Lady Killers

Killing Mice tells the true story of Mary Pearcey, who became notorious after being convicted of a double murder in 1890. The court found her guilty of killing her lover’s wife and their infant child, sealing her place in criminal history.

Killing Mice is a television programme presented as a single episode. It falls within the crime‑documentary genre and centres on a historical murder case. The format is designed to recount a real‑life event, offering viewers a concise account of the circumstances surrounding a notorious crime from the late 1800s. The episode focuses on Mary Pearcey, a woman who was tried and found guilty of killing her lover’s wife and the couple’s infant child. Her conviction stems from the murder of both the spouse and the baby, an act that shocked contemporary society. The narrative follows the basic facts of the case, highlighting Pearcey’s involvement and the outcome of the legal proceedings. In telling the story, the programme outlines the key elements that led to Pearcey’s conviction. It presents the crime itself – the double homicide of the lover’s wife and baby – and the subsequent judicial decision that branded her as the perpetrator. The account remains strictly confined to these established details, avoiding any speculation beyond the documented verdict. Overall, Killing Mice offers a straightforward retelling of Mary Pearcey’s 1890 case, concentrating on the essential facts: her role in the murders and the resulting conviction. By limiting itself to the core information, the episode provides a clear, factual snapshot of this historical crime.