Mind of a Serial Killer - Episode: Amelia Dyer Pt. 1
Published by Crime House Studios
Introduction and Overview
In the premier episode of "Mind of a Serial Killer," hosts Vanessa Richardson and Dr. Tristan Engels delve into the disturbing life of Amelia Dyer, one of history’s most prolific yet lesser-known serial killers. Amelia's story, set against the backdrop of Victorian England, unveils how societal pressures, personal tragedies, and psychological factors culminated in her heinous crimes as a baby farmer.
Amelia Dyer's Early Life
Amelia Dyer, born Amelia Hobley in 1837 near Bristol, England, was the youngest of six children in a well-to-do family. Her father, Samuel Hobley, was a shoemaker—a respected and financially stable profession that allowed Amelia and her siblings access to education, a rarity for girls during the Victorian era.
However, Amelia's childhood was marred by tragedy:
- Parental Loss: At around 11 years old, Amelia's mother, Sarah, succumbed to typhus fever, a debilitating disease that rendered her nearly unresponsive before her death just before Amelia's 12th birthday.
- Sibling Deaths: Additionally, Amelia witnessed the death of her older sister at age 4 and her baby sister at age 8, experiences that were all too common in an era with an infant mortality rate as high as 16%.
Dr. Tristan Engels provides insight into the psychological impact of these early losses:
"Losing a parent at a young age can be very traumatic... Amelia was more likely to experience anger and rebellion as a trauma response." [05:44]
Despite these hardships, Amelia excelled academically, showing a strong aptitude for literature and poetry, which perhaps served as a refuge from her painful reality.
Entry into Baby Farming
At 14, Amelia moved out of her father’s house to live with her aunt in Bristol, apprenticing as a corset maker. Following her father's death just before her 22nd birthday, Amelia sought financial stability by marrying George Thomas, a widowed master carver and gilder significantly older than herself—34 years her senior. Their marriage required deceit due to the substantial age difference.
Shortly after becoming a mother to her daughter, Ellen, in 1864, Amelia faced the dual pressures of an inadequate income and a demanding job as a nurse, working 16-hour shifts. These challenges pushed her towards a profitable yet morally reprehensible solution: baby farming.
The Baby Farming Business
Vanessa Richardson explains the grim reality of baby farming during this period:
"Baby farming worked like this... It was quite lucrative and could be done from the comfort of your own home while you raised your own children." [14:32]
Baby farming involved taking in infants from unwed mothers or those unable to care for their children in exchange for payment. Amelia was inspired by Ellen Dame, a midwife who operated similarly but employed unethical practices to maximize profits by neglecting the babies' needs, leading to their deaths. This exploitation highlighted the harsh economic realities and lack of social support for vulnerable women and infants in Victorian England.
Dr. Tristan Engels analyzes Amelia's motivations and psychological state:
"Her lack of empathy toward her clientele sounds like a lot of projected anger and resentment... just like she was angry with herself." [15:40]
Amelia's mother's prolonged illness and her exposure to death from a young age likely desensitized her to suffering, enabling her to rationalize the deaths of the infants under her care.
The Murders and Methods
Amelia's operations were marked by cunning and brutality. She offered mothers two options for their unwanted babies:
- Adoption Listings: Posting ads in newspapers to find adoptive parents.
- Arranged Stillbirths: Smothering the baby during or immediately after birth to classify the death as a stillbirth, thereby avoiding direct culpability.
Her daughter, Ellen, provided testimony that Amelia administered "Godfrey's Cordial," a medicine containing opium, to the infants—a common but dangerous practice meant to soothe them. While standard dosages were non-fatal, the combination of malnutrition and opiate use often led to the babies' deaths.
Dr. Tristan Engels emphasizes the criminal nature of Amelia's actions:
"This is murder. Even if the mother wanted to relinquish all rights to her child, what Amelia is doing is murder." [18:58]
Despite the high infant mortality rates of the time, Amelia's rate of child deaths far exceeded statistical norms, prompting suspicion and investigation.
Initial Investigation and Trial
In August 1879, the coroner initiated an investigation after discovering suspicious death certificates and a pattern of infant deaths under Amelia's care. Confronted with mounting evidence, Amelia attempted suicide by overdosing on opium but survived and was subsequently put on trial.
During her trial, the prosecution struggled to definitively prove intent beyond standard negligence:
"He said he had, quote, no moral doubt that these children were hurried to their grave by improper food and drugging. He also condemned the practice of baby farming." [28:20]
Ultimately, Amelia was acquitted of manslaughter, with the jury attributing the deaths to natural causes. She was convicted of neglect and violating the Infant Life Protection Act, resulting in a six-month prison sentence intended as a deterrent to others.
Dr. Tristan Engels reflects on the nature of Amelia's punishment:
"If consequences were a deterrent for individuals with that type of pathology, then we wouldn't have that pathology at all." [30:19]
Time in Prison and Return to Baby Farming
After her release in February 1880, Amelia struggled to reintegrate into society. The harsh conditions of Victorian prisons, coupled with societal stigma, left her with limited opportunities. Initially attempting to return to corset making, Amelia found insufficient financial success and soon reverted to baby farming.
Her second foray was more sophisticated and profitable:
- Increased Scale: Amelia moved to a wealthier area, charging higher fees (£50—a significant sum at the time).
- Enhanced Deception: She employed aliases and collaborated with funeral undertakers to obscure the true causes of infant deaths, ensuring that the deaths were recorded as natural.
- Family Involvement: Amelia involved her teenage children, Polly and William, using them to project a wholesome, nurturing household to unsuspecting clients.
Dr. Tristan Engels notes the evolution of Amelia’s criminal behavior:
"She's becoming much more versatile, which is scary." [38:10]
The 1890 Crime and Disappearance
In 1890, Amelia's operations began to unravel when she agreed to take in a governess's baby under suspicious circumstances. Unlike her previous victims, this case drew significant attention:
- Unique Circumstances: The governess had an affair with a respectable family member and needed to dispose of the evidence discreetly.
- Mistake and Panic: Upon the baby's designation, Amelia attempted to substitute another infant, marking a departure from her usual meticulous methods.
- Confrontation and Exposure: The governess returned with the baby’s father, leading to heightened suspicion. Fearing exposure, Amelia attempted to flee, resulting in her disappearance in March 1891.
Conclusion
Amelia Dyer's chilling saga as a relentless baby farmer unveils the dark intersections of societal neglect, economic desperation, and psychological pathology. Her ability to manipulate and exploit vulnerable women and infants highlights the systemic failures of Victorian England to protect its most vulnerable. This episode sets the stage for exploring Amelia's ultimate downfall and the haunting question: What truly drives a serial killer?
Notable Quotes
-
Vanessa Richardson:
"This is Crime House... a show answering how someone could do such a thing." [00:06] -
Dr. Tristan Engels:
"Without consequences, individuals with psychopathy are unlikely to be deterred." [30:19]
"She's becoming much more versatile, which is scary." [38:10]
Further Listening
Tune in next Monday for Part 2 of Amelia Dyer’s story, where Vanessa and Dr. Engels examine her eventual capture, trial, and the ultimate conclusion of her criminal legacy.
Follow and Support
Stay connected with "Mind of a Serial Killer" for more deep dives into the minds of infamous criminals. Follow Crime House on Instagram and TikTok for additional content and updates.
Produced by:
Max Cutler (Executive Producer)
Ron Shapiro (Producer & Director)
Stacy Niemek (Writer)
Alex Benedant (Editor)
Claire Cronin (Fact Checker)
Production Assistants: Paul Ebeskind, Sarah Carroll, and Kristen Acevedo
Hosts:
Vanessa Richardson and Dr. Tristan Engels
This summary captures the key points, discussions, insights, and conclusions from the first part of the Amelia Dyer episode, providing a comprehensive overview for listeners and those unfamiliar with the podcast.