Doctor Death
Dr. Harold Shipman, a respected British General Practitioner,
was found to be the most prolific serial killer in modern history;
it is estimated that he killed 250 patients and perhaps more.
during twenty-seven years of practice by lethal injection of heroin.
The majority of his victims were elderly woman living alone,
although some died in his practice, there was even a young girl;
suspicion arouse over the number of cremations of his patients,
with a cause of death of old age, so an investigate was launched.
That investigation resulted in no charges being laid at the time,
Dr. Death as he became nick-named continued to kill patients;
finally, the death of a healthy 81 year old lady caused concern,
not only her death, but a forged copy of her will was found.
Finally, a full investigation with bodies exhumed where possible,
found that the women had been murdered and their jewelry stolen,
in 2000, Dr. Shipman was found guilty of 15 women's deaths,
and he was sentenced to life in prison with no chance of parole.
A day before his 58th birthday, Dr. Shipman hanged himself,
with sheets from the bars of his cell, it was a cowardly act;
since his death in 2004, there have been TV specials, books,
documentaries, podcasts, movies, books, a song, even a play.
To honor the victims a memorial garden was created in Hyde,
it is called The Garden of Tranquility, it opened in 2005;
but what I fail to understand is how this man could kill so many
and no one noticed that something was not making sense.
_______________________
August 26, 2022
Poetry/Narrative/Doctor Death
Copyright Protected, ID 08-1483-537-26
All Rights Reserved, 2022, Constance La France
Written for the Standard contest, Dr. Harold Shipman
sponsor, Joe Maverick, Judged 09/02/2022
Second Place
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