Lewis Hutchinson

Lewis Hutchinson (1733–1773), a Scottish immigrant to Jamaica, was the first recorded serial killer in Jamaica's history and one of its most prolific.

Early life Hutchinson, better known as the Mad Master and Mad Doctor of Edinburgh Castle, was born in Scotland in 1733 where he is believed to have studied medicine. For many miles, Edinburgh Castle was the only populated location on the way from Saint Ann's Bay, and, not knowing that they would become the target of Hutchinson's rifle, travellers would rest at the castle, only to succumb to the Mad Doctor's attack. Hutchinson murdered for pure sport, what may be described as a thrill killing, as passers-by from all races, shapes, sizes, and incomes were fair game.

What is true about Hutchinson's killings is debatable. He would shoot lone travellers and was said to feed on the flow of his victims' blood as well as dismember them. He or, according to some sources, his slaves would then toss the remains in a cotton tree or a sinkhole for animals to feast on. That sinkhole became known as Hutchinson's Hole. At the height of his crimes, he would invite guests to his castle to be entertained before killing them.

Accomplices During the trial, slaves' stories revealed he did not act alone. Planter James Walker and Roger Maddix were sentenced to death for participating in the murder of farmer William Lickley and schoolmaster Timothy Cronin. Maddix's wife, Dorcas, Miss Susanna Cole and Miss Elizabeth Thomas allegedly watched schoolmaster Cronin's death by strangulation while pinioned in stocks. Cronin's watch and seal were found in Thomas' possession. Miss Thomas was acquitted.