PODCAST · true crime
Crime Squad
by Natasha
Crime Squad podcast: where Canadian true crime meets immersive storytelling. Through detailed research and atmospheric narration, Crime Squad doesn't just recount the facts -- it explores the human stories behind them. From haunting cold cases to the crimes that shook communities across the country, join the squad and listen while I examine the motives, the mysteries, and the victims, ensuring these stories are never forgotten.
Episodes
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The Case that Changed the Rules
🎧 This is the case that proved genetic genealogy doesn't just uncover the truth... it can change the rules of justice itself. For nearly four decades, the murder of eight-year-old Ljubica Topic remained one of Ontario's most heartbreaking unsolved cases. Her family waited years for answers…
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The Forensic Revolution: How Science is Rewriting Canadian Cold Cases
Welcome to Episode One of this special series "Science Solves: Cracking Canada's Cold Cases". For decades, many of Canada’s most haunting unsolved cases remained frozen in time, not because investigators didn’t care, but because science simply wasn’t ready. In this premiere, we break down DNA in…
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JOIN THE SQUAD!
If you like Canadian true crime, be sure to Join the Squad. Subscribe to Crime Squad podcast wherever you listen. Canadian + True Crime + Immersive Storytelling
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(TRAILER) Science Solves: Cracking Canada's Cold Cases
Cold cases don’t fade.They linger — in evidence boxes, in family memories, and in the unanswered questions that echo for decades. Across Canada, thousands of unsolved murders and unidentified remains sat untouched, waiting for something that didn’t exist yet:science powerful enough to reveal the...
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Episode 41: What Happened in Montreal?
In February 2008, 24‑year‑old Marilyn Bergeron walked out of her parents’ home in Quebec City and vanished. Hours earlier, she’d been captured on surveillance looking over her shoulder, nervous, unsettled — and far from anywhere she should have been. But the real mystery doesn’t start in Quebec...
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Episode 40: The Disappearance of Mekayla Bali
Sixteen‑year‑old Mekayla Bali vanished in broad daylight from Yorkton, Saskatchewan on April 12th, 2016 — leaving behind one of Canada’s most haunting and perplexing missing‑person cases. Surveillance footage, phone records, and witness accounts capture her final known movements: a morning filled...
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Episode 39: A Pregnant Murderer
In the spring of 1911, a murder in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, would ignite one of the most important legal debates in Canadian history. It involved a young immigrant woman, a lifetime of violence, and a legal system that had no language - and no precedent - for what she had encountered. This is…
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BONUS: The Making of a Monster
This bonus episode is associated with the limited series "Command & Controversy: The Rise and Fall of the Canadian Airborne Regiment". Listen in as Clayton Matchee's former wife, Marj Matchee, details the slow descent into madness she witnessed in her husband when he began taking mefloquine.
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Episode Four: Bitter Medicine
Before the torture. Before the cover-ups. Before the trials and televised hearings - there was a pill. A small, bitter tablet that every soldier in the Canadian Airborne regiment swallowed before stepping foot in Somalia. It was a new antimalarial drug. Now, decades later, a disturbing pattern…
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Fallout: Disbandment, Denial, and Damage Control
In the wake of the Somalia Affair, the Canadian government moved quickly — not to ensure justice, but to control the damage. The Airborne Regiment was disbanded in disgrace. A public inquiry was launched, then abruptly shut down before it could expose the full truth. Politicians resigned.…
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THE SOMALIA AFFAIR: A NATIONAL DISGRACE
In 1993, the Canadian Airborne Regiment was deployed to Somalia on a peacekeeping mission — but what unfolded was a brutal incident that shattered the illusion of military honour and exposed deep-rooted issues within the Canadian Forces. The torture and killing of Somali teenager Shidane Arone…
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Introducing... Command & Controversy: The Rise and Fall of the Canadian Airborne Regiment
This is the story of how Canada built a military unit to project power — and how that same power turned inward, exposing fault lines in command, culture, and accountability. ******* Command and Controversy is a limited-series investigative podcast that tells the true story of the Canadian…
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TRIGGER POINTS: POWER, POLITICS, AND CANADA'S MILITARY ELITE
Once hailed as Canada’s premier rapid deployment force, the Canadian Airborne Regiment was born out of Cold War urgency and political ambition. But behind the disciplined drills and maroon berets lay a darker story — one marked by internal dysfunction, a culture of impunity, and an international...
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Episode 38: THE BEDROOM STRANGLER
During the 1960s and 70s, the cities of London and Guelph, Ontario, were gripped by a wave of violence that left communities shaken and families devastated. A series of sexual assaults and brutal murders targeting women unfolded across quiet neighbourhoods - often with chilling similarities. In...
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Episode 37: Stolen Sisters
May 5 is the National Day of awareness and remembrance for Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals. This episode examines the cases of Joanne Ghostkeeper, Karina Wolfe and Patricia “Trish” Carpenter. Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Crisis Line Crisis...
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Episode 36: TRAUMA MONSTER
In 1964, Barb Dorrington had a crush on a boy named Scott Leishman. And in 1968, Scott would be the victim of a horrific crime. Barb has spent countless hours trying to find answers in Scott's case, and is releasing a book inspired by Scott called "TRAUMA MONSTER". In this episode of Crime Squad...
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Episode 35: LOST BOYS OF PICKERING
In March of 1995, six teenage boys attended a party - but never came home. Six families in Pickering, Ontario, still wonder what happened to them.
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BONUS: #SEARCHTHELANDFILL
#SearchTheLandfill, an international movement, was born of Winnipeg, Manitoba's government and police force refusing to search local waste management facilities for the remains of four Indigenous women who were tragically murdered in 2022. Warning: This content will contain information that may…
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Episode 34: Parents Who Kill
Filicide is the deliberate act of a parent killing their own child. To most, this is unimaginable. But to others - justified. In this episode we explore two cases; Scarlett Chen and Katie Baker. This episode may not be for everyone; listener discretion is advised.
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Episode 33: FIND MY KILLER
In October of 1983, a teenage girl went missing after a night of babysitting in London, Ontario. Tragically, she was murdered, and her killer remains unknown over 40 years later. This is the case of Donna Jean Awcock, gone but never forgotten.
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Episode 32: Where is Mistie Murray?
In 1995, in small town Goderich Ontario, teenager Mistie Murray was excited for an upcoming trip out East to meet her biological family. But that weekend trip never happened because Mistie would go missing. What occurred afterward has been proven to have been a botched investigation. Where is...
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BONUS: Cold Case Solved - Michella Welch
CRIME SQUAD PODCAST PRESENTS... COLD CASE SOLVED: NEW SCIENCE FOR COLD CRIMES In this bonus episode of Crime Squad Podcast, we reveal how a case that sat cold for over 30 years was finally solved with advancements in forensic science. This is the case of Michella Welch. music by: oneworldview...
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BONUS: Ljubica Topic
In 1971, in Windsor, ON, an innocent 6-year old girl is brutally murdered. The case would quickly grow cold. Listen now to find out how advances in forensic technology would help to solve the case nearly 50 years later.
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Episode 31: Love Shouldn't Hurt
We all know at least one person in our lives that has been the victim of abuse. Maybe it was you. The truth is, abuse can happen to, or be delivered by anyone from any class, any race, and any gender.
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Episode 30: A Merciful Murder?
This is a story about a victim that could not speak. She couldn’t read, or write. But she could smile. She could make cooing, happy sounds, akin to laughter. She was a person, and her life, although cut short, has made a huge impact. This is a story about Tracy Latimer.
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BONUS: The Wortley Pride Incident
In July of 2022, a peaceful pride event in London, Ontario was interrupted by hate - and I witnessed it. Tune in to this episode of Crime Squad Podcast to hear my story. Music by 1WORLDVIEW
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Episode 29: No More Stolen Sisters
In 2022, four Indigenous women in Winnipeg, Manitoba, vanished without a trace. On a fateful day in June 2022, human remains would be found in a dumpster outside an apartment building. An investigation would reveal the women had something in common; they had fallen victim to a serial killer....
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Episode 28: Schoolyard Rumours
Is there truth to schoolyard rumours? For over 20 years, a predator in Sault Ste. Marie would get away with horrific abuse, until 1995 when he was finally brought to justice. Thank you to JD Deluzio for being a guest on this episode. For sources, contact Crime Squad Podcast directly.
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BONUS: MEMORIES OF MALCOLM
Malcolm Ripley died at London's Elgin-Middlesex Detention Centre (EMDC) on November 25, 2020, after being in custody for just one day. This bonus content was provided by a former girlfriend of Malcolm's, who wants to ensure he is remembered not just for his death at EMDC, but the life he lived....
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Episode 27: Death in Thunder Bay (Part 2)
Indigenous youth in Northern Ontario don't have access to adequate education on-reserve, so many of them have to go to the big city of Thunder Bay to finish their education. The problem, though, is that so many of them just don't make it home alive. This episode features the untimely deaths of…
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Episode 26: Death in Thunder Bay (Part 1)
Thunder Bay is a city in Northern Ontario with a sordid past. This episode features the deaths of Jethro Anderson and Curran Strang, two Indigenous teenagers. Police say no foul play, but their families say differently. What happened to Jethro and Curran?
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BONUS: The Impact of a Loss
Check out this episode for a brief view of what it looks like to lose someone at the Elgin-Middlesex Detention Centre (EMDC). These words are shared by Samarah, the daughter of Sean-William Tourand-Brightman aka Junior.
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Episode 25: The Devil's Playground (Part 6)
The final episode about the inmate deaths at Elgin-Middlesex Detention Centre (EMDC) since 2009. Tyler Lancha Clayton "Danny" Bissonnette Ronald Jack Brandon "Bam Bam" Marchant Jamie Briggs
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Episode 24: WHERE ARE THEY? LONDON, ON
Seven people. Seven missing individuals with ties to London, Ontario. Where are they? Do you know something? Somewhere, someone out there has to know something about these individuals. Contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS to report information.
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UPDATE: LUCAS SHORTREED
BONUS EPISODE: Updates on the tragic hit and run of Lucas Shortreed in October 2008.
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Episode 23: The Devil's Playground (Part 5)
London Ontario's Elgin-Middlesex Detention Center (EMDC) has seen its fair share of deaths over the years. This episode will discuss the deaths of four individuals who died while in custody: James Pigeau, Sean William Tourand-Brightman (aka Junior), Chase Blanchard and Malcolm Ripley. ***This is...
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Episode 22: Canada's Youngest Murderer
The Richardson family was known by all to be a thriving, happy family with no skeletons on the closet to speak of. They all loved each other so much. But someone close was planning a horrific crime. What was it, and who was behind it?
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Episode 21: A Bloody Mystery
Kipling, Saskatchewan, 1992. A prominent and charming member of society is accused of a horrible crime. He would voluntarily provide a DNA sample that would come back negative for a match 3 times. Is he truly innocent, or is there more to the story?
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Episode 20: Septic Tank Sam
In April 1977, a small rural farming community would be shocked to find out a body was found stuffed into an old septic tank. Who could be responsible for such a horrific crime? It would take 44 years for police to solve the case...
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Episode 19: The Devil's Playground (Part 4)
Something's not quite right at Elgin Middlesex Detention Centre (EMDC). This is the story of four inmates and how they met their ends while incarcerated. ***This is part four of a series we are calling "The Devil's Playground." Please note, the episode does contain material that is highly…
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Episode 18: The Boogeyman is Real (Part 2)
**STOP** If you haven't listened to Part 1, go to the last episode and start there. In 1980s, in British Columbia, children and youth would start disappearing at an alarming rate. And as these poor souls would learn, the boogeyman isn't just a story - the boogeyman is real. Who is the boogeyman…
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Episode 17: The Boogeyman is Real
In 1980s, in British Columbia, children and youth would start disappearing at an alarming rate. And as these poor souls would learn, the boogeyman isn't just a story - the boogeyman is real.
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Episode 16: The Devil's Playground (Part 3)
Canada is in an opioid crisis. This is the story of yet another 3 deaths of people incarcerated at the Elgin Middlesex Detention Center (EMDC). ***This is part three of a series we are calling "The Devil's Playground." Please note, the episode does contain material that is highly sensitive in...
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Episode 15: Say Their Names
Hate crimes against transgender people have risen exponentially over the years. Mental Health support is not where it should be. This episode explores three cases of transgender individuals and seeks to humanize them, to show they are more than simply just a label. They are somebody's children…
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Episode 14: The Devil's Playground (Part Two)
Two lives taken too soon; one, by a man who cried out for help. The other, a man who had everything... and then suddenly, it was gone. What is going on at Elgin-Middlesex Detention Centre? ***This is part two of a series we are calling "The Devil's Playground." Please note, the episode does…
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Episode 13: Vanished Without a Trace
How is it possible that people disappear without a trace? This episode explores the cases of Dean Curtis Mortensen, missing since 1992 from Edmonton, Alberta, and Dana Zelic, missing from Hamilton, ON since 1999. Where are Dean and Dana?
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Episode 12: The Devil's Playground (Part One)
Innocent until proven guilty is a phrase most of us have heard before. This is the way the justice system is supposed to work, isn't it? Over a 13 year period, beginning in 2009, the families of 20 individuals who spent time in a local London, ON jail have had to make unexpected funeral...
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Episode 11: Simone Sanderson
23-year old Simone Samarah Ann Sanderson of O-Chi-Chak-Ko-Sipi First Nation in Treaty #2 territory would go missing from the city of Winnipeg in August of 2012. Days later, a body would be found - which would later be revealed to be Simone. What happened to Simone Sanderson? RESOURCES: If you or...
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Episode 10: Lynda Shaw
Lynda Shaw, a promising young University Student, would go missing Easter weekend 1990 during her commute to London, ON from her hometown of Huttonville. The case would sit cold for over a decade, until advances in DNA would reveal what her family had been waiting for... the identity of the killer.
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Episode 8: Psychopaths Among Us
According to statistics, 1 in 25 people is considered a psychopath. Can psychopaths exist without being killers? If they do kill, can they be rehabilitated?
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Crime Squad podcast: where Canadian true crime meets immersive storytelling. Through detailed research and atmospheric narration, Crime Squad doesn't just recount the facts -- it explores the human stories behind them. From haunting cold cases to the crimes that shook communities across the country, join the squad and listen while I examine the motives, the mysteries, and the victims, ensuring these stories are never forgotten.
HOSTED BY
Natasha
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Crime Squad have?
Crime Squad currently has 50 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Crime Squad about?
Crime Squad podcast: where Canadian true crime meets immersive storytelling. Through detailed research and atmospheric narration, Crime Squad doesn't just recount the facts -- it explores the human stories behind them. From haunting cold cases to the crimes that shook communities across the...
How often does Crime Squad release new episodes?
Crime Squad has 50 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Crime Squad?
You can listen to Crime Squad on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Crime Squad?
Crime Squad is created and hosted by Natasha.
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