History buffs still fascinated with the Redpath Mansion murders, 115 years later

Two of Montreal's most notorious unsolved murders happened in the Golden Square Mile neighbourhood 115 years ago today.

Ada MariaRedpath, 59, and her son, Jocelyn Clifford, 26, were considered members of the city's ruling class. The family had become rich buildingtheLachineCanal and foundingRedpathSugar.

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They were found shot to death in their namesake home, theRedpathMansion, near today'sMontreal Museum of Fine Arts.

Today, the cold case continues to fascinate history buffs and the quest continues to find out who killed Ada MariaRedpathand her son.

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On June 13, 1901,Redpathand Clifford were both found in herbedroom in a pool of blood. Their bodies were buried within 48 hours.

There was very little investigation into the murders and the remainingRedpathfamily members did not discuss the tragedy.

Donovan King, founder of ghost tour company Haunted Montreal, said there are numerous rumours surrounding the deaths and many point to a murder-suicide.

"There's lot of speculation over what happened," King said. "Some thought the son murdered the mother, then himself."

"Others say the mother was suffering from insomnia, or that Clifford may have been gay."

Researchers, history buffs try to crack cold case

Peoplehaven't given up trying to solve the mystery over the years.

A research team fromMcGillprepared the cold casefor thewebsite, GreatUnsolvedMysteries in Canadian History.

As part of the research, they unearthed diaries, photos, a coroner's report and condolence letters sent to theRedpathfamily, which are all available on thewebsitefor people to explore the mystery themselves.

For those who like spooky local landmarks King suggests going just a few blocks east, toMcGillUniversity.

A number of its buildings are noted to be haunted, including theRedpathLibrary.

The historicRedpathMansion is unfortunately gone. It fell into disrepair and was torn down by the city in 2014.

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