Burke And Hare: 8 Facts About The Bodysnatchers Who Weren't

Aside from Margaret's body and a few items of clothing, there was little in the way of hard evidence as to what crimes if any had been committed. Two doctors concluded that they suspected foul play but could not prove it. With modern science, it would have been easily achieved, but the Lord Advocate ended up offering William Hare immunity if he would testify against Burke and his partner Helen (Hare's partner was released without charge since Hare could not be made to testify against her.)

Based almost entirely on the confession that Hare gave, Burke and Helen were charged with the murder of Margaret. Helen received the verdict of "not proven", one only available to Scottish juries which allows them to show that while they believe they are guilty, there is not evidence to support it.

This meant that she was released, much to the anger of the public. She required police protection after a mob tried to assault her and she is believed to have left Edinburgh shortly thereafter.

William Burke was sentenced to death by hanging and it was carried out in the Lawnmarket on the 28 January 1829 in front of a crowd of up to 25,000 people.