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Five seasons. 268+ episodes. Cases from across the world — dissected, debated and brought to life by two former detectives who've seen it all.
273 episodes
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.
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.
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.
Peter Tobin: Hunting Shadows
🎙 Crime Time Inc. – Jane Hamilton Book Launch Peter Tobin: Hunting Shadows | The Scottish Serial Killer Case In this special episode of Crime Time Inc., Tom sits down with investigative journalist Jane Hamilton for the first in-depth discussion of her new book: Peter Tobin: Hunting Shadows This episode explores the crimes of Peter Tobin, one of Scotland’s most notorious serial killers, and the long investigation that linked him to the murders of: Vicki Hamilton (15) Dinah McNicol (18) Angelika Kluk (23) Rather than glorifying the killer, Jane’s book focuses on the lives of the young women he murdered — and the investigative journey that uncovered the truth. 📚 About the Book – Peter Tobin: Hunting Shadows Publisher: Mirror Books Release Date: 26 February Written in memory of Vicki Hamilton, Dinah McNicol and Angelika Kluk A journalist’s perspective on one of Scotland’s darkest criminal investigations Jane was present from the earliest days of the Angelika Kluk investigation in Glasgow, when her body was discovered beneath the floorboards of St Patrick’s Church in 2006. That murder ultimately exposed Peter Tobin’s hidden past and led to the reopening of earlier missing persons cases. 🔎 The Peter Tobin Case: A Timeline 1991 – Vicki Hamilton disappears in Bathgate on a freezing February night 1991 – Dinah McNicol vanishes after hitchhiking from a music festival 2006 – Angelika Kluk murdered in Glasgow Post-2006 – Operation Anagram links Tobin to earlier murders Tom reflects on his own policing experience during the Vicki Hamilton investigation and explains why Tobin was one of the hardest serial killers in Scotland to catch — frequently changing addresses, aliases and identities. 🎧 What This Episode Explores The psychology of an opportunistic serial killer How Peter Tobin evaded detection for years The role of Operation Anagram in linking cold cases Grooming, vulnerability and offender behaviour patterns The differences between police investigations and investigative journalism The decline of long-form crime reporting in modern media Jane also shares how she tracked down Tobin’s former wives and pursued leads internationally to build a fuller picture of the man behind the crimes. 📰 Investigative Journalism vs Police Investigation This episode offers rare insight into: How journalists build trust without legal powers The ethical challenges of reporting on serial murder Telling victims’ stories without sensationalism Why historical true crime still resonates today 🎙 Why This Episode Matters The Peter Tobin case remains one of the most significant serial killer investigations in Scottish criminal history. This conversation highlights: The human cost behind the headlines The long shadow cast by unresolved missing persons cases The importance of persistence in both policing and journalism 🔔 Listen If You’re Interested In: Scottish serial killer cases Peter Tobin and Operation Anagram Cold case investigations True crime podcast discussions Investigative journalism 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 Zodiac Killer Investigation: Why He Was Never Caught
The Zodiac Killer Investigation: Why He Was Never Caught Fingerprints, ciphers, and the multi-agency manhunt that led nowhere By the end of 1970, the Zodiac had murdered across four California jurisdictions, mailed taunting letters and cryptic ciphers to newspapers, and walked away without ever being identified. In this episode, we examine the investigation itself — the coordination between Solano County, Vallejo, Napa County, and San Francisco; the role of the California Department of Justice; and the mountain of evidence that ultimately led nowhere. We explore the key forensic pillars of the case: the latent fingerprints recovered from Paul Stine’s taxi, the handwriting analysis linking confirmed Zodiac letters, the physical evidence from multiple crime scenes, and the disputed connection to the 1966 murder of Cheri Jo Bates. Despite thousands of tips, hundreds of suspects, and decades of review, no match was ever made. Why did the investigation fail? And was the Zodiac simply clever — or just lucky? Next episode: the suspects. 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.
Princess Diana and the Anatomy of Close Protection: When Security Works — and When It Fails
Princess Diana’s decision to dismiss her official protection officers changed everything. John Lennon walked out of the Dakota without security — and paid the ultimate price. In this episode of Crime Time Inc., Tom and Simon go inside the rarely-seen world of close protection — the meticulous planning, quiet threat assessments, and fragile trust that stand between public figures and catastrophe. This is not Hollywood bodyguard mythology. It’s the real machinery of prevention. Drawing on decades of operational experience, we explore how personal protection officers (PPOs) are selected, how risk is assessed, and why security is judged only on the rare occasions it fails — not the thousands of times it works perfectly. In this episode: Why cartel “decapitations” rarely change the drug trade How VIP protection is actually allocated in the UK The role of trust between principal and protection team Princess Diana, Martin Bashir, and the collapse of protective trust John Lennon’s assassination — and what close protection would likely have identified Fixated individuals, mental health policy changes, and escalating risk Royal logistics: route planning, venue reconnaissance, and layered security The Nottingham killings and the hard questions about management and containment Charles Bronson and the parole dilemma: how do you assess “safe to release”? Recidivism, early release, and the consequences of under-resourced aftercare The Lord Advocate explained — and why Scotland’s dual-role system is under strain Key takeaway Close protection is mostly invisible. It’s preparation, prevention, and discretion. When it succeeds, nobody notices. When it fails, history remembers. Follow Crime Time Inc. on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major platforms for insider analysis of the systems that shape crime, punishment, and public safety. You can buy the books mentioned in the podcast's by clicking the links below Tom's Best Selling Book: Ruxton: The First Modern Murder Paperback Edition Ruxton: The First Modern Murder Kindle Edition Simon's Best Selling Book: The Ten Percent Paperback Edition The Ten Percent Kindle Edition 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 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.
Zodiac Killer: The Cipher Years and the Bus Bomb Threat
In the weeks after Paul Stine’s murder, the Bay Area waited for the next strike—but what came next wasn’t a confirmed attack. Instead, the Zodiac launched a long, unnerving campaign of letters, ciphers, and threats that kept the region in fear for years. In Episode 7, “The Cipher Years,” we track the communications that defined the next phase of the case: the Dripping Pen card, the infamous Z340 cipher, shifting “scorecards,” and messages that escalated from taunting investigators to threatening mass harm. We also examine major flashpoints from 1969–1970: the letter to celebrity attorney Melvin Belli, the disputed abduction of Kathleen Johns, the “My name is—” cipher, the Mount Diablo map, the “Little List” letter, and the chilling Halloween card sent to journalist Paul Avery. This is the story of how the Zodiac may have paused his confirmed killings—but never stopped trying to control the narrative. 00:00 After Stine Fear 01:06 Dripping Pen Card 01:58 Z340 Cipher Arrives 34:43 Building Trust First 36:55 Assembling the Review Team 37:53 Forensic Rethink and DNA 41:23 AI Promise and Pitfalls 42:51 Suspects and Linked Crimes 44:25 Science in the Field 51:31 Why Murders Get Solved 54:21 Assumptions and Outliers 55:51 Managing Media Tip Floods 01:01:36 Ego Games and Wrap Up Next episode: the investigation itself—how multiple agencies coordinated, what evidence they had, and why an arrest never came. The Robert Black Murders mentioned in this episode can be found in season 1 Episodes 3-8 You can buy the books mentioned in the podcast's by clicking the links below Tom's Best Selling Book: Ruxton: The First Modern Murder Paperback Edition Ruxton: The First Modern Murder Kindle Edition Simon's Best Selling Book: The Ten Percent Paperback Edition The Ten Percent Kindle Edition 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 zodiac killer, zodiac cipher years, z340 cipher, dripping pen card, melvin belli zodiac letter, kathleen johns zodiac, mount diablo map, paul avery halloween card, zodiac killer letters, zodiac killer timeline 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.
Prince Andrew Arrested Over Epstein Links: Arrest vs Detention Explained
Crime Time Inc. is back with a fast-moving news episode that spans royalty, politics, policing procedure, and the darker realities of online crime. We start with breaking headlines reporting that former Prince Andrew has been arrested and taken into police custody. With details still emerging, Simon and Tom focus on what the word “arrest” actually means in practice—how it differs from voluntary attendance, what “not free to go about your business” really looks like, and why arrest does not automatically mean someone will be charged. From there, we turn to Scotland and the Peter Murrell case—where the scale of the allegations, the timing around a looming election, and the release of charge details into the media have ignited a political storm. We explain the Scottish legal process in plain English, including what happens at a pleading diet, what “sub judice” means for reporting, and why perceptions of independence matter when the Lord Advocate is both head of prosecution and part of government. We also zoom out to a chilling wider trend: reports of large volumes of online offences involving children—and the warning signs that some offending is being “normalised” in certain online spaces. Simon and Tom discuss what that means for policing, for parents, and for society. Finally, we cover a major US missing-person/kidnapping case involving Nancy Guthrie, the role of the FBI in kidnapping investigations, and the pros and cons of using large rewards to generate information—when it helps, and when it can muddy the waters. As always: we discuss ongoing cases as allegations and reported developments. Everyone is innocent unless and until proven guilty in court. If you’ve got thoughts—or you think we’ve missed an angle—message us via the website and we’ll share listener feedback in a future episode. What we cover (quick scan): Prince Andrew: arrest vs voluntary attendance vs being arrested during interview What “police custody” really means (and what can happen next) Scotland: Peter Murrell case, media reporting, and election timing Sub judice explained (why some details can’t be discussed) Lord Advocate controversy: prosecution independence vs government role Online offences involving children: scale, detection, and “normalisation” Nancy Guthrie: FBI role, ransom/reward dynamics, investigative friction Prince Andrew arrest; misconduct in public office; Jeffrey Epstein UK; Sandringham; police custody explained; sub judice UK; contempt of court; Peter Murrell charges; SNP finances; Lord Advocate Scotland; online child exploitation; National Crime Agency child sexual abuse; Nancy Guthrie missing; Savannah Guthrie mother abducted; FBI kidnapping investigation; reward for information 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.
How the Zodiac Killer Murdered Paul Stine and Escaped
In Episode 6 of The Zodiac Killer, we return to San Francisco—two weeks after Lake Berryessa—for the case that changed everything: the murder of taxi driver Paul Stine in Presidio Heights on October 11, 1969. This attack was different. Different victim. Different setting. Different risk. Under streetlights, with witnesses watching from across the road, the killer lingered—cutting a piece of Stine’s shirt, wiping the cab, and walking away with eerie calm. We break down the full Presidio Heights timeline, what the Robbins witnesses reported, the police response, and the error that may have helped the Zodiac escape: a broadcast description that sent officers looking for the wrong suspect. We also examine the evidence that made this the most significant Zodiac crime scene: bloody latent fingerprints, the composite sketch, the shirt piece mailed to the San Francisco Chronicle, and the Zodiac’s chilling escalation—threats against schoolchildren and a school bus. Finally, Simon and Tom dig into the investigative angles: patterns, escalation, and what the “gap” before the Zodiac claimed responsibility might suggest. If you’re researching the Zodiac case, this episode is your deep dive into the murder many consider the turning point—and the last confirmed Zodiac killing. 00:00 Two Weeks of Silence… Then Zodiac Strikes in San Francisco 01:19 Who Was Paul Stine? The Man Behind the Fifth Confirmed Victim 02:50 October 11, 1969: A Routine Fare Turns Deadly 05:13 Witnesses Across the Street: Shirt Tearing, Wiping Prints, Calm Escape 08:16 Police Arrive—And a Radio Description Error Changes Everything 12:02 Fouke & Zelms Encounter: Did Zodiac Speak to Police or Walk Past? 14:44 Best Evidence Yet: Bloody Fingerprints, Composite Sketch, and a Flood of Tips 21:12 Zodiac’s Shirt-Swatch Letter & the School Bus Threat 24:54 Aftermath and Meaning: Why Stine Changed the Case (and Why Zodiac Got Away) 35:39 Simon & Tom React: Military Links, Fingerprints, and “Triangulation” 44:31 Open-Minded Investigations: Bring in Outside Expertise & Test Your Theory 46:13 Presidio Heights Patrol Stop: Why Not Talking to the Witness Matters 48:29 Mistakes, Blame Culture, and Why Candour Saves Cases 50:43 Surveillance Lessons: No Guesswork, Instant Comms, Total Honesty 55:00 Control Room & Radio Descriptions: How One Error Warps the Search 01:00:18 Forensics and Disclosure: When “No DNA” Becomes the Defense 01:02:41 Zodiac’s Escape Route: The Park, the Military Angle, and Policy Files 01:08:25 House-to-House Done Right: Dog Walkers, Curtain Twitchers, and Breakthroughs 01:13:33 Wrap-Up Banter & Sign-Off You can buy the books mentioned in the podcast's by clicking the links below Tom's Best Selling Book: Ruxton: The First Modern Murder Paperback Edition Ruxton: The First Modern Murder Kindle Edition Simon's Best Selling Book: The Ten Percent Paperback Edition The Ten Percent Kindle Edition 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 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.
Steve Wright: Suffolk Strangler, Victoria Hall & the Cold Case Breakthrough
How Suffolk Constabulary secured justice decades later — and what this case reveals about sex worker safety, family liaison, evidence-led policing, and whistleblowers. In this episode of Crime Time Inc., Simon and Tom examine Steve Wright — widely known as the “Suffolk Strangler” (also referred to as the “Ipswich Ripper”) — and the cold case breakthrough that linked him to the 1999 abduction and murder of 17-year-old Victoria Hall. We unpack what made Suffolk Constabulary’s investigation stand out, how advances in forensic science can reopen “closed” history, and why long-term family liaison support can matter for decades, not days. Simon and Tom also explore the realities of policing vulnerable communities, the risks faced by sex workers working on the street, and how systems and legislation can unintentionally increase danger rather than reduce it. The conversation broadens into “policing politics” — when forces get pulled into high-stakes public controversies — and finishes on a practical, real-world discussion of whistleblowers: how to separate genuine warnings from grievance, and why leadership must follow the evidence either way. Listener note: This episode discusses murder and violence against women. Chapters / Timestamps 00:00 Crime Time Inc. intro 00:44 A pause from Zodiac: back to the Suffolk Strangler case 02:42 Suffolk Constabulary’s investigation & long-term family liaison 05:18 Broadchurch and what not to do as a family liaison officer 07:22 Steve Wright, victims’ families, and the 1999 case 08:39 Pattern, geography, and “spree” timelines 10:32 Could there be other victims? What a national review would look like 12:38 Background, travel, and potential links to other cases 13:59 Databases, forensic backstops, and eliminating suspects 15:36 Sex work, safety, and where the system increases risk 29:10 Policing politics and resource drain 41:36 Whistleblowers vs malcontents — how leaders should respond 46:30 Evidence, objectivity, and recurring lessons 47:10 Closing reflections Steve Wright, Suffolk Strangler, Ipswich Ripper, Victoria Hall, Suffolk Constabulary, cold case, DNA evidence, forensic science, family liaison officer, sex worker safety, policing politics, whistleblowers, UK true crime, Crime Time Inc, Simon and Tom In memory of Victoria Hall (17) — murdered in 1999. Anneli Alderton, Paula Clennell, Gemma Adams, Tania Nicol, Annette Nicholls — murdered in the Ipswich area in 2006. You can buy the books mentioned in the podcast's by clicking the links below Tom's Best Selling Book: Ruxton: The First Modern Murder Paperback Edition Ruxton: The First Modern Murder Kindle Edition Simon's Best Selling Book: The Ten Percent Paperback Edition The Ten Percent Kindle Edition 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 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.
Zodiac Killer: Lake Berryessa Stabbing (Hartnell & Shepard)
Two former senior detectives examine the Zodiac Killer’s most disturbing escalation: the Lake Berryessa attack. In broad daylight, the Zodiac abandons the gun, dons a costume, and turns murder into performance. We unpack what this shift reveals about planning, psychology, investigative blind spots in 1969, and why—despite unprecedented evidence—the killer still walked away. We also explore cryptography, Air Force links, witness behaviour, and the uncomfortable reality that the Zodiac wounded more victims than he killed. What we cover (chapter guide) 00:00 — Cold open: Episode context; why Lake Berryessa marks a turning point 01:10 — The silence before the storm: August 1969 and the lull after the cipher 05:30 — Setting the scene: Pacific Union College, Bryan Hartnell, Cecelia Shepard 10:15 — Lake Berryessa: daylight, isolation, and opportunity 14:40 — Witnesses before the attack: watching, waiting, selecting 18:10 — The costume appears: hood, symbol, and psychological theatre 22:30 — Control and deception: the escaped-convict story and premeditation 26:50 — Knife vs. gun: why this choice matters more than it seems 32:20 — The attack: sequence, survival, and what Hartnell could tell police 38:10 — Aftermath: the car door message and the call to Napa Sheriff’s Office 42:45 — Evidence rarely seen in Zodiac cases: shoe prints, palm print, handwriting 47:30 — The Air Force connection: wing-walker boots and cryptography skills 53:10 — What 1969 police didn’t have: DNA, databases, behavioural profiling 59:40 — Performance vs. panic: what the shaking hands reveal 1:04:30 — Victim focus: remembering Cecelia Shepard 1:09:20 — Why this case still matters: escalation, audience, and unfinished justice (Timings may vary slightly by platform.) Key takeaways “This wasn’t impulsive.” The costume, bindings, and knife show planning and rehearsal. “Daylight changes everything.” Witness quality improves—but so does offender confidence. “The Zodiac wasn’t trained to kill.” He wounded more victims than he killed, even at close range. “Evidence isn’t the same as answers.” Lake Berryessa produced more physical clues than any prior attack—yet still no suspect. “This was theatre.” The Zodiac needed to be seen, remembered, and talked about. Helpful context The Lake Berryessa attack (27 September 1969) is the only confirmed Zodiac assault with surviving victims and a full eyewitness account. It is also the only Zodiac crime involving a costume and a knife, making it critical for behavioural analysis. Listener note This episode contains discussion of violent assault and homicide. Listener discretion advised. Call to action If you value case-led analysis grounded in real policing experience, follow or subscribe. Share this episode with someone who thinks the Zodiac was “just a cipher and some letters.” You can buy the books mentioned in the podcast's by clicking the links below Tom's Best Selling Book: Ruxton: The First Modern Murder Paperback Edition Ruxton: The First Modern Murder Kindle Edition Simon's Best Selling Book: The Ten Percent Paperback Edition The Ten Percent Kindle Edition 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 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.
Epstein Files Fallout in the UK: Mandelson, Starmer, Vetting Failures — and the Victims We Forget
Two former senior detectives unpack the latest Epstein-files political shockwaves and what they reveal about power, vetting, and institutional judgement—before turning the spotlight back where it belongs: trafficking, coercion, and the victims who get sidelined. We also dig into jury decisions in protest cases, the realities of policing resources, and why the $100 bill may be the ultimate “quiet” enabler of illicit finance. What we cover (chapter guide) 00:00 — Cold open: Tom & Simon catch up; “what’s happening in the UK?” 00:26 — Epstein files & UK fallout: why this story is detonating now, and what the controversy says about leadership judgement 03:12 — Politics vs. priorities: why scandal crowds out wars, crises, and policy 04:04 — “He was vetted” (really?): what enhanced/positive vetting should look like (ex-police perspective) 06:38 — The “useful rogue” problem: why institutions sometimes gamble on ruthless operators 09:22 — The human cost: why trafficking stories get buried beneath political theatre 12:48 — Spotting exploitation in plain sight: why awareness training can matter (and where it can fall short) 13:59 — Sex work realities: poverty, coercion, stigma, and the gap between politics and lived experience 21:14 — Case reference: the Sheila Anderson murder (Edinburgh, 1983) and what it changed in policing 25:52 — Resources & reality: why money, kit, and trained people decide what gets solved 35:48 — Protest trials & juries: when verdicts collide with public mood—and the risks of perceived “justice failure” 44:59 — The $100 bill mystery: why printing more high-denomination notes raises uncomfortable questions Key takeaways “An email is forever”: digital records outlive reputations—and institutions ignore that at their peril. “Vetting isn’t a tick-box”: real vetting corroborates, triangulates, and verifies—especially for elite appointments. “Scandal coverage is easy; victim coverage is hard”: the media default often erases survivors from the frame. Helpful context Recent reporting describes major political controversy in the UK tied to Epstein-related document releases and questions around Mandelson’s links and appointment vetting, with ongoing scrutiny and investigation coverage. Listener note This episode discusses sexual abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and violence. Listener discretion advised. Call to action If you value victim-focused coverage and real policing insight, follow/subscribe and share this episode with someone who only sees the headlines. The Tragic Case of Sheila Anderson Part 1 Season 1, Ep. 27 February 25, 2024 Part 2 Season 1 Ep 28 March 3, 2024 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.
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