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Harold Frederick Shipman (14 January 1946 – 13 January 2004), known to acquaintances as Fred Shipman, was an English general practitioner and serial killer. He is considered to be one of the most prolific serial killers in modern history, with an estimated 250 victims. On 31 January 2000, Shipman was found guilty of murdering fifteen patients under his care. He was sentenced to life imprisonment with a whole life order. Shipman hanged himself in his cell at HM Prison Wakefield, West Yorkshire, on 13 January 2004, aged 57. The Shipman Inquiry, a two-year-long investigation of all deaths certified by Shipman,...

Elderly women's deaths baffle N.C. police By Paul Nowell, Associated Press Writer, 2/6/2004 SHELBY, N.C. -- Police Chief Charlie VanHoy isn't quite sure what he has on his hands, but he's worried. From August to November last year, three elderly women were found dead in their beds, dressed in their nightclothes, with no sign of forced entry into their homes. Phone lines were severed, yet medical examiners found no foul play. Further confusing matters, jewelry, pocket books -- even loaded guns -- were not taken. "This is just baffling and very frustrating," VanHoy said Thursday. Lottie Mae Ledford, 85, was...

Serial kliller Harold Shipman is dead after being found hanging in his cell at Wakefield prison. The ex-GP's death comes after his privileges were taken away as a punishment for his rudeness and arrogance to prison staff and other inmates. The ex-GP had his prisoner status reduced from "enhanced" to "basic" for general non-compliance with the regime inside, it was reported. A prison source was quoted as saying: "He has got such an offensive, obnoxious attitude." The television in his cell has been removed and he had to wear the prison uniform instead of more comfortable casual clothes. Shipman, 57,...