The Redpath Family Murders

The Redpath family, under the patriarch John Redpath, played a significant role in the development of 19th-century Montreal.

Redpath Family: Wealthy and Prominent in Late 19th Century Montreal

John Redpath: Influential Businessman and City Developer

During the late 19th century in Montreal, the Redpath family enjoyed significant prominence and affluence. At the core of the family's stature was John Redpath, the patriarch who became an immensely influential businessman and city developer. He owned a construction company that was pivotal in erecting many of the city’s landmarks.

Redpath Mansion: Designed For Privacy With Separate Entrances For Guests, Se ...

On June 13, 1901, a tragedy struck the Redpath family as Ada and her son Clifford were found dead from gunshot wounds in their family mansion.

June 13, 1901: Ada and Son Clifford Found Dead From Gunshots

On this fateful day, Peter Redpath discovered his mother, Ada, and brother, Clifford, deceased. He found Ada with a gunshot wound to her head lying on the carpet, while Clifford lay nearby with a wound to his head and a gun resting on the floor close to his hand.

Earlier, Ada had invited friends over for dinner. However, when they arrived, they encountered a scene of chaos and were turned away by the servants due to the "accident." Clifford, who was found unresponsive but still alive, was rushed to the hospital, where he subsequently died. An examination by the doctors revealed that Ada was shot in the back of the head and Clifford in his left temple. Notably, foam was found in Clifford's mouth.

Coroner's Inquest: Alleged Epilepsy Seizure Led Clifford to Shoot Ada, Then Himself

Doctor Roddick, upon reviewing the case, theorized that Clifford, in a moment of extreme distress caused by an epileptic seizure, shot his mother and then himself. This narrative got bolstered by the presence of foam in Clifford's mouth, a symptom often associated with seizures. After the jury accepted Dr. Roddick's theory, it became the official narrative: Clifford's seizure made him shoot his mother, Ada, and then himself.

Yet there were signs of pressure and strain in Clifford's life, such as considerations for partnership at his law firm and his studies for the bar exam. Despite these factors, epilepsy was named as the trigger for the tragic events.

Inquest Criticized; Bullet Locations Omitted From Report

The investigation into these deaths was expedited, and the resulting c ...

Speculations about the tragic events that unfolded in the Redpath Mansion have circulated for years, prompting various theories about the identities and motives of the individuals involved.

Theory: Grudge-Bearing Intruder Broke Into Redpath Mansion and Committed Murders

It’s worth mentioning that there is no new information provided in the transcript specifically supporting the theory of a grudge-bearing intruder breaking into the Redpath Mansion.

Theory Weakened by Lack of Evidence of Outsiders and Planned Crime

The theory that an intruder may have been responsible is weakened by the lack of any evidence pointing to outsiders or suggesting a planned crime.

Theory: Ada, In Declining Health, Killed Clifford Then Herself

A pervasive theory involves Ada Redpath being the perpetrator in the shooting, potentially during a struggle with her son Clifford or as a dark decision to prevent him from leaving her due to her dependence from years of illness.

This May Explain the Rushed Investigation and Cover-Up to Protect Ada's Reputation

This theory might explain why the investigation seemed rushed and possibly covered up, possibly to protect Ada's reputation posthumously.

Decision to Invite Guests For Dinner Questions Theory

However, the theory that Ada would commit murder is questioned by the family's decision to invite guests for dinner on the night of the shootings.

Oldest Daughter Amy Redpath Likely Involved In Murders

Some speculation falls on Amy Redpath, who was closely involved in caring for her mother and family, which might have become an unbearable burden.

Amy Grew Tired Of Caring For Ada and Clifford

Amy’s responsibilities and tireless dedicat ...

The Redpath family sought to maintain secrecy and respectability after the deaths of Ada and Clifford Redpath, and their actions seemingly aimed at controlling the flow of information led to theories and suspicions that persist due to the demolition of the Redpath mansion.

Redpath Family Buried Ada and Clifford, Sought Privacy, Avoided Police Probe

The Redpath family conducted the inquest into Ada and Clifford's deaths privately within their mansion, which contrasts with modern protocols of holding inquests in court. They buried the deceased within 48 hours and subsequently avoided public discussions about the event. The local police only became aware of the incident accidentally, implying a desire on the Redpath’s part to avoid a police investigation. The inquest raised questions due to its privacy, limited investigation, and the lack of accounting for the whereabouts of family members and servants at the time of the shooting. It failed to examine possible suspects thoroughly, and only selected testimonies were considered.

Criticism of Redpath Mansion Inquest For Lack of Thoroughness, Family Influence

Critics found the inquest at the Redpath mansion to be strange due to its hurried nature and lack of thoroughness. The family's influence over the inquest was evident as it took place in their home, and a rigorous police investigation was avoided. The rush to complete the inquest allowed the family to shape the narrative to their liking.

Family Claims Clifford Had Epilepsy to Shape Narrative

In a bid to influence public perception, the Redpath family introduced the narrative that Clifford suffered from epilepsy, despite there being no previous record of the condition nor any mention in Amy’s diaries about Ada's health. Dr. Roddick, the family physician, suggested epilepsy could be the cause before the inquest took place, and he informed reporters about this theory immediately after the deaths. Such haste in releasing thi ...