Twisted 2s # 6: Harold Shipman & Cash for Kids Scandal

SCARY MYSTERIES - TWISTED TWO's: Harold Shipman and The Cash for Kids ScandalTales of hauntings, murder and scary mysteries, Every week Twisted Two's dives into a pair of uniquely terrifying true stories that are worthy of a more in depth look.This week our stories focus on one of the world's most prolific serial killers and a bribery scandal that ruined thousands of kids lives. Get ready for Scary Mysteries, Twisted Two’s#1 Dr. Harold ShipmanHarold Shipman was an esteemed doctor who graduated from Leeds School of Medicine in England. He began his practice in the 70s, working as a general practitioner and became a well respected member of society. But in 1998 he was arrested - and is speculated of killing more than 200 of his patients. Born in 1946, Harold was the middle child growing up and the object of focus for his domineering mother, Vera. Over the years she would gradually instill in him a sense of superiority and that he was special and better than everybody else. This greatly affected Harold and showed in his relationships as an adolescent and adult. His mother later on died from terminal lung cancer but while taking care of her, he was fascinated by the effects morphine had on her while she was suffering. As a general practitioner, he showed great dedication to his patients. But that was a façade because behind closed doors, he was more evil then anyone could imagine. It was the local mortician that first noticed that many of his patients died in the same position of sitting up right. The undertaker approached Shipman about this and the doctor assured him that it was nothing to worry about. The Cash for Kids Scandal The Cash for Kids Scandal is one of the most notorious political and bribery scandals ever uncovered in the US justice system.The story came to light in 2008 and centers around two Pennsylvania judges, Mark Ciavarella and Michael Conahan, who sentenced thousands of juveniles with mundane crimes into a for profit jail. In exchange, the two men received more than $2.6 million in kickbacks from the owners and creators of the facilities. The crimes committed are nearly commonplace. One 14-year old created a fake and humorous Myspace page of her school's vice principal. Another student who was12-years old, was put in juvenile detention for cursing at another student's mother and yet another was put in jail when his parents unknowingly bought a stolen scooter and gave it to him. Countless juveniles suffered the same unfair judgment, particularly from Judge Chavarella so he could feed more children into the for profit detention centers. Many of the young victims and their families were often persuaded and others coerced to head to court and waive their right to counsel. Without having any chance to defend themselves, they would be pronounced guilty and sentenced to juvenile detention for months at a time or even years. For some, it started them down the path of being in and out of the system and ruined many children’s lives forever.So there were a two of the most killer and scandelous stories around. The world can be a crazy place and Twisted Two’s is sure to show you why.Support the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices