Thomas Neill Cream

Scottish-Canadian serial killer

Thomas Neill Cream (27 May 1850 – 15 November 1892) was a Scottish-Canadian medical doctor and serial killer who was executed for his crimes. He is often remembered for his gruesome murders and his eventual capture and execution in England.

Early Life and Education

Thomas Neill Cream

Thomas Neill Cream was born in Glasgow, Scotland, on 27 May 1850. His family emigrated to Canada in 1854, settling in Quebec. Cream pursued a career in medicine, studying at McGill University in Montreal, where he graduated with a degree in medicine in 1876. He later continued his studies in London, England, and in the United States, where he attended the Rush Medical College in Chicago.

Criminal Activities

Cream's criminal activities began in the late 1870s. He was known to have performed illegal abortions, which were a common practice among some doctors at the time, but his actions often resulted in the death of his patients. His first known victim was a woman named Kate Gardener, who was found dead in an alley behind Cream's office in Chicago in 1879. Although he was suspected of her murder, he was not convicted.

Murders in the United States

Cream's criminal activities continued in the United States, where he was implicated in several deaths. In 1881, he was convicted of the murder of Daniel Stott, a patient whose wife was having an affair with Cream. Stott died after Cream administered a lethal dose of strychnine, allegedly as a treatment for epilepsy. Cream was sentenced to life imprisonment but was released after serving only ten years.

Murders in England

After his release, Cream traveled to England, where he continued his murderous activities. Between 1891 and 1892, he committed a series of murders in London, targeting prostitutes. His modus operandi involved poisoning his victims with strychnine. The murders took place in the Lambeth area, earning him the nickname "The Lambeth Poisoner."

Capture and Execution

Cream's downfall came as a result of his own arrogance. He often boasted about his crimes and even attempted to blackmail prominent individuals by accusing them of the murders he had committed. His behavior drew the attention of the police, and he was eventually arrested in 1892. During his trial, Cream's guilt was evident, and he was sentenced to death.

On 15 November 1892, Thomas Neill Cream was executed by hanging at Newgate Prison in London. His last words were reportedly "I am Jack the...", leading to speculation that he was about to claim responsibility for the Jack the Ripper murders, although this claim is widely disputed by historians.

Legacy

Thomas Neill Cream is remembered as one of the most notorious serial killers of the 19th century. His case is often studied in criminology and forensic science courses as an example of early serial murder investigations. Despite his medical training, Cream used his knowledge for nefarious purposes, leaving a legacy of fear and infamy.

Related Pages

• Jack the Ripper
• Serial killer
• Newgate Prison
• Lambeth