In 2014, on the first long weekend of the summer, a Calgary mother went to her parents’ home to pick up her five-year-old son following a sleepover. When she got there, all three were missing. Who would kidnap a five-year-old child and his grandparents, and why? It was the start of one of the longest Amber Alerts in Canadian history and a race against the clock to find the missing trio. In part one of this two-part series of Crime Beat, ‘Hunted by Evil,’ Global News senior crime reporter Nancy H...
Oct 19, 2021•54 min•Season 4Ep. 1
Over her 25 year career as a crime reporter...each case she's covered stays with her…But...there are some... that haunt her. They’re heartbreaking and horrific…difficult to revisit...because to bring you these stories she goes through hundreds of photos, court exhibits... graphic evidence. This season on Crime Beat, we share the high-profile cases you’ve asked me about...and others that maybe you’re not as familiar with. Nancy Hixt, is a senior crime reporter with Global News…join her on season ...
Oct 12, 2021•2 min
Introducing Episode 1 of China Rising - Hostage Diplomacy On the first episode of China Rising, we examine the Chinese government's practice of detaining political prisoners, by hearing directly from Canadians who've become caught in the crossfire. Christian aid workers Julia and Kevin Garratt lived in China for 30 years before their arrest in 2014, when they were suddenly cast as pawns in a geopolitical chess match. The Garratts’ traumatic experience is eerily similar to the case of the 'Two Mi...
Jun 22, 2021•35 min
Global News crime reporter Nancy Hixt gives you a behind-the-scenes look at Crime Beat. From digging up stories to writing and putting together this podcast, join Nancy as she explains how it all comes together. In this episode, she shares insight on journalism, crime reporting and even answers some of your questions. She also introduces you to the Crime Beat team -- which includes Chris Bassett, Dila Velazquez and Rob Johnston. Contact: Twitter: @nancyhixt Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Nan...
Jun 01, 2021•1 hr 8 min•Season 3Ep. 17
In the summer of 1999, the RCMP in central Alberta investigated a horrific case involving two children. A father murdered his little girl and tried to kill his son. The case haunted investigators for decades. But it was particularly traumatic for one officer because it launched a completely unrelated series of events that ultimately led to him being wrongfully accused of sexual assault. It would leave his life torn in pieces. In part two of this special Crime Beat series, Global News crime repor...
May 18, 2021•1 hr 2 min•Season 3Ep. 16
On a cool rainy day in the summer of 1999, an old Chevy van was seen speeding on a highway from the backcountry eastbound towards Rocky Mountain House, Alta. There was a large piece of canvas attached to the bumper and it dragged behind the van. A short time later, the vehicle pulled into the ambulance bay at the Rocky Mountain House hospital. A man went in and identified himself as Brian Hogg. He was covered in blood and had lacerations to both of his wrists. Hogg asked the doctor to check on h...
May 04, 2021•43 min•Season 3Ep. 15
In early 2007, a young widowed mother of two was just settling into a bigger home after living for several years in a cramped apartment with her extended family. Aset Magomadova was looking forward to spring because she finally had a backyard and was going to plant a garden. The family came to Calgary as refugees from war-torn Chechnya where they experienced imprisonment, homelessness, severe injuries and loss. Arriving in Canada brought new hope. This was the place her dreams were supposed to c...
Apr 20, 2021•55 min•Season 3Ep. 14
In the fall of 1996, the Canadian sports world was rocked by a major sex abuse scandal. NHL player Sheldon Kennedy courageously went forward to police to reveal he suffered years of abuse at the hands of his childhood coach, Graham James. When Kennedy broke his silence, it started an important conversation around sexual assault and opened the door for others to do the same. In 1997, James pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting two former players -- including Kennedy. He admitted to sexually assau...
Apr 06, 2021•1 hr 7 min•Season 3Ep. 13
On this episode of the Global News podcast Crime Beat, crime reporter Nancy Hixt shares a story of one young man’s grit and determination despite a massive loss. On Jan. 25, 2012, police were called to a residential community in downtown Calgary. They found a man lying outside of a home. Gatleak Thor Metkurjock, 20, was breathing but unconscious. His face was swollen, he had blood by his nose and mouth, and he had hypothermia. Metkurjock was rushed to hospital by ambulance but died the next day....
Mar 23, 2021•1 hr 1 min•Season 3Ep. 12
It’s a police tactic that uses both science and art. From Jack the Ripper to outlaws of the wild west-- or even more recently in the case of the Golden state killer-- for hundreds of years, investigators have used sketches to try and identify offenders. Many early drawings were fairly crude and often they were more like artist renditions of what evil looked like versus accurate depictions of what witnesses saw. Over years experts have fine-tuned their techniques and even now police agencies all ...
Mar 09, 2021•44 min•Season 3Ep. 11
In the summer of 1981, a group of teenagers was out exploring the countryside in southeastern Alberta. They had stopped to scout a path around a lake when they came across something that would haunt them even four decades later. There was a body on the shoreline, and immediately they knew it wasn’t an accidental drowning. A female was face down, bound by ropes to cinder blocks. The teens flagged down a boater and asked him to call police. Several days later, they learned the young woman they fou...
Feb 23, 2021•46 min•Season 3Ep. 10
In February 2018, an Alberta woman went to police to file a complaint against a Calgary neurologist. The woman alleged she was sexually assaulted during a neurological exam in 2007. She told Global News she was suffering from migraines at the time, and that’s why she was referred to Dr. Keith Hoyte. She was shown into the examination room by a nurse, who told her to take off her shirt and bra and put on a gown. The woman said she felt uncomfortable, but the nurse said it was policy. When the neu...
Feb 09, 2021•1 hr 4 min•Season 3Ep. 9
In the spring of 2004, "Carly" was a bright-eyed, smart and bubbly young girl. The 17-year-old was just months away from finishing high school — but for the moment, she was focused on her friends and making good memories. Carly is not her real name. Her identity is protected by a court-imposed publication ban. On March 26, 2004, she got off school early, which was typical for a Friday. That day she had an uneasy feeling that she couldn’t shake. But she also couldn’t explain it. She hung around h...
Jan 26, 2021•51 min•Season 3Ep. 8
In the fall of 2013, a little boy was taken to a Calgary hospital by his parents. The 14-month-old child was in “severe medical distress.” Soon after, he was transferred by ambulance to the nearby Children’s Hospital where he suffered a cardiac arrest. Multiple trauma doctors and specialists saw and treated John. He was put on an IV and placed on a ventilator, but hours later he went into a second cardiac arrest. On Nov. 29, 2013, at 12:47 p.m. — less than 24 hours after his parents first brough...
Jan 12, 2021•53 min•Season 3Ep. 7
If you watch CSI or crime shows on TV, this special edition of the Crime Beat podcast is a must-listen. Global News crime reporter Nancy Hixt takes you on a behind-the-scenes look at forensic investigations. She’s joined by Sgt. Jodi Arns, an expert in bloodstain pattern analysis with the Calgary Police Service. Follow along as she explains the critical role the forensic crime scenes unit plays in solving cases, including the ones we share on this podcast. If you enjoy Crime Beat, please take a ...
Dec 29, 2020•45 min•Season 3Ep. 6
In early November 2011, Cherry Ledesma was looking forward to a fresh start. She was living in temporary housing, run by a social agency while waiting to get into a substance abuse treatment program. Ledesma battled addictions most of her life and had been in treatment before but this time she was determined to make it work. The mother of five was very close with her kids. They regularly called and often stopped by to see her. But for a couple days that month, no one could reach her. She wasn’t ...
Dec 15, 2020•1 hr 17 min•Season 3Ep. 5
You’ve heard the stories. You’ve felt for the people involved. But what happens after the cameras shut off and the reporters walk away? Just because a story disappears from the news doesn’t mean it’s gone. So whatever happened to the nuclear disaster at Fukushima? or the trapped Chilean Miners? And did anything actually come out of the Ice Bucket Challenge? Join Global News reporter, Erica Vella on this unique history podcast as she takes you inside these stories and talks to the people at the h...
Dec 04, 2020•11 min
On this episode of the Global News podcast Crime Beat, crime reporter Nancy Hixt shares the story of Brooke Clapson and the violence that followed her. As a child, Brooke was a ray of sunshine in her mother’s life. But there was a dark shadow of domestic abuse that loomed over their home that left scars on the young girl that she could never erase. As a teen, the expression “you live what you learn” played out in her life after she started dating Jerime Mallette. Mallette was two years older tha...
Dec 01, 2020•1 hr 4 min•Season 3Ep. 4
On this episode of the Global News podcast Crime Beat, crime reporter Nancy Hixt shares the story of the evil and senseless plot against Ray Johnson. Johnson was a kind and generous soul, the kind of man who would give the shirt off of his back to someone in need. He was an antiques and collectibles dealer and had a table at a Calgary flea market. In January of 2009 he celebrated his 77th birthday, and enjoyed daily routines that included coffee every morning to start his day with his youngest d...
Nov 17, 2020•1 hr 18 min•Season 3Ep. 3
The deadliest shooting spree in Canada’s modern history left us with far more questions than answers. Join Sarah Ritchie, a reporter for Global News in Halifax, as she tries to unravel how something like this could happen there. Sarah will take you through every hour, as it unfolded and together you’ll try and piece together what happened, what could or should’ve been done to prevent it and what we can learn to make sure a tragedy of this magnitude never happens again. 13 Hours: Inside the Nova ...
Nov 09, 2020•11 min
On this episode of the Global News podcast Crime Beat, crime reporter Nancy Hixt shares the story of a young mother who’s plans to rebuild her life were tragically interrupted. March 10, 2015, was a typical Monday for Jessica Newman. Her boyfriend took her home that morning after a weekend together at his place. Later that afternoon, her roommate dropped her off at a Calgary bar and grill so she could work the night shift. Her roommate expected to hear her come home around 10 that night. The hou...
Nov 03, 2020•1 hr 18 min•Season 3Ep. 2
On this episode of the Global News podcast Crime Beat, crime reporter Nancy Hixt shares the story that will leave you questioning what horrors you can encounter-- just two doors down. May 4, 2013 was a beautiful spring day in Calgary. In one suburb, new neighbours met for the first time and decided to get together for a barbeque and drinks. It was a memorable night filled with good conversation and laughter… There’s a lasting reminder of that evening, a photo of the two men with their arms aroun...
Oct 20, 2020•51 min•Season 3Ep. 1
Nancy Hixt has been a crime reporter for nearly 25 years and in that time she's pretty much seen it all. Things she never imagined possible, things she never believed one human would do to another. On Season 3 of Crime Beat she'll share stories that can only be described as mind-blowing and with so many twists and turns they're hard to believe they’re fact, not fiction. Real crimes… Real people …Real journalism Crime Beat season three begins October 20. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit me...
Oct 06, 2020•2 min
Global News crime reporter Nancy Hixt shares new information and insight into cases from the past two seasons in this special episode of Crime Beat. Listen to updates and insights to the following cases: If I can’t have you no one can - https://www.nadiashopefoundation.com/ The boy who overcame the odds The final homecoming of Lukas Strasser-Hird The boy who fell through the cracks Concrete Angel Darkness in the Pass The Brentwood five massacre Contact: Twitter: @nancyhixt Facebook: https://www....
Jun 30, 2020•39 min•Season 2Ep. 21
After the release of Crime Beat: Daniel, silenced at 26 days, crime reporter Nancy Hixt received countless messages from listeners who reached out about the case—including many who knew Shelby Herchak, Daniel's mother, at that time. In an update to this story--we share with you a new perspective on baby Daniel’s story--from another person who has been impacted by his death. Contact: Twitter: @nancyhixt Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NancyHixtCrimeBeat/ Email: nancy.hixt@globalnews.ca Learn m...
Jun 16, 2020•40 min•Season 2Ep. 20
On this episode of the Global News podcast Crime Beat, crime reporter Nancy Hixt shares a story of a child whose life was silenced, snuffed out and stolen-- so young he never had a chance. In the summer of 2010, EMS were called to a Calgary home where an 18-year-old single mom, Shelby Herchak, lived with her parents and her baby. The infant, just 26 days old, was rushed to hospital. But baby Daniel Herchak’s injuries were so severe, he died hours later. At a media conference soon after, Calgary ...
Jun 02, 2020•1 hr•Season 2Ep. 19
On this episode of the Global News podcast Crime Beat, crime reporter Nancy Hixt shares the story of a man who became the victim of a senseless crime and the unfortunate hands life dealt him throughout his life. This case began, in the spring of 2014, when the co-manager of a Calgary Walmart was closing up shop and getting ready to head home. As he walked out to the parking lot with several coworkers, they spotted a man on a nearby bench who looked to be in medical distress. A closer look reveal...
May 19, 2020•1 hr 5 min•Season 2Ep. 18
This episode begins with an investigation that rocked Alberta's foster care system. Garry Prokopishin took in troubled teenage boys: kids with behavioural and substance abuse issues. His foster home was considered a last resort for teens who had nowhere else to go. Those boys described having all the freedom in the world at the Prokopishin’s. They were allowed to smoke, they could have friends over, party, go out and not get in trouble. Prokopishin also took them out for dinner and drinks and ma...
May 05, 2020•58 min•Season 2Ep. 17
In this episode, Global News crime reporter Nancy Hixt, turns to the experts including police, judges and lawyers, to answer your questions about crime, the courts and COVID-19 -- and what it all means for your safety. The novel coronavirus has affected all of us. Many have lost loved ones, businesses have closed, thousands have lost their jobs. People are asked to stay home wherever possible, to self-isolate and to maintain social distancing. With that, there are added strains on many relations...
Apr 21, 2020•47 min•Season 2Ep. 15
On this episode of the Global News podcast Crime Beat, crime reporter Nancy Hixt brings us to Part 3 of her special series, the Brentwood five massacre. This episode takes an in-depth look at what it means to be found not criminally responsible (NCR) in Canada. Carol de Delley understands the anguish of what NCR can mean for the family of a victim, as few others can. She lost her son, Timothy McLean, in one of the most high profile cases in Canadian history where the killer was found NCR. In 200...
Apr 07, 2020•1 hr 12 min•Season 2Ep. 14
