The Its Murder Up North podcast explores true crime stories across the north of England. There are missing person cases, unsolved murders, and tales of disturbing serial killers. Some accounts may be more familiar for their media coverage and wide-reaching impact. Others are more obscure cold cases and mysterious events. The podcast's host is northerner Jenny Hacking, who reveals a new crime in every episode. Having lived near some of the most infamous cases, she wanted to learn more about them. The details may be a little hard to hear, though. So at the start of each new episode, Jenny advises listener discretion.
The first podcast episode focuses on the famous case file of James Bulger. Two 10-year-old boys kidnapped and murdered James when he was only two years old. Jenny explains her feelings about the case, as her little brother was the same age as James. She describes witnessing fear on her mother's face when her brother got lost in a shopping center. It took a split second for her to lose hold of his hand, but to her relief, a security guard found him safe and content.
This relatable experience caused James' case to resonate. Jenny details the case and refers to his mother's heartbreaking book, I Let Him Go. As the murder overshadowed much of James' story, Jenny focuses on him and his family life on the podcast. The following episode explores what happened to him in one of the most horrific murder cases ever documented.
Other cases explored in the podcast include that of Albert Pierrepoint, an English hangman. He executed hundreds of people during his career. These included John George Haigh and Gordon Cummins, "the Blackout Ripper." Jenny investigates these cases across a five-part series. Its Murder Up North is for anyone curious about true crime stories in northern England. On the podcast, Jenny strives to showcase the people at the story's center, who are often seen only as victims.
Episodes