In this episode of The Medicine Murders, Dr. Meredith Beavin takes us back to Victorian England for a chilling Christmas Eve tale. Sarah Ann French, trapped in a loveless marriage and longing for freedom, baked an onion pie with a deadly twist—arsenic. Her crime shocked her small village and became a landmark case in forensic history. J

oin us as we unravel the events leading to this infamous murder, the groundbreaking Marsh Test that uncovered the truth, and the role arsenic played as both a poison and a medicine. This story isn’t just about a crime; it’s a haunting reflection on societal constraints, desperation, and the evolution of forensic science.

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1. Historical records and trial transcripts of Sarah Ann French’s case (1851-1852).
2. Archives on Victorian-era arsenic use in medicine and crime.
3. Research on the development of the Marsh Test by chemist James Marsh.
4. Articles from The Times of London and local historical societies in East Sussex.
5. Books on forensic science history, including "The Poisoner’s Handbook" by Deborah Blum.

When medicine turns into a murder weapon, even the most trusted doctor can become the ultimate threat. In this episode of The Medicine Murders, we uncover the chilling true crime story of Dr. Richard J. Schmidt, a respected Louisiana physician whose twisted need for control led to an unprecedented act of biological warfare.

This groundbreaking case shocked the world and changed forensic science forever. Using cutting-edge viral RNA sequencing, investigators unraveled a horrifying tale of obsession, betrayal, and a crime carried out with surgical precision.

Join us as we explore: 🔬 The calculated plan involving an HIV- and hepatitis C-contaminated syringe ⚖️ The groundbreaking forensic science that exposed the truth 💔 Janice Trahan’s harrowing fight for survival—and for justice

Stay tuned for our signature Talk Nerdy segment, where we explain how HIV works, its impact on the immune system, and how science has advanced in the fight against this deadly virus.

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📧 Case tips or personal stories? Email us—contact info and sources are in the show notes.

Listen now — because in the hands of the wrong person, even medicine can become a weapon.

Sources

1. Wikipedia - Richard J. Schmidt Case Overview https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_J._Schmidt
2. The New York Times - Landmark HIV Forensic Case Coverage https://www.nytimes.com (Search for articles on Dr. Richard J. Schmidt's trial and forensic breakthrough)
3. CNN Archives - Legal Case Reports https://www.cnn.com (Search for Richard J. Schmidt HIV trial)
4. Baylor College of Medicine - Forensic Science Studies https://www.bcm.edu (Research articles on viral RNA sequencing)
5. The Journal of Forensic Sciences - Case Analysis and Use of Viral RNA Sequencing https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com (Search for HIV forensic case reports)
6. Science Direct - Molecular Virology and Forensic Applications https://www.sciencedirect.com
7. FindLaw Legal Database - Trial Summaries and Court Transcripts https://www.findlaw.com (Search for court documents on Louisiana v. Richard J. Schmidt)
8. Louisiana Supreme Court Archives - Case Files https://www.lasc.org

This week on The Medicine Murders, we explore the life of Clara Winnicki, Switzerland’s first female pharmacist. Learn how she broke barriers, developed groundbreaking treatments, and faced systemic injustice. Discover her forgotten legacy and its lasting impact on modern pharmacy.

📜 Sources Mentioned in This Episode:

Ebers Papyrus and Ancient Egyptian Remedies

Clara Winnicki Biography - Swiss Historical Records

The Islamic Golden Age and Pharmacy Innovations

Insel Gruppe’s Tribute to Clara Winnicki

Swiss Citizenship Laws in the Early 20th Century

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