Casefile True Crime Case 73: The Lady in the Barrel
Jan 17, 2018
Three boys discover a barrel with a decomposed body in Staten Island, sparking a mysterious murder case. The woman's identity remains unknown, leading to a chilling investigation with shocking revelations. Edward Reinhardt, the woman's husband, is convicted of the murder after living a double life, culminating in his execution in 1881.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Cause of Death Theories and Identification Efforts
- Initially, it was thought she died from a botched abortion, but there was a skull fracture.
- Public viewings of the body failed to produce identification.
First Identification Attempt
- Louis Reig identified the body as Ellen Murphy, his pregnant lover who disappeared.
- However, Ellen's landlady testified she left for Ireland, creating doubt.
Second Identification Attempt
- The Hummels believed the body was their daughter Annie, based on a story of pregnancy and disappearance.
- Exhumation and examination of the body disproved this theory due to a lack of a childhood wrist fracture.