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 ki...
Dec 15, 2022•1 hr 7 min•Ep 127•Transcript available on Metacast 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...
Nov 29, 2022•1 hr 27 min•Ep 126•Transcript available on Metacast 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 Community Ending Violence Canada More information: Court documents Court reporting of Alyshah Hasham for the Toronto Star Live tweets from Sean O'Shea for Global News Dispelling th...
Nov 22, 2022•1 hr 24 min•Ep 125•Transcript available on Metacast 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 Star Dispelling the myths about sexual assault | Ontario.ca Putting Trials on Trial: Sexual Assault and...
Nov 15, 2022•1 hr 6 min•Ep 124•Transcript available on Metacast [ 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 accus...
Nov 08, 2022•1 hr 10 min•Ep 123•Transcript available on Metacast [Part 1 of 5] CONTENT WARNING: Graphic details of violent sexual assault and allegations involving a minor. FROM CANADIAN IDOL TO CONVICTED SEX OFFENDER As frontman for the pop-rock band Hedley, Jacob Hoggard was known for pushing boundaries—both on and off the stage. By 2022 he would also be known as one of Canada's most notorious sex offenders. How did his behaviour go unchecked for so long? This series explores how the rise and downfall of Jacob Hoggard in the era of #metoo, and how myths aro...
Nov 01, 2022•1 hr 12 min•Ep 122•Transcript available on Metacast FORT McMURRAY | In 2002, the family of 25-year-old DJ Robert LeVoir reported him missing after they hadn't heard from him for two weeks. But the RCMP didn't seem to be doing much to help, in fact they didn't publicly announce Robert's disappearance for 8 months. Understandably frustrated by the lack of progress, his family had no way of knowing that an elaborate plan to discover what had happened to Robert was already being set in motion behind closed doors. Correction note: since re...
Oct 15, 2022•1 hr 21 min•Ep 121•Transcript available on Metacast [Part 2 of 2] Cases that have had notable or major updates. Approximate timestamps: 1:00 The Johnson Bentley Family Murders 5:30 The Abbotsford Killer 9:00 The Murder of Jagtar Gill 15:00 Lush & Whiteway Families 20:00 The Renfrew County Murders - 2022 Inquiry 28:00 The Brentwood Five 36:00 The Death of Ezekiel Stephan AD-FREE episodes are available via our Premium Feeds Sign up via Apple Podcasts, Patreon or Supercast Credits: Research: Enya Best Narration, writing: Kristi Lee Audio editing...
Oct 02, 2022•48 min•Transcript available on Metacast [Part 1 of 2] These episodes take you through cases we've covered that have had major or notable updates, or have attracted notable feedback. Kristi will also be responding to some of the most common feedback received. Approximate timestamps: (Give or take a few minutes) 3:00 National Day for Truth and Reconciliation - September 30 24-Hour National Residential School Crisis Line 1-866-925-4419 Take Action: The T&R Commission Calls to Action 5:00 Remembering the late Diem Saunders...
Oct 01, 2022•1 hr 6 min•Transcript available on Metacast NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR In the winter of 2000, 13-year-old Samantha Walsh was supposed to walk a short distance home from her grandmother’s house—but she never made it. This is the gripping story of how the tiny seaside town of Fleur De Lys, NL came together to support a local family during a devastating time. More information: Into the Night: The Samantha Walsh Story by Gordon Walsh Sam's Place website Samantha's Saltwater Joys facebook page Fleur de Lys Soapstone Quarry National Historic Sit...
Sep 15, 2022•1 hr 16 min•Ep 120•Transcript available on Metacast QUEBEC | The story of one of the first instances of in-flight bombing, one of the worst mass murders in Canadian history, and the last woman to hang. In 1949, a passenger plane fell from the sky in the Sault-au-Cochon area of Quebec, killing everyone on board... Full list of resources and information sources and credits: See the page for this episode at canadiantruecrime.ca AD-FREE episodes are available via our Premium Feeds Sign up via Apple Podcasts, Patreon or Supercast Ima...
Aug 01, 2022•1 hr 17 min•Ep 119•Transcript available on Metacast [ Part 6 of 6 ] The conclusion. Review the evidence: WATCH : The Surveillance Footage at the mid-block pedestrian crossway WATCH: Eyewitness statements and 911 call audio READ: Collision Reconstruction Report READ: Transcript from May 25 2010 Court Proceeding Media referenced in this episode: READ: Lost Boy: The death of Darcy Allan Sheppard , by Jennifer Wells, December 26, 2013 WATCH: Michael Bryant's Ted X Talk READ: 28 Seconds: A True Story o...
Jul 01, 2022•2 hr 56 min•Ep 118•Transcript available on Metacast [ Part 5 of 6 ] After the court proceeding comes to a close, things continue to snowball, leading Darcy Allan Sheppard's loved ones and supporters to press harder for the truth. Review the available evidence*: WATCH : The Surveillance Footage at the mid-block pedestrian crossway Michael Bryant's book 28 Seconds states: "It was Darcy Sheppard who, moments later, drove within inches of my driver’s-side door, as our Saab was stopped a little farther west on Bloor Street...
Jun 22, 2022•1 hr 21 min•Ep 117•Transcript available on Metacast [ Part 4 of 6 ] The rest of Michael Bryant's version of events is provided to the court by the special independent prosecutor, as he explained his decision to withdraw the charges. At the time, the court heard that Bryant's version of events lined up with the evidence, but years later when documents containing details of a large amount of that evidence were publicly released, a different story emerges. Resources referenced: WATCH: Surveillance video released briefly by the media WATCH...
Jun 15, 2022•1 hr 5 min•Ep 116•Transcript available on Metacast TORONTO, ONTARIO [ Part 3 of 6 ] In this episode, the Collision Reconstruction experts determine what happened in the incident that led to Darcy's death, Michael Bryant finally reveals his side of the story, and more. Resources referenced: WATCH: Surveillance video released briefly by the media WATCH: Eyewitness statements and 911 call audio READ: Collision Reconstruction Report READ: Transcript from May 25 2010 Court Proceeding Full list of resources and information sources and credits: Se...
Jun 08, 2022•1 hr 13 min•Ep 115•Transcript available on Metacast [ Part 2 of 6 ] Unravelling the aftermath of the incident that caused Darcy Allan Sheppard’s death—the twists and turns that came with each new day, and how investigators worked to get to the truth of exactly what happened. Important articles mentioned: Cyclist may have grabbed Bryant, wheel: police , uncredited, CBC News, September 2, 2009 Spinning the first week of Michael Bryant’s new life , by Linda Diebel, September 5, 2009 Michael Bryant’s spin class by Joe Friesen, September 18, 2009...
Jun 01, 2022•1 hr 3 min•Ep 114•Transcript available on Metacast [ Part 1 of 6 ] On a warm summer evening in 2009 there was a violent collision on a downtown Toronto street, an incident so unimaginable that it left bystanders shocked and confused. The evening’s events dominated the headlines and would be hotly debated for years to come but one thing was certain: the very different lives of the two men involved would never be the same. Note: This series was originally four parts, but ended up being six. If you’re a subscriber on Apple Podcasts, Supercast and P...
May 25, 2022•1 hr 13 min•Ep 113•Transcript available on Metacast Today in this special episode, we take a look back at one of the early Canadian True Crime episodes - the story of Saskatchewan’s worst mass murder. You'll hear a never-before-told story about why this episode was very different from the rest. Early one morning in 1967, 21-year-old Victor Hoffman was in the midst of a serious mental health crisis, a crisis that would have tragic consequences for an unsuspecting local family. Credits: Writer, researcher and narrator: Kristi Lee Audio produc...
May 15, 2022•1 hr•Transcript available on Metacast [Part 3 of 3] In 1971, Indigenous high school student Helen Betty Osborne was abducted and brutally murdered near The Pas, Manitoba. When Betty’s body was found hours later at nearby Clearwater Lake, it was clear she had been the victim of a heinous crime. But it would take many, many years for the truth of what really happened to Betty to come to light—ultimately exposing the depths of racial injustice in the small town. Crisis Line for Indian Residential School Survivors For CRISIS...
Apr 15, 2022•1 hr 10 min•Ep 112•Transcript available on Metacast Manitoba | In 1971, Indigenous high school student Helen Betty Osborne was abducted and brutally murdered near The Pas, Manitoba. When Betty’s body was found hours later at nearby Clearwater Lake, it was clear she had been the victim of a heinous crime. But it would take many, many years for the truth of what really happened to Betty to come to light—ultimately exposing the depths of racial injustice in the small town. Crisis Line for Indian Residential School Survivors For CRISIS SUP...
Apr 08, 2022•51 min•Ep 111•Transcript available on Metacast [ Part 1 of 3 ] In 1971, Indigenous high school student Helen Betty Osborne was abducted and brutally murdered near The Pas, Manitoba. When Betty’s body was found hours later at nearby Clearwater Lake, it was clear she had been the victim of a heinous crime. But it would take many, many years for the truth of what really happened to Betty to come to light—ultimately exposing the depths of racial injustice in the small town. Release schedule: Part 2: Available to everyone April 8* Part 3: Availab...
Apr 01, 2022•53 min•Ep 110•Transcript available on Metacast [ Part 2 of 2 ] The shocking conclusion to this historical Canadian crime saga. AD-FREE episodes are available via our Premium Feeds Sign up via Apple Podcasts, Patreon or Supercast Full list of credits and information sources See the applicable page for each episode at canadiantruecrime.ca/episodes . Research and writing: Kristi Lee Theme song, audio editing and production: We Talk of Dreams Disclaimer: voiced by the host of True Website and social medias: Webs...
Mar 22, 2022•49 min•Ep 109•Transcript available on Metacast [ Part 1 of 2 ] The unbelievable but true story of a bizarre-looking bank robber who terrorized 1964 Toronto as Beatlemania was gripping the nation. One heist went terribly wrong, ending in a wild shootout that sparked a national debate around gun control, mental health and the death penalty. Part 2 available to everyone March 22 Get it ad-free, right now on one of our Premium Feeds: Apple Podcasts, Patreon or Supercast Book Recommendation: This series was written by Nate Hendley for Canadian Tr...
Mar 15, 2022•53 min•Ep 108•Transcript available on Metacast ALBERTA In 2017, a bizarre incident occurred near Nisku, Alberta when five people - four of them naked - decided to kidnap their neighbours. The story that unravelled would make international headlines. Thanks for supporting our sponsors! See the special offer codes here Ad-free episodes: All episodes, ad-free and often early on Patreon and Supercast . Credits: Research and writing: Kristi Lee Audio editing and production: Erik Krosby, Kristi Lee Disclaimer voiced by the host of Tr...
Mar 01, 2022•31 min•Ep 107•Transcript available on Metacast BRITISH COLUMBIA In 1996, a family in Vernon, BC were preparing for a large wedding—but unbeknownst to them, a man was waiting in the sidelines to ruin it all. This is the tragic story of Canada’s third-largest mass shooting and the many lost opportunities that may have prevented it. Podcast recommendation Dealing Justice - a podcast about cold cases featured on decks of cards Canadian True Crime donates monthly. This month we have donated to: Archway Community Services (Formerly Abbotsford Comm...
Feb 15, 2022•1 hr 12 min•Ep 106•Transcript available on Metacast ONTARIO Sometime after midnight in 2011, 23 year old York University student Liu Qian was chatting to an old friend via webcam as she studied in her tiny basement dorm room in Toronto. But there was a knock at her door—and her friend on the other side of the computer screen would be the only witness to the terror that would unfold. Further information: Open Letter, Artworks and Photos of Liu Qian from her father Liu Jianhui , translated by Professor Charles Burton and published by the Toronto St...
Feb 01, 2022•1 hr 11 min•Ep 105•Transcript available on Metacast [ Part 2 of 2 ] The conclusion of this case of a murder investigation that forever changed the face of the Canadian justice system. Further reading: Mr. Big: The Investigation into the Deaths of Karen and Krista Hart by Colleen Lewis and Jennifer Hicks Podcast recommendation: Casefile - Daniel Morcombe episode 54 Credits: Research and writing: Emily G. Thompson and Eileen Macfarlane Content advice: Aja Romano Audio editing and production: We Talk of Dreams Sound...
Jan 22, 2022•1 hr 13 min•Ep 104•Transcript available on Metacast [ Part 1 of 2 ] On August 4, 2002, Nelson Hart took his three-year-old twin daughters, Karen and Krista to play by Gander Lake. They both ended up in the water, and the decisions Nelson made in the aftermath baffled everyone—including the RCMP. This is the shocking case of a murder investigation that forever changed the face of the Canadian justice system. Part 2 will be released on Saturday January 22, and it's available now, ad-free on Supercast and Patreon. Podcast recomm...
Jan 15, 2022•57 min•Ep 103•Transcript available on Metacast NEW BRUNSWICK In 1984, human remains were found in garbage bags in a dump in New Brunswick. The story that would unravel would shock locals and leave a lasting legacy on the province. Resources referenced: Review of “Bodies in the Backyard ” - by Rachel M Friars on True Crime Index - Twitter: @TrueCrimeIndex Email: truecrimeindex@gmail.com Bodies in the Backyard by Brian O’Neill Montreal’s Irish Mafia: The True Story of the Infamous West End Gang by Darcy O’Connor Thanks for support...
Dec 15, 2021•1 hr 19 min•Ep 102•Transcript available on Metacast TORONTO | In 2016, a disturbance on a quiet street in Scarborough would decimate a family, leaving three dead and another injured. And then, within hours, a bomb squad would be called to an upmarket, waterfront condo in downtown Toronto, revealing a complex web of lies. When a person’s unsettling past catches up with them, what lengths will they go to to prevent the truth from coming out? Further reading - long-form features on this case: The Crossbow Killer - Toronto Life feature by Mark Mann T...
Dec 01, 2021•55 min•Ep 101•Transcript available on Metacast 
