Canadian True Crime

[ Part 1 of 2 ] Since August of 2022, a cascade of distressing allegations have come to light by former students of a deeply intertwined evangelical Christian school and the church that runs it.  So far, criminal charges have been laid on four men in positions of authority.... and more are likely to come. CONTENT WARNING: This series is about allegations of physical, sexual, psychological and spiritual abuse of students and minors at their church-run Christian school. There is heavy focus on corporal punishment, details of grooming and sexual assault of minors, mention of anti-LGBTQ+ and racist rhetoric, mention of self-harm and suicidal ideation. There are also details of religious, spiritual and supernatural beliefs as they relate to these specific allegations.While these allegations have resulted in criminal charges, they haven’t yet been proven or tested in court.In this two-part series, you’ll hear the stories that led to these allegations, as we explore how a set of beliefs that demand absolute co

Three emergency phone calls, two dead teenagers, one smoking gun, and no witnesses—besides the man who was responsible.This is a landmark case that famed criminal defence lawyer Edward L Greenspan would cite as being one of two he worked on over his career that he found to be especially satisfying.Although this particular case flew under the radar, it would have a profound impact on another very high-profile case that we covered last year in this podcast.More info:Greenspan, the Case for the Defence, by Edward Greenspan and George Jonas, 1987[Greenspan] fell in love with the romance of the law... by Sean Fine, The Globe and Mail, 2014SEBASTIAN BURNS and ATIF RAFAY:Washington: no death penalty for Rafay and Burns, CBC News, 2001MICHAEL BRYANT:Decades-old ruling influenced decision to drop charges in Bryant case by Shannon Kari, National Post, 2010 injustice.Canadian True Crime donates monthly to help those facing injustice.To commemorate Pride month we’ve donated to the Canadian Centre for Gender & Se

Dream husband, dream wedding, dream honeymoon, dream home - Mary had it all by the age of 26. But a nightmare was waiting for her just around the corner…More information:Madison Scott Update:  Article in the Prince George Citizen Anyone with information to further the investigation should contact the RCMP Tipline at 778-290-5291 or 1-877- 543-4822.Listen to episode 80: The Disappearance of Madison Scott. Mary Nelles: Philanthropist's cousin...... by Tamara Cherry, Toronto StarEccentric Millionaire "Like a tortured soul", Toronto StarSee pictures on the Canadian True Crime Facebook  Instagram  TwitterFor reference: Couple in dispute with landlord over basement mould before killing: Hamilton Police, Global NewsCanadian True Crime donates monthly to help those facing injustice.To commemorate Pride month we’ve donated to the Canadian Centre for Gender & Sexual Diversity who provide education, research and advocacy to empower gender and sexually diver

[ Part 3 of 3 ] Accusations of coaching witnesses and shaky alibis are levelled at the defenders and supporters of Colin Thatcher. His own contribution from the stand? Deny, deny, deny. And though the jury comes to a verdict, this story doesn’t end there.Content Warning: this episode contains mentions of domestic abuse.Canadian True Crime donates monthly to help those facing injustice.This month we have donated in memory of JoAnn Wilson to the Regina Transition House, an emergency crisis shelter for women and children in the city. Learn more at www.reginatransitionhouse.ca.More information:A Canadian Tragedy: JoAnn and Colin Thatcher: A Story of Love and Hate by Maggie SigginsPodcast recommendation: True Crime BylineFull list of resources, information sources, credits and music credits:See the page for this episode at www.canadiantruecrime.ca/episodes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

[ Part 2 of 3 ] After JoAnn Wilson was shot in the shoulder in her kitchen, she backed down from the custody fight. Colin Thatcher was rewarded for outlasting her, but his fixation was far from over. A series of witnesses would come forward with information almost impossible to believe, revealing a political liability hiding a multitude of secrets behind closed doors.Content Warning: this episode contains mentions of domestic abuse.The final part of this series will be released on Sunday, May 21.LISTEN EARLY & AD FREE: Part 3 will be released mid-week on the premium feeds, where you can listen without any of the ads. CTC premium feeds release episodes at least 24 hours early and are available on Amazon Music (included with Prime), Apple Podcasts, Patreon and Supercast.More information:A Canadian Tragedy: JoAnn and Colin Thatcher: A Story of Love and Hate by Maggie SigginsCycle of Abuse: Understanding the 4 PartsFull list of resources, information sources, credits and music credits:See the page for this

[ Part 1 of 3 ] This is the high-profile tale of one of Canada’s most controversial political families. Several twisted tragedies are wrapped up in this decades-long saga with themes of love and hate, violence and revenge, power and control, divided families and shattered lives—all set against the 1980s backdrop of rural Saskatchewan.Content Warning: this episode contains mentions of domestic abuse.This is a weekly series: Parts 2 and 3 will be released to all on May 14 and 21.Listen ad-free and early on CTC premium feeds, available on Amazon Music (included with Prime), Apple Podcasts, Patreon and Supercast.Newsletter Recommendation - Pod The NorthPod The North - a newsletter about Canadian podcast discovery and ecosystem commentary by Kattie LaurMore information:The Facts about Gender-Based ViolenceA Canadian Tragedy: JoAnn and Colin Thatcher: A Story of Love and Hate by Maggie Siggins.Full list of resources, information sources, credits and music credits:See the page for this episode at www.canadiantruecri

In 2012, a beloved community figure was killed in her own home in an extremely violent attack. It would take a while to learn what happened to her and who was responsible, but the immense loss of her absence was felt immediately by all who knew her - or knew of her."Hi. My name is January. I know it's a cold month, but I make it hot!"CONTENT WARNING:This episode is about the death of a transgender person, and it also includes brief details of Indigenous trauma and residential schools. 24/7 Crisis Line for Indian Residential School Survivors: call 1-800-721-0066More information:Kelly Favro / Publican Ban: GoFundMe (for those able to donate financially).About January: Watch My Name Was January, Sher Vancouver, Sher Vancouver Podcast and Youth AwardFull list of resources, information sources, and credits: See the page for this episode at www.canadiantruecrime.ca/episodesCTC Episode 50: The Murder of Tracy Tom Canadian True Crime donates monthly to help those facing injustice.This month we have donated to th

[Part 2 of 2] Sensational trials are held for three members of the Bannister family to get to the truth of what happened to the Lake family that night—and why a baby was at the centre of it all.Warning: this series includes the death of a young child. Please take care when listening.Old Dorchester County Jail, New Brunswick:https://dorchesterjail.com/Canadian True Crime donates monthly to help those facing injustice.This month we have donated to the Canadian Resource Centre for Victims of Crime.Listen ad-free and early:CTC premium feeds are available on Amazon Music - included with Prime, Apple Podcasts, Patreon and Supercast. Credits:Research and writing: Eileen MacfarlaneAdditional research and writing, sound design: Kristi LeeAudio editing and production, theme songs: We Talk of DreamsProduction assistance: Jesse Hawke Script consulting: Carol WeinbergDisclaimer voiced by Erik KrosbyFor the full list of resources, information sources, and credits:See the page for this episode at www.canadiantruecrime

[Part 1 of 2] One snowy night, a young family fell victim to a terrible accident…. or so it seemed. What really happened to this family - and why - would become fodder for national and international headlines that only got more curious as the investigation progressed.This two-part series covers a historical case that resulted in the first ever kidnapping trial in the province of New Brunswick and the last double hanging in Canada.Warning: this series includes the death of a young child. Please take care when listening.Podcast recommendations:CBC Podcasts: The No Good, Terribly Kind, Wonderful Lives and Tragic Deaths of Barry and Honey ShermanToronto Star: Suspicion | The Billionaire Murders: The hunt for the killers of Honey and Barry ShermanCanadian True Crime donates monthly to help those facing injustice.This month we have donated to the Canadian Resource Centre for Victims of Crime.Listen ad-free and early:CTC premium feeds are available on Amazon Music - included with Prime, Apple Podcasts, Patreon and S

Content warning: This series includes graphic descriptions of sexual violence. Please see resources below.Victoria, British Columbia[Part 2 of 2] Kelly Favro learns she is not alone. Along the way, she meets other sexual assault survivors who also discovered publication bans had been put on their names without their consent - including Jade Neilson and Samantha Geiger. They all experienced negative impacts in completely separate ways, but they agreed that no other sexual assault survivors should have to go through the same experience of law-enforced silence and isolation that they’ve been told is for their own good.Special thanks to Kelly Favro, Jade Neilson and Samantha Geiger.---------------------------------------------------------------SIGN THE PETITION Sign the petition now to give victim-complainants more agency and choice when it comes to publication bans on their names.Deadline: 9am EST on March 10th, 2023Follow on twitter: @AmendPubBanLaws Visit website: www.MyVoiceMyChoice.orgMore inf

Content warning: This series includes graphic descriptions of sexual violence. If you or anyone you know is experiencing sexual violence and abuse, help is available. Please see resources below.Victoria, British Columbia[Part 1 of 2] In this two-part series, we explore Kelly Favro's harrowing journey from surviving a two-hour sexual assault to becoming the first person in British Columbia to have a publication ban removed from her name - by herself.Publication bans are routinely ordered to protect the privacy of vulnerable participants in the criminal justice system. But in the case of sexual assault complainants, what if they didn’t actually consent to the publication ban? What if they don’t want it?What happens when publication bans backfire?Along the way, Kelly met many other sexual assault survivors and learned that she was not alone. You’ll also hear the stories of Jade Neilson and Samantha Geiger, two survivors who discovered publication bans had been put on their names without their consent,

[Part 2 of 2] The trial of Jon Rallo continues. Jon testifies in his own defence, but the crown would present evidence that suggested a very different version of events.  What really happened to Sandra, Jason and Stephanie? Would there be justice in this case?This two-part series provides a snapshot of Canadian history at a pivotal time for both the burgeoning city of Hamilton and the criminal justice system.An additional content warning: this case includes the murder of a child, although no graphic details will be given. Please take care when listening.More information:SECRETS: The untold story of triple killer Jon Rallo by Susan Clairmont for the Hamilton SpectatorCourt DocumentTORSO - The Evelyn Dick Case: CAMPBELL, Marjorie Freeman.: 9780770512033: Books - Amazon.caFamilicide in Canada: 2010-2019 | Canadian Domestic Homicide Prevention InitiativeCharacteristics of 4 Types of Family MurderersCanadian True Crime episode 32 - The Shafia FamilyCanadian True Crime donates monthly to help those facing inju

[Part 1 of 2] In the summer of 1976, the Rallo family appeared to be living the picture perfect family life in the “Golden Horseshoe” area of Southern Ontario.Parents Jon and Sandra with young children Jason and Stephanie had enjoyed a warm family summer full of trips to visit grandparents and swimming... that is, until one morning when Jon woke up to an empty house, and a devastating note.This two-part series provides a snapshot of Canadian history at a pivotal time for both the burgeoning city of Hamilton and the criminal justice system.An additional content warning: this case includes the murder of a child, although no graphic details will be given. Please take care when listening.Release schedule:Part 2 will be released to everyone on February 22 - one week after Part 1.If you're listening ad-free on a premium feed, Part 2 is available now on Amazon Music - included with Prime, Apple Podcasts, Patreon and Supercast. Canadian True Crime donates monthly to help those facing injustice.This month we

ONTARIO  The updated story of the worst-ever case of intimate-partner violence in Ontario—and one of the worst in Canadian history.  In 2015, the lives of three women - Nathalie Warmerdam, Anastasia Kuzyk and Carol Culleton - were snuffed out within hours of each other in a violent murder spree that could have been prevented.Resources for Domestic ViolenceCanada: https://endingviolencecanada.org/getting-help-2/US: https://www.thehotline.org/Signs you’re in an abusive relationship - and how to get helpSongs for Murdered Sisters 2023 Mini TourNow called Atwood, Heggie & Brahms - see ticket info hereWebsite: www.songsformurderedsisters.com/ Podcast recommendation: Devil in the DormIn late 2010, a middle-aged man moved into his daughter's college dorm and created what has all the hallmarks of a cult. Over the decade that followed, he extorted millions of dollars from vulnerable young adults through violence, psychological torture, and forced sex work. You can listen to Law&Crime’s Devil in

NORTHWEST TERRITORIES AND YUKON |  A six week manhunt for a mysterious fugitive who seemed to have superhuman abilities, set against the icy backdrop of the Arctic North in winter. The remarkable search party included RCMP, Indigenous trackers, fur trappers, and even legendary WWI pilot Captain Wop May.Please note: this is a re-mastered and updated re-release of a previous episode. Canadian True Crime will be back with a new episode February 15. Thanks so much for your ongoing support and patience! :)Correction note: although original sources name Gwich'in Special Constable as Lazarus Sittichoulis, we've since learned that his name is actually Lazarous Sittichinli. Our apologies for the error.Credits:Research: Cailen SwainResearch and writing: Kristi LeeAudio editing and production: We Talk of Dreams  Disclaimer voiced by the host of TrueTheme Song: We Talk of DreamsFull list of resources and information sources and credits:See the page for this episode at canadiantruecrime.ca/episodes Hos

Quebec This is the story of Canada’s most valuable theft—perhaps the most Canadian crime ever committed.It was July of 2011, and Avik Caron had a kind of nervous excitement. An opportunity had fallen into his lap to stick it to the “Maple Syrup Mafia” – and, of course, line his pockets with cash as he did so. The problem was, he didn't quite know how to do it. But with Maple Syrup worth over ten times more per barrel than crude oil, what did he have to lose?More information: Winnipeg serial killer targeting Indigenous women 3 First Nations women, 1 unidentified woman were victims of alleged serial killer: Winnipeg police (includes pictures of "Buffalo Girl's" jacket)Community mourns loss of young woman who 'always had a heart for everything' (Rebecca Contois) No hope' of successful recovery of alleged serial killer's victims in landfill: Winnipeg police includes video of press conference with family members Winnipeg serial killings’ cruel details evoke horror — and familiarity. ‘I’m tired of being in danger’

Content warning: graphic details of sexual violence[Part 5 of 5] This final part of the series wraps up the 2022 trial of Jacob Hoggard, exploring how the jury may have arrived at that split verdict and the new information that came out at sentencing. We'll circle back to tie up some loose ends, including the intended testimony from one particular witness who was excluded from the trial, and lastly.... that mysterious 2005 incident at The Embassy Hotel in London Ontario. If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence or abuse, you are not alone. Resources for Sexual Violence and Abuse: REES Community, Ending Violence Canada FULL LIST of resources, information sources, and credits used to make this series:The full list can be found at the page for this episode at canadiantruecrime.ca/episodes.Get early, ad-free access via CTC premium feeds, available on Amazon Music - included with Prime, Apple Podcasts, Patreon and Supercast. Canadian True Crime donates monthly to help those facing

Content warning: This episode includes graphic details of alleged sexual assault specifically involving a minor.[Part 4 of 5] The May 2022 trial of Jacob Hoggard continues, with testimony from complainant “Emma”, Jacob Hoggard himself, and the jury's verdict. Resources for Sexual Violence and Abuse:REES CommunityEnding Violence Canada More information:Court documentsCourt reporting of Alyshah Hasham for the Toronto StarLive tweets from Sean O'Shea for Global NewsDispelling the myths about sexual assault | Ontario.caReporting by Judy Trinh:New Kirkland Lake complainant"Emma from Ottawa""Jessica from Toronto" Get early, ad-free access via CTC premium feeds, available on Amazon Music - included with Prime, Apple Podcasts, Patreon and Supercast. Credits:Research: Eileen MacFarlane of Crimelapse PodcastAdditional research, writing, sound design: Kristi LeeAudio editing and production: We Talk of DreamsProduction assistance: Jesse HawkeTheme songs by We Talk of DreamsDisclaimer voiced by the host of

Content warning: This episode includes graphic details of alleged sexual assault specifically involving a minor.[Part 3 of 5] The trial of Jacob Hoggard started in May of 2022. The first complainant to testify would be the underage complainant who was only 15 and 16 years old at the time of her encounters with Hoggard. More information:Court reporting of Alyshah Hasham for the Toronto StarDispelling the myths about sexual assault | Ontario.caPutting Trials on Trial: Sexual Assault and the Failure of the Legal Profession: Craig, Elaine: 9780773552777: Books - Amazon.caNavigating Mutual Consent Agreements - lessons from BDSM/kink communitiesWhat BDSM can teach us about consentResources for Sexual Violence and Abuse:REES CommunityEnding Violence CanadaCanadian True Crime donates monthly to help those facing injustice.This month we have donated to Good Night Out Vancouver & Ottawa Rape Crisis Centre.Release scheduleNovember 22 and 29.Get early, ad-free access via CTC premium feeds, available on Amazon Mu

[ Part 2 of 5 ] CONTENT WARNING: Graphic details of violent sexual assault and allegations involving a minor. After the allegations of Jacob Hoggard’s inappropriate behaviour with fans surfaced on social media, a survivor finds the courage to come forward and detail her own violent experience with the Hedley frontman. And she isn’t alone for long.More information:"Emma's" story: 'I said stop': Ottawa woman accuses Hedley singer Jacob Hoggard of rape by Judy Trinh"Jessica's" story: Woman accuses Hedley singer Jacob Hoggard of ignoring her ground rules during sex by Judy TrinhResources for Sexual Violence and Abuse:REES CommunityEnding Violence CanadaCanadian True Crime donates monthly to help those facing injustice.This month we have donated to Good Night Out Vancouver & Ottawa Rape Crisis Centre.Release scheduleNovember 15, 22 and 29.Get early, ad-free access via CTC premium feeds, available on Amazon Music - included with Prime, Apple Podcasts, Patreon and Supercast. Credits:Research: Eileen MacFarl