Who is Dr. Hawley Harvey Crippen (1862-1910) from Thunderstruck and what is their importance?

Dr. Hawley Harvey Crippen is the medical doctor, who is found guilty of murdering his wife in the case of the North London Cellar Murder. He was born in Coldwater, Michigan, and he received his education the University of Michigan's School of Homeopathy in 1882. Crippen never graduates. He is later employed by a series of patent medicine companies.