Myra Hindley, the infamous Moors murderer, revealed that her partner Ian Brady's chilling two-word justification for their killing spree was his lifelong obsession with committing the 'perfect murder'. The couple murdered five children between 1963 and 1965, burying their bodies on Saddleworth Moor in northern England.
Background to the Murders
Hindley and Brady, who were romantically involved, killed their first victim, 16-year-old Pauline Reade, on July 12, 1963. They sexually assaulted her before Hindley struck her face, causing a bloodied nose, and Brady slit her throat. Hindley later claimed Brady had been grooming her for months, introducing her to violent pornography and books about murder.
In 1966, Hindley was sentenced to life in prison for murdering 12-year-old John Kilbride and 10-year-old Lesley Ann Downey, and for being an accomplice in the murder of 17-year-old Edward Evans. Brady also received a life sentence for all three murders. In 1986, both confessed to killing Keith Bennett, 10, and Pauline Reade.
Hindley's Explanation Behind Bars
Hindley died in prison in 2002. Two years before her death, she told the Guardian: 'I understand that it can't be a film for me. I know that what you do has to be balanced. I just feel it's right after all this time to explain what happened. Then people can decide what they think.' She then provided a disjointed account of the events, including Brady's rationale: the 'perfect murder'.
Professor Malcolm MacCulloch, a forensic psychiatrist who interviewed Brady over several years, said that understanding the context before the murders is crucial. He noted that Hindley's descriptions of her abusive father showed her ability to handle violence calmly, suggesting she was not easily intimidated.
Hindley's Relationship with Brady
Hindley first met Brady at Millward's Merchandise, where they both worked. She described being instantly attracted to him, but he was often distant and abusive. She wrote in her diary about her longing for his affection. Her life changed at the office Christmas party when Brady danced with her.
Hindley claimed Brady began brainwashing her, spreading hatred against Black people and Jewish people, and ridiculing her Catholic faith. He introduced her to the book 'Compulsion', about a 12-year-old child being kidnapped and killed, and later told her he wanted to commit a 'perfect murder' and that she would help him.
The First Murder
On July 12, 1963, Hindley lured Pauline Reade into her van, pretending to look for a lost glove on Saddleworth Moor. Brady then led Pauline away, sexually assaulted her, and slit her throat. Hindley later said: 'Three people died that night: Pauline, my soul and God.'
Detective Chief Superintendent Geoff Knupfer, who took Hindley's confession in 1986, said she was 'absolutely besotted' by Brady and that before meeting him, she was a normal girl who would have married and had a family.
Aftermath and Reflection
Hindley expressed deep regret for her role in the murders, particularly the killing of Lesley Ann Downey, whose pleas were recorded by Brady. Hindley said: 'I find it hard to believe that I could have been such a cruel, cruel bastard.'
Professor MacCulloch noted that Hindley's accounts of sexual violence were more severe than her police confession, but he doubted her claims of being intimidated, given her tough-minded nature. Knupfer concluded that Hindley's actions were driven by her love for Brady, a pattern he had seen in other women in his career.
