Summary of "Buried in the Wych Elm" Episode of Late Nights with Nexpo

Released: May 21, 2025
Host: Ballen Studios (*Mr. Ballin*)
Podcast: Late Nights with Nexpo

Introduction

In the "Buried in the Wych Elm" episode of Late Nights with Nexpo, host Mr. Ballin delves into one of England’s most enduring and perplexing mysteries: the unsolved murder of a woman whose remains were found concealed within a Wych Elm tree in Hagley Wood. This episode intricately weaves historical accounts, eyewitness testimonies, expert analyses, and speculative theories to explore the dark circumstances surrounding this enigmatic case.

Discovery of the Remains

The story begins on April 18, 1943, in Hagley Wood, where a member of the Home Guard named Tommy Willits and his friends stumble upon disturbing evidence during their routine patrols.

Mr. Ballin [01:16]: "You're a member of the Home Guard. You can't get spooked by empty woods."

While investigating a secluded area, the boys discover a human skull lodged in the hollow of a Wych Elm. Their immediate reaction is a mix of fear and panic, compelling them to hide the remains and flee the scene.

Tommy Willits (narrated) [03:45]: "It's a human skull. Part of the scalp is even still attached... we flee as fast as we can."

Initial Police Investigation

The following day, August 19, 1943, the West Mercia Police, guided by Tommy, excavate the tree hollow and unearth a nearly complete skeleton, missing a right hand. The discovery raises immediate questions about the identity and cause of death of the victim.

Mr. Ballin [07:24]: "Ever since the bombing raids began on the nearby city of Birmingham, many people have been displaced, which means a lot more unfamiliar faces around Hagley."

Expert Analysis and Theories

Professor James Webster, a forensic pathologist from Birmingham University, examines the remains and concludes that the woman likely died from asphyxiation, suggesting a premeditated murder rather than an accidental death. He also hypothesizes the involvement of a “Hand of Glory,” a concept rooted in old European folklore where a severed hand is believed to possess magical properties.

Professor James Webster [01:24]: "This wasn't the remains of some accident victim... this was a murder."

Margaret Murray, a folklorist and historian, later supports the ritual murder theory, linking the severed hand to ancient pagan practices. However, journalist Wilfred Byford Jones challenges these supernatural explanations, advocating for a more grounded approach.

Wilfred Byford Jones [20:11]: "I do not accept the theory of Romani travelers committing a murder among their own... it’s based on prejudice."

The Graffiti and New Leads

On April 1, 1944, a cryptic message appears near Hagley Wood, reigniting the investigation:

Mr. Ballin [16:07]: "Who put Bella down the wych elm in Hagley Wood?"

This graffiti prompts renewed police interest, especially after connections are made between different reports of missing women named Bella. A significant breakthrough occurs a decade later when a letter from Anna (real name Oona Mossop) surfaces, claiming insider knowledge of the case.

Anna from Claverly [22:30]: "The person responsible for the crime died insane in 1942, and the victim was Dutch and arrived in England illegally about 1941."

Conflicting Narratives and Cold Case Status

Oona Mossop reveals that her late husband, Jack, a British army officer, might have been involved in the disappearance of Clarabella Drunkers, suggesting a connection to espionage activities during the war. However, official records and subsequent investigations fail to corroborate her claims fully.

Oona Mossop [25:09]: "They took her into the woods and stuffed her inside the tree... Maybe it wasn't such an innocent prank after all."

The loss of the physical evidence—Bella’s remains—during the chaos of World War II leaves the case unresolved. Advancements in DNA technology decades later offered a glimmer of hope, but the lack of remains renders such efforts futile.

Public Fascination and Enduring Mystery

The case of Bella in the Wych Elm remains a topic of public intrigue and speculation. Various theories, ranging from occult rituals to espionage-related murders, continue to vie for attention, each presenting compelling yet unverified narratives.

Mr. Ballin [36:50]: "The most plausible story is likely hidden among the chaos of the war... Anonymous deaths among the trees."

Despite extensive investigations and numerous theories, the true circumstances surrounding Bella's death remain shrouded in mystery, symbolizing the unresolved tragedies that often lurk beneath historical events.

Conclusion

"Buried in the Wych Elm" offers a comprehensive exploration of an age-old mystery through meticulous storytelling and investigative journalism. By examining eyewitness accounts, expert opinions, and conflicting theories, the episode encapsulates the enduring allure and frustration of unsolved crimes. The tale of Bella serves as a poignant reminder of the many lives lost and stories untold amidst the broader narrative of war and societal upheaval.

Notable Quotes:

• Mr. Ballin [01:16]: "You're a member of the Home Guard. You can't get spooked by empty woods."
• Tommy Willits (narrated) [03:45]: "It's a human skull. Part of the scalp is even still attached... we flee as fast as we can."
• Professor James Webster [01:24]: "This wasn't the remains of some accident victim... this was a murder."
• Wilfred Byford Jones [20:11]: "I do not accept the theory of Romani travelers committing a murder among their own... it’s based on prejudice."
• Anna from Claverly [22:30]: "The person responsible for the crime died insane in 1942, and the victim was Dutch and arrived in England illegally about 1941."
• Oona Mossop [25:09]: "They took her into the woods and stuffed her inside the tree... Maybe it wasn't such an innocent prank after all."
• Mr. Ballin [36:50]: "The most plausible story is likely hidden among the chaos of the war... Anonymous deaths among the trees."

This detailed summary encapsulates the key elements and discussions presented in the episode, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the "Buried in the Wych Elm" mystery. Whether you're a long-time follower or new to Late Nights with Nexpo, this episode offers a compelling narrative that underscores the complexities and enduring fascinations of unsolved historical mysteries.