SYMHC Classics: Redpath Murders

Hosts Holly Frey and Tracy V. Wilson introduce the tragic and mysterious deaths of Ada Maria Redpath and her son Jocelyn Clifford in 1901 Montreal. Despite occurring over a century ago, the details surrounding the shooting remain highly speculative and largely erased from history. The segment begins to trace Ada's early life, starting with her birth into a prominent family.

This segment details the background of the prominent Redpath family of Montreal, focusing on Ada and John James Redpath's marriage, their family's construction and sugar fortune, and the development of the elite Square Mile neighborhood. It also discusses Ada's chronic health struggles, her medical treatments in New York, and her reliance on her children after her husband's death.

This segment explores the close-knit relationships within the Redpath family, focusing on Amy Redpath's devotion to managing the household and Clifford Redpath's promising law studies at McGill University. It highlights their mother Ada's declining health and intense emotional dependence on her children, setting the stage for the impending tragedy.

Holly and Tracy discuss the immediate aftermath of the shooting of Ada and Clifford Redpath, clarifying that they were discovered immediately by family and staff rather than later as some press reports suggested. They highlight inaccuracies in early newspaper coverage, such as the report in the Calgary Herald.

Following the tragic Redpath family shootings, a lack of official investigation and the family's silence fueled intense public speculation and conflicting newspaper reports. Various media outlets proposed theories of insomnia-induced madness or a drunken rage, until a swift coroner's inquest ruled that Clifford Redpath killed his mother during an epileptic fit before taking his own life.

The hosts discuss the conflicting newspaper reports regarding the number of shots fired during the Redpath tragedy. They also highlight the unusual lack of a police investigation, noting that coroner Ed McMahon was called directly while the family refused to share details.

The coroner's jury hears testimony from family members, doctors, and household staff regarding the tragic deaths of Ada Redpath and her son Clifford. Dr. Roddick's testimony establishes the theory that Clifford, suffering from epilepsy, shot his mother and then himself during a temporary fit of insanity. Meanwhile, Harold Redpath releases a public statement defending his brother's character and suggesting a sudden mental aberration.

The hosts discuss the aftermath of the Redpath family tragedy, including the suspicious lack of suicide records and the quick, high Anglican funeral arranged for Clifford and Ada Redpath. Amy Redpath took control of the family's narrative, destroying letters and remaining in the home, while the family's legacy lived on through major donations to McGill University.

The hosts discuss the literary works of Amy Redpath, who wrote closet dramas and poetry. They share her poem, 'Perfect in Thy Promise,' which she wrote to cope with the tragic loss of her brother, Clifford.