were very apparent. Wilson sat huddled in the dock, shivering and muttering to himself." (G, [50:07])
• He's found guilty, sentenced to death, complains:
  • "I wish to protest against the low down, dirty methods of the police in taking advantage of the condition of my mind and body to obtain certain information from me." (E, [56:54])

9. Aftermath and Execution ([57:31] – [60:03])

• John finds calm acceptance after sentencing, tells a guard:
  • "I don't care now. Well, my mind's much easier now that I've got my sentence." (E, [57:27])
• Execution takes place April 23, 1920, with details noted of Wilson’s demeanor at the scaffold.
• Jessie, pregnant and alone, never visits; Mary’s family expresses sympathy for her:
  • "We have nothing but pity for her. He has deceived and lied to her as he did to us and has ruined her life." (F, [58:00])

10. Legacy

• John Wilson remains the only Mountie hanged for murder in Canadian history.
• The Royal North West Mounted Police and Dominion Police merged that same year to form today’s RCMP.
• The case exposed systemic failures and the deeply personal costs of Wilson’s actions.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On John’s pattern of lies:
  "He always was a plausible liar. Excuse my language, but it exactly fits him."
  — Elizabeth Craig (Mary's sister), [19:40]

• On Mary’s fate:
  "Polly did not lose the baby and the doctor says everything will be alright, provided she is careful."
  — John Wilson (forgery), [11:23]

• The discovery of Mary’s remains:
  "We came upon a pair of ladies boots...The boots had bones in them and decomposed flesh."
  — Mountie’s report, [41:39]

• At sentencing:
  "I wish to protest against the low down, dirty methods of the police in taking advantage of the condition of my mind and body to obtain certain information from me."
  — John Wilson, [56:54]

• Mary’s family on Jessie:
  "He has deceived and lied to her as he did to us and has ruined her life. But...she has had a merciful escape."
  — Elizabeth Craig, [58:00]

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Time | Segment | |----------|--------------------------------------------------------------| | 01:23 | Case recap and beginning of Part 2 | | 08:06 | John’s letters deceiving landlady and Mary’s family | | 12:09 | John’s job performance, suspicion among police | | 17:12 | Mary’s family contacts authorities, outlines suspicions | | 22:49 | Mounties discover Jessie, not Mary, with John | | 24:34 | Search for Mary; forged documents found | | 29:37 | John’s interrogation and conflicting accounts | | 31:37 | John's suicide attempt, psychological state | | 33:16 | First written partial confession | | 38:40 | "Hunting accident" confession; details of Mary's murder | | 41:39 | Digging for and finding Mary’s grave | | 48:35 | Trial begins; national fascination | | 50:07 | John’s erratic behavior and diagnosis of feigned insanity | | 56:54 | Verdict and John’s complaint about police tactics | | 57:27 | John’s post-sentencing calm | | 58:00 | Letters from Mary’s family about Jessie | | 60:03 | John’s last moments and execution |

Conclusion & Legacy

Kristi Lee concludes the episode reflecting on the injustice suffered by Mary Wilson, the determination of her family, and the ripple effect on all left behind. The case serves as a stark warning about the dangers of unchecked privilege, systemic gaps, and the lengths a person will go to cover misdeeds. Thanks and credit are given to journalist Danielle Paradis and true crime author Nate Hendley for research, and to the various voice actors for authenticity.

Recommended Reading:
The Secret Lives of Sergeant John Wilson by Lois Simi

This month’s donation: Women’s Shelters Canada

For more resources and case details:
Visit canadiantruecrime.ca

This summary covers all narrative and content-rich sections of "The Twisted Story of Sergeant John Wilson" Part 2, offering a detailed yet accessible account for listeners and readers alike.