Real Cases. Real Cops. Real Talk.
Crime Time Inc.
Former detectives Tom Wood and Simon McLean bring you inside Scotland's most gripping criminal cases. Real investigations. Real insight. No fluff.
5
Seasons
268+
Episodes
★ 5
Apple Podcasts
Fresh Episodes
Latest Episodes
S5 · E31 · 38:25
Zodiac Killer Suspect Arthur Leigh Allen: The Evidence, the Doubts & the Unanswered Questions | Episode 9 Part 2
In this episode, we review the case made against Arthur Leigh Allen, the man long considered by many to be the leading suspect in the Zodiac Killer investigation. Tom and Simon break down the strongest points pointing toward Allen, including his proximity to key crime scenes, his familiarity with coded messages, witness identification, shoe size, violent behaviour, and the disturbing testimony that he taught children how to create and decipher codes. But this episode also focuses on the evidence that muddies the picture. The discussion explores the disputed fingerprint and palm print evidence, the limits of the handwriting analysis, the problems with partial DNA from the Zodiac letters, and how easily investigators can become locked onto one suspect while dismissing contradictions. The conversation also looks at Allen’s background in the US Navy, his psychiatric history, his conviction for offences against a child, and the importance of building a proper timeline around his movements, incarceration, communications, and behaviour. Tom raises key investigative questions: What exactly was Allen treated for psychiatrically, and when? What did he actually do during his Navy service? Why were some potentially incriminating items found, but no firearms, ammunition, or clear cryptographic material? Was too much weight placed on forensic evidence that may have been contaminated, incomplete, or misunderstood? The episode also examines the role of Don Cheney, asking whether he should have been treated more seriously as a suspect or at least as a critical line of inquiry. This is a detailed look at how cold case reviews should be approached: start at the beginning, separate fact from theory, revisit early witness statements, and resist the temptation to force the evidence to fit the favourite suspect. If you are fascinated by the Zodiac case, suspect profiling, forensic ambiguity, and the psychology of major investigations, this is an essential listen. About Crime Time Inc. Season 5 of Crime Time Inc. broadens its reach across two sides of the Atlantic. This season features cases from Scotland and across the wider UK — rooted in real investigative experience — alongside deep dives into some of the most infamous murder cases in American history. Hosted by former detectives Simon and Tom, with experience in both the UK and the United States, including time working alongside the FBI, the show strips away sensationalism to explain how crime and justice really work. Two crime worlds. One podcast. New episodes released regularly throughout the season. Our Website: https://crimetimeinc.com/ If you like this show please leave a review. It really helps us. Please help us improve our Podcast by completing this survey. http://bit.ly/crimetimeinc-survey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S5 · E30 · 1:00:00
Arthur Leigh Allen: The Zodiac Killer’s Prime Suspect? | Episode 9
Episode 9 of The Zodiac Killer series focuses entirely on Arthur Leigh Allen — the man law enforcement pursued for decades and the only suspect ever publicly named in the case. From Donald Cheney’s explosive 1971 account to Michael Mageau’s later identification, Allen’s case is packed with disturbing coincidences, alleged admissions, and behavior investigators found impossible to ignore. We break down the full timeline: Allen’s background in Vallejo, his reported pre-crime statements, the Zodiac Sea Wolf watch, the Lake Berryessa alibi, the search warrants, the pipe bombs, and the claims made in Netflix’s 2024 documentary This Is the Zodiac Speaking. But this episode also examines the other side of the case: the fingerprints that did not match, the handwriting experts who excluded him, the partial DNA that failed to connect him, and why he was never charged. Was Arthur Leigh Allen the Zodiac Killer — or the most compelling wrong suspect in true crime history? 00:00 Prime Suspect Setup 01:43 Allen Early Life 04:24 Grievances And Red Flags 05:54 Cheney Bombshell Tip 07:00 Lovers Lane Details 11:54 Credibility And DNA Wrinkle 15:10 First Police Interview 16:26 Watch Alibi And Knives 19:33 Handwriting Excludes Allen 20:43 Search Warrant And Arrest 22:51 Spinelli Names Allen 25:27 1991 Search And Bombs 27:48 Blue Rock Springs Revisited 28:58 Mageau Photo Lineup 30:55 Voice Witness Limits 32:28 Allen Dies and Search 33:14 DNA and Handwriting Tests 35:52 Forensic Caveats Explained 37:01 Netflix Seawater Claims 40:49 Beach and Riverside Trips 44:35 Confession Accounts Weighed 46:19 Case For and Against 53:20 Why Allen Endures 56:53 Final Question and Next About Crime Time Inc. Season 5 of Crime Time Inc. broadens its reach across two sides of the Atlantic. This season features cases from Scotland and across the wider UK — rooted in real investigative experience — alongside deep dives into some of the most infamous murder cases in American history. Hosted by former detectives Simon and Tom, with experience in both the UK and the United States, including time working alongside the FBI, the show strips away sensationalism to explain how crime and justice really work. Two crime worlds. One podcast. New episodes released regularly throughout the season. Our Website: https://crimetimeinc.com/ If you like this show please leave a review. It really helps us. Please help us improve our Podcast by completing this survey. http://bit.ly/crimetimeinc-survey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S25 · E29 · 52:10
Why Drug Laws Aren't Working — A Former Detective's Take
Knife Crime Rumours, Sub Judice Rules, and Scotland’s Violence Reduction Success Simon and Tom discuss a daylight knife incident in Edinburgh’s Calders that sparked widespread online misinformation, prompting Police Scotland to issue rare clarifications while constrained by sub judice rules; Tom explains how the Contempt of Court Act and Lord Advocate’s guidelines limit pretrial commentary to protect fair trials. They compare “perp walk” publicity with Scottish practice, including WWII-era German spy arrests in Scotland where press photos prevented the suspects being turned into double agents and led to executions. The conversation turns to emergency-service responses to knife incidents and the balance between waiting for specialist support and the duty to protect life. They cover Ian Huntley’s prison assault and how the Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman murders exposed failures in intelligence-sharing about dangerous offenders. Tom highlights the Violence Reduction Unit’s 20-year impact, noting murders fell from 137 in 2005 to 47, and argues its public-health approach could inform drug policy amid rising lethal synthetics. They also touch on citizen’s arrest/self-defence, skepticism about “international law,” and football-related disorder. 00:00 Cold Open Banter 00:16 Edinburgh Knife Incident 01:36 Misinformation And Police Response 02:58 Sub Judice Explained 05:14 Perp Walk And Spy Photos 09:07 Emergency Services And Risk 14:53 Ian Huntley Case Lessons 18:42 Violence Reduction Unit Success 23:22 Drug Laws And Public Health 26:26 Root Causes Not Choices 26:42 Football As Diversion 29:03 Community Clubs Origins 30:14 Boxing And Discipline 33:37 PR Spin And Distractions 35:39 VRU Principles And Praise 37:44 Vigilantes And Self Defence 40:20 International Law Skepticism 46:19 Peaky Blinders And Gang Lore 49:00 Old Firm Songs And Policing 51:48 Wrap Up And Next Topics Episodes referred to in this show. Sheila Anderson Season 1 Episodes 27/28 https://crimetimeinc.com/episodes/sheila-anderson-unsolved-leith-s-heroin-turning-point-part-1 https://crimetimeinc.com/episodes/sheila-anderson-unsolved-leith-s-heroin-turning-point The Expendables (The Beautiful Spy) Season 1 Episodes 25/26 https://crimetimeinc.com/episodes/the-expendables-1 https://crimetimeinc.com/episodes/the-expendables-2 About Crime Time Inc. Season 5 of Crime Time Inc. broadens its reach across two sides of the Atlantic. This season features cases from Scotland and across the wider UK — rooted in real investigative experience — alongside deep dives into some of the most infamous murder cases in American history. Hosted by former detectives Simon and Tom, with experience in both the UK and the United States, including time working alongside the FBI, the show strips away sensationalism to explain how crime and justice really work. Two crime worlds. One podcast. New episodes released regularly throughout the season. Our Website: https://crimetimeinc.com/ If you like this show please leave a review. It really helps us. Please help us improve our Podcast by completing this survey. http://bit.ly/crimetimeinc-survey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Hosts
Straight From the Case Files
Tom Wood
Co-Host
Tom Wood is a retired detective and bestselling author of "Ruxton: The First Modern Murder". With decades of experience in Scottish law enforcement, Tom brings unparalleled insight into criminal investigations and forensic history.
Simon McLean
Co-Host
Simon McLean is a former detective who has worked alongside the FBI on major investigations. His experience spans organised crime, serious assault, and complex criminal networks across Scotland.
Chris Burt
Producer
Chris Burt is the producer of Crime Time Inc, handling all aspects of audio production, post-production, and digital content.
Listener Reviews
What Listeners Say
Absolutely Gripping
“Tom and Simon bring an authenticity to true crime that you just can't fake. Having two actual detectives walk you through these cases is incredible. Essential listening.”
— ScottishCrimeFan · Apple Podcasts
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