Ian Brady (The Moors Murderer)

Ian Duncan Stewart Brady was born on January 2, 1938, in Glasgow, Scotland. Born out of wedlock, he was raised by foster parents while maintaining limited contact with his biological mother. During childhood he developed an interest in literature, philosophy, and history, but those close to him later described him as emotionally detached and increasingly isolated.

As a young adult Brady accumulated convictions for burglary and theft before serving a prison sentence. After moving to Manchester he obtained work at Millwards Merchandising, where he met Myra Hindley. Their relationship quickly developed into one of Britain's most infamous criminal partnerships, with investigators later describing Brady as the dominant influence behind the crimes.

Between 1963 and 1965, Brady and Hindley murdered five children from the Manchester area: Pauline Reade, John Kilbride, Keith Bennett, Lesley Ann Downey, and Edward Evans.

Investigators concluded Brady selected the victims while Hindley frequently helped gain their trust before the pair carried out the murders. Several victims were buried on Saddleworth Moor, while Edward Evans was killed inside the couple's home.

The murders generated nationwide outrage and became known as the Moors Murders. The case remains one of the most infamous criminal investigations in British history.

Investigators determined Brady deliberately targeted vulnerable young victims before persuading them to accompany him and Hindley. The offences were carefully planned, with secluded locations chosen to conceal evidence and delay discovery.

Police and forensic investigators concluded Brady played the leading role in planning the murders and disposing of victims. His organised approach and willingness to conceal the crimes for years became defining characteristics of the investigation.

Psychiatric assessments carried out during his imprisonment consistently described Brady as highly manipulative, emotionally detached, and fascinated by power and control.

The murders came to an end on October 6, 1965, when Edward Evans was killed inside Brady's Manchester home. Evans' brother-in-law, David Smith, witnessed the attack and immediately contacted police.

Detectives quickly searched the property and recovered evidence linking Brady and Hindley to Evans' death. As the investigation expanded, officers connected the pair to several missing children and began searching Saddleworth Moor.

The discovery of additional victims confirmed police were investigating one of Britain's worst murder cases. Brady was arrested and later charged alongside Hindley.

In 1966, Ian Brady was convicted of the murders of Edward Evans, Lesley Ann Downey, and John Kilbride and sentenced to life imprisonment.

Further investigations later established his responsibility for the murders of Pauline Reade and Keith Bennett. Brady remained imprisoned for the rest of his life under a whole-life tariff, ensuring he would never be released.

For much of his imprisonment Brady was detained at Ashworth Hospital, where he remained until his death on May 15, 2017, at the age of 79.

Ian Brady became one of the most studied offenders in British criminal history. Throughout his imprisonment he wrote extensively, corresponded with journalists and criminologists, and repeatedly challenged attempts to assess his mental state. Despite his public profile, he consistently remained one of Britain's most reviled prisoners.

His refusal to assist fully in locating Keith Bennett's remains caused decades of additional anguish for the victim's family and ensured the case remained in the public eye long after his conviction. The Moors Murders continue to influence discussions surrounding criminal psychology, sentencing, missing persons investigations, and child protection in the United Kingdom.