Island Crime

A newly released prison file offers the clearest picture yet of Joseph Phillips—and confirms he was intensively questioned by the RCMP about the murders of his in-laws. Meanwhile, Laura and Shauna receive significant news in their battle to uncover the long-hidden police file, raising new questions about what remains secret nearly 70 years later.

Note: Joseph's prison file was too long and too dense to include in its entirety in the episode. I have posted it on the Island Crime Facebook page if you want to see it in full.

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After more than 67 years, a fresh tip comes in, which leaves Laura wondering whether police had another suspect on their radar back then. Also, throughout the series, Laura & Shauna have been pushing for the release of 'The Dead File.' In this episode, the case for and against opening up cold cases to the public.

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In this episode, Shauna steps inside the infamous murder house in South Wellington, where the unsolved 1959 murders of her great-great-grandparents Curly and Lizzie Kostyniuk, took place. The new owners learn about the house’s dark history and its connection to Shauna's family tragedy.

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After months of searching, the police file on the 1959 murders of Curly and Lizzie Kostyniuk has finally arrived, but it's not what Shauna and I hoped for. Over 100 pages of heavily redacted administrative paperwork instead of the real investigative file. Still, buried inside: new names, hints of an undercover operation, and a suspect who may have still been alive years later.

Retired RCMP homicide detective Garry Rodgers joins host Laura Palmer to break down the crime scene, the killer's behaviour, and why this case may not be as cold as it seems.

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Janet Piper is the great-granddaughter of the victims, Lizzie and Curly Kostyniuk. In this episode, she speaks publicly for the first time about the man she believes committed the murders, a man who was her grandfather. A man who went to jail twice. A man who terrorized three generations of women and children. The episode delves into the intergenerational trauma of abuse, secrecy, and justice. Featuring survivor testimony and expert insights, it highlights the importance of uncovering hidden truths for healing and justice.

Note: This episode contains discussion of incest and other forms of familial abuse. Some listeners may find the material disturbing. Please take care while listening, and consider whether this episode is right for you or those around you.

This is a resource recommended by Professor Freyd.

https://rainn.org/help-and-healing/for-survivors-of-child-sexual-abuse/

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A double murder. A robbery motive that doesn't add up. And a family theory that's been passed down in whispers for decades.

In this episode, host Laura Palmer digs into the suspect, Shauna's family calls "Bad Grandpa" Joseph Charles Phillips, a convicted predator with a grudge, a motive, and, according to someone who knew him, sudden money after the killings. Through long-buried psychiatric records, jailhouse letters, and a remarkable conversation with an 85-year-old who knew both the victims and the suspect, the story of who may have killed Andrew "Curly" and Lizzie Kostyniuk comes into sharper focus.

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In 1959, South Wellington residents Andrew “Curly” Kosteniuk and his wife Lizzie are found stabbed to death, and the killer is never caught. Host Laura Palmer reexamines the case through archives and family memories. New details from Margaret Kostyniuk’s psychiatric records suggest escalating family conflict and a key suspect connected to secrets that never made the papers.

This series includes original news reports from the time, presented as radio news stories.

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In June 1959, newspapers pile up outside the Kostyniuk home in South Wellington until neighbours find the house ransacked, the phone line cut, and the bodies of Andrew “Curly” and Elizabeth “Lizzie” Kostyniuk in the bedroom. Police back then suspect robbery, but the coroner’s inquest and autopsies suggest a more complex story. 

I've posted the full Coroners Inquest report, including autopsies, on the Island Crime Facebook page.

And if you'd like to learn more about Dr. Crossland's life's work, check out his book: http://www.deathcalls.ca/

This series includes original news reports from the time, presented as radio news stories. As well, in this episode, you'll hear original witness testimony dramatized as all of the witnesses are now deceased.

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In the summer of 1959, Andrew and Elizabeth Kostyniuk, known to everyone in South Wellington, BC, as Curly and Lizzie, were stabbed to death in their own home. The case was never solved, and for 67 years, their names faded into silence.

Now, their great-great-granddaughter, Shauna, has asked host Laura Palmer to take on her coldest case yet. In this first episode, Laura travels to South Wellington to learn about the world Curly and Lizzie lived in, a quiet, close-knit Vancouver Island community where doors were left unlocked, and everyone knew everyone's business. On the night of June 26th, Curly heads to the local store to watch a world heavyweight championship fight. Lizzie walks home alone. It's the last time they see each other alive.

Was this a robbery gone wrong or something far more personal?

Note: This season's theme song is 'The Sunny Side of the Street.' You can listen to the full original recording here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEd7g_gc6No

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Jeff Ingram discusses his experiences with dissociative amnesia, where memory loss leads him to wander, unable to recall past events. Dr. David Spiegel provides insights into the disorder's link to trauma. Gloria, whose husband Ian Indridson is missing, wonders if Ian may have experienced this kind of episode on the morning he disappeared. She shares her ongoing hope and emotional struggle as the episode marks 4 years since Ian vanished in January 2022.

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The aftermath of Bree’s murder reveals more than just the tragedy of her death; it speaks volumes about the life she led. And may also reveal something about the circumstances surrounding her murder.

Thank you to Bree's musical collaborators, Willem Weiss and Don Vaillancourt, for allowing me to use songs they created with Bree in the series. 

'Shake it for me, Baby' is the theme song for Season 8. You can hear the song in its entirety on Willem's SoundCloud account.

Bree's vocals on 'Wash Me Away' appear in this episode. You can hear the full song on Don's Soundcloud account

'Fields of Presence', Jorge Lozano's film about his daughter, can be found here on Vimeo.

Bree's closest friends shared messages and texts she had sent them in the years leading up to her death. The messages help inform Bree's victimology and allow Bree herself to play a more direct role in the series. I've included Bree's words at the start of episodes 2-7. Episode 4 includes a voicemail her friend Don saved. I used a cloned voice created by ElevenLabs for the other messages. This was a decision made in consultation with Bree's former partner, Steve and his daughter, Meleya.

If you have information, please get in touch with the Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit at 250-380-6211. If that's not an option for you, contact me at Laura@laurapalmer.ca

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On her final night alive, Bree was with her friend Sara. In this episode, you’ll hear Sara’s account of what happened the night of the murder and why I now believe I know how Bree died. Plus, an expert reveals her chilling take on what she calls “the perfect weapon.”

'Shake it for me, Baby' is the theme song for Season 8. You can hear the song in its entirety on Willem's SoundCloud account.

Bree's closest friends shared messages and texts she sent them in the years leading up to her death. The messages help inform Bree's victimology and also allow Bree herself to play a more direct role in the series. I've included Bree's words at the start of episodes 2-7. Episode 4 includes a voicemail her friend Don saved. I used a cloned voice created by ElevenLabs for the other messages. This decision was made in consultation with Bree's former partner, Steve and his daughter, Meleya.

If you have information, please get in touch with the Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit at 250-380-6211. If that's not an option for you, contact me at Laura@laurapalmer.ca

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This episode contains mature themes and content related to domestic abuse, which some listeners may find disturbing or triggering. Please take care while listening.

Three weeks after Bree’s murder, police descended on the home she once shared with her boyfriend, Darren. TV news cameras rolled as Darren appeared outside in handcuffs, his knees pressed to the pavement. To friends, Bree had once described Darren as her soul mate. Their relationship had stretched over years; tumultuous, breaking apart, then coming back together again. Several friends and relatives told me Bree had confided in them about abuse behind closed doors.

There is no public record of any formal charges, and Darren did not respond to repeated requests for comment. The allegations have not been tested in court, and no one has been charged in connection with Bree’s death.

Thank you to Chek TV Reporter Kori Sidaway for appearing in the series.

'Shake it for me, Baby' is the theme song for Season 8. You can hear the song in its entirety on Willem's SoundCloud account.

Bree's closest friends shared messages and texts she sent them in the years leading up to her death. The messages help inform Bree's victimology and also allow Bree herself to play a more direct role in the series. I've included Bree's words at the start of episodes 2-7. Episode 4 includes a voicemail her friend Don saved. I used a cloned voice created by ElevenLabs for the other messages. This decision was made in consultation with Bree's former partner, Steve and his daughter, Meleya.

If you have information, please get in touch with the Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit at 250-380-6211. If that's not an option for you, contact me at Laura@laurapalmer.ca

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Bree's friendships were deep and profound. She sometimes called her girlfriends her 'Chicas'. In this episode, some of Bree's closest 'gal pals' reflect on the good times, even as they wrestle with the side of Bree she kept hidden from them and why.

Thank you to Bree's musical collaborators, Willem Weiss and Don Vaillancourt, for allowing me to use songs they created with Bree in the series. 

'Shake it for me, Baby' is the theme song for Season 8. You can hear the song in its entirety on Willem's SoundCloud account.

If you have information, please get in touch with the Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit at 250-380-6211. If that's not an option for you, contact me at Laura@laurapalmer.ca

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“After the pain of this disappointment, her heart once more stood empty, and the succession of identical days began again.”

― Gustave Flaubert, Madame Bovary

How does a restless, hard-partying city girl end up on Vancouver Island? And how does her fiery temperament shape her most profound relationships? Through the eyes of Bree’s former partner, we see a woman yearning for something deeper, an ache for connection that may ultimately hint at her tragic fate.

'Shake it for me, Baby' is the theme song for Season 8. You can hear the song in its entirety on Willem's SoundCloud account.

Bree's closest friends shared messages and texts she had sent them in the years leading up to her death. The messages help inform Bree's victimology and also allow Bree herself to play a more direct role in the series. I've included Bree's words at the start of episodes 2-7. Episode 4 includes a voicemail her friend Don saved. I used a cloned voice created by ElevenLabs for the other messages. This was a decision made in consultation with Bree's former partner, Steve and his daughter, Meleya.

If you have information, please get in touch with the Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit at 250-380-6211. If that's not an option for you, contact me at Laura@laurapalmer.ca

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Bree Gamble was known for her passion, fearlessness, and vibrant energy—a woman who seemed to live life in full colour until her tragic murder in 2021. The daughter of acclaimed Colombian filmmaker Jorge Lozano, Bree carried her Latin roots and artistic identity through everything she did. Central to her story is the rumbero spirit—a distinctly Colombian way of embracing joy and music even amid hardship.

In this episode, I explore how that spirit shaped Bree — and how her early experiences and her culture influenced the choices she made in the time leading up to her murder.

Thank you to Bree's father, Jorge Lozano, for permitting the use of the sound from his film 'The Tampon Thieves' in this episode. Jorge's films can be viewed here: https://vimeo.com/jorgelozano

Thank you to Bree's musical collaborators, Willem Weiss and Don Vaillancourt, for allowing me to use songs they created with Bree in the series. 

'Shake it for me, Baby' is the theme song for Season 8. You can hear the song in its entirety on Willem's SoundCloud account.

Bree's vocals on 'Wash Me Away' appear in this episode. You can hear the full song on Don's Soundcloud account

Bree's closest friends shared messages and texts she had sent them in the years leading up to her death. The messages help inform Bree's victimology and allow Bree herself to play a more direct role in the series. I've included Bree's words at the start of episodes 2-7. Episode 4 includes a voicemail her friend Don saved. I used a cloned voice created by ElevenLabs for the other messages. This was a decision made in consultation with Bree's former partner, Steve and his daughter, Meleya.

If you have information, please get in touch with the Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit at 250-380-6211. If that's not an option for you, contact me at Laura@laurapalmer.ca

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How does a woman described as exotic, vibrant, and passionate end up murdered—her body abandoned near an oceanside park? What secrets does the crime scene hold about who killed Bree Gamble, and why? This season of Island Crime opens at Beacon Hill Park, the crown jewel of Victoria’s parks—and home to dozens of peacocks. When I first visited the scene, they were everywhere: striking, untamed, impossible to ignore. In her too-short life, Bree Gamble seemed to share their restless beauty. Those who knew her say she was searching—for something, or someone—always just out of reach. The peacock, long seen as a symbol of immortality and the soul’s quest for enlightenment, becomes both metaphor and wish in this story.

Thank you to Bree's musical collaborators, Willem Weiss and Don Vaillancourt, for allowing me to use songs they created with Bree in the series. 

'Shake it for me, Baby' is the theme song for Season 8. You can hear the song in its entirety on Willem's SoundCloud account.

Thank you to Chek News Reporter Kori Sidaway, who appears in the series.

If you have information, please get in touch with the Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit at 250-380-6211. If that's not an option for you, contact me at Laura@laurapalmer.ca

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In the early hours of March 3rd, 2021, a woman named Bree Gamble (Lozano) is found unresponsive on the grass near Dallas Road in Victoria. Despite CPR attempts, she is pronounced dead. Police describe the scene as 'oddly clean,' but at first, no foul play is suspected. But then, less than a week later, her death is ruled a homicide. Bree is a mum, a singer and an artist. She is a waiter at high-end resorts and restaurants. She is striking, vibrant and unforgettable. Bree's murder remains unsolved, and four years later, her loved ones still seek answers. Island Crime Season 8 delves into the life, legacy, and unresolved questions surrounding Bree's murder. The first full episode drops on Friday, October 31st.

Thank you to Bree's musical collaborators, Willem Weiss and Don Vaillancourt, for allowing me to use songs they created with Bree in the series. 

'Shake it for me, Baby' is the theme song for Season 8. You can hear the song in its entirety on Willem's SoundCloud account.

If you have information, please contact the Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit at 250-380-6211. If that's not an option for you, contact me at Laura@laurapalmer.ca

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Between seasons of Island Crime, I update earlier stories and begin research on the season ahead. I wanted to take a quick moment to let you know what's been going on behind the scenes since the last season of Island Crime. As you know, the show doesn’t just end with the last episode—it’s a continuous journey, and there’s always something going on...

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An update to missing man Kelly McLeod's case. Kelly's mother, Lorraine and his Auntie Sandy share their memories of Kelly and their hope that someone will come forward with new information. The RCMP sit down with me for the first time and confirm Kelly's disappearance is being investigated as a homicide. Plus, a source provides information regarding what they believe happened to Kelly McLeod.

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The Victoria police say the brown van tip was their best lead when Michael Dunahee was taken. But over the years, questions have been raised about the reliability of the child witness who first reports seeing the brown van. Tim Barron also witnessed a brown van that day. He told police what he saw and has been interviewed by them many times down the years. But this is the first time he has shared his story publicly. The brown van tip is complicated. Vehicle identification has come a long way since 1991. So this episode is also informed by two vehicle identification experts.

Note: Since publishing the episode, I have now spoken with the owner of the black van that Tim Barron knew. That vehicle was a 1963 Volkswagen. It was not lowered. And to be clear, his van was not in the vicinity that day. I've updated the podcast to reflect this new information.

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This is an 'episode drop' of a podcast about Lisa Marie Young. The show is called 'LAGIM: A Filipino True Crime Podcast. '

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'The ultimate act of control. I killed you, but nobody knows where you are' -Tad Dibiase, Author of No Body Homicide Cases.

No body, no crime. Right now, on Vancouver Island, I know of several missing person cases which I am reasonably certain are homicides. But in the absence of a body, I appreciate that it is challenging for police to lay charges. But it's not impossible.

Thomas A. (Tad) Dibiase has been studying consulting and writing about no-body murder cases for close to 20 years. He got started as a prosecutor in the US Attorney's Office in DC. He is the author of No-Body Homicide Cases:   A Practical Guide to Investigating, Prosecuting and Winning Cases When the Victim is Missing. In this episode, I speak with Tad about the challenges of finding justice when you can't find a body, and I ask him to reflect on Lisa Marie Young's case.

https://www.nobodycases.com/my-book/

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It's been almost five years since the Nanaimo RCMP first sat down with me to discuss Lisa Marie Young's disappearance. Now, there's a new lead on the case. In this episode, I get an update from outgoing lead Corporal Markus Muntener and introduce you to the new investigative lead on the case, RCMP Constable Hayley Pinfold.

If you have information about Lisa's disappearance, it is never too late to do the next right thing. Call the RCMP at 250-754-2345.

Please note. This episode begins with tape recorded outside at the tree planting for Lisa Marie Young. It was a windy day, and the audio isn't great. So I've kept it brief, including only short clips from Lisa's grandpa Moses Martin and Nanaimo Mayor Leonard Krog. 

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Curious to know how families feel about my involvement in their cases? Do police think I get in the way of their work? This is Vancouver Island from CBC Podcasts pulled back the curtain with me in an in-depth interview about how I approach these difficult and complex investigations. And if you’re like me, an islander, looking for stories about the news, but also the joys, frustrations, and quirks of living here, have a listen to This is Vancouver Island. Find the show on your podcast app, or here: https://link.mgln.ai/6Qx9AP

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In this episode, you'll hear two never-before-published interviews. One is with the late Dallas Hulley and the other is with Lisa's mother, the late Joanne Young. I learn about these recordings when I scratch an itch I've had for a while now. It's been reported that Lisa sent Dallas a text message with the words 'Come Get Me. They won't let me leave.' I've come to believe it's most likely that the text never happened.

Apologies. These two phone recordings are of poor audio quality. But given that both of the subjects are now deceased, I believe it is important to air the tape.

Huge thanks to reporter Verity Stevenson. Verity recorded the interviews with Joanne and Dallas and had the good sense to hang on to them for almost a decade. More than that, Verity had the generous spirit and kind heart to share them with me and with you. 🙏

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34 years ago, police in Canada reached out to the FBI's famed behavioural analysis unit for help on Michael Dunahee's abduction. 9 Canadian detectives flew to Quantico on a B.C. government jet. The resulting profile helped inform the investigation. But it has never been fully released to the public. In this update to 'Missing Michael, newly acquired police notes on the profile are discussed by two high-profile FBI analysts. Jim Clemente and Kathy Canning-Mello host a podcast called 'Real Crime Profile' by Wondery-and the interview will also air on their show.

This episode is being released in advance of the 34th anniversary of Michael Dunahee's disappearance on March 24th 1991. Please support Michael's family by participating in the march. You can find the information on the family's Facebook page 'We Will Never Forget Michael Dunahee'

If you have information about Michael's case please call the Victoria police at 250-995-7654 extension 1 and reference file number 1991-10349.

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In the absence of any evidence as to whether Ian Indridson is alive or dead, those who love Ian Indridson are coming to their own conclusions about what path Ian may have taken and why. 

Thank you to Chek News for sharing the news archives footage you'll hear in this episode.

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Warning: This episode includes expert interviews and details which may be disturbing to anyone who has lost a loved one to drowning.

If Ian Indridson went into the ocean, by accident or with intention, why was he never found? What does science tell us about the likelihood Ian would have disappeared without a trace if he went into the sea that January morning?

Thank you to CHEK News for use of archival news tape featuring CHEK Reporter Mary Griffin.

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Ian's a senior government public affairs officer, privy to the inner workings of the highest ranks. Could Ian Indridson's colleagues hold the clue to why Ian chose to walk away on that cool January morning?

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Convinced her husband may yet be alive, frustrated with what she views as a lack of interest by police, Ian Indridson's wife Gloria turns to private investigators…

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Boring bureaucrat. That’s the image of Ian Indridson that some may have seen in his Missing Person poster. He’s a senior government spokesperson. A happily married man whose colleagues describe him as a creature of habit. In this episode, we begin peeling back the layers to uncover some conflicting aspects of Ian Indridson's personality that may be clues to what happened to him and why.

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What happens after Ian walks away from his home that cool January morning? Inside the frantic search for Ian Indridson. Possible sitings in two unlikely places. A glimpse into an area of interest which suggests he may have chosen to leave his life behind.

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On a cool cloudy January morning in 2022, Ian Indridson makes himself some eggs, plays with his dog, walks out the door of his Victoria home, and disappears. Island Crime Season 7 introduces you to a man described as a 'rock star' senior B.C. government public affairs officer and explores why he vanishes from a life he once loved. The series will begin rolling out on January 24th, 2025.

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Retired RCMP detective Doug Hogg is one of the first investigators on Lisa Marie Young's file after she was reported missing back in 2002. He looks back at the case and what it will take to bring justice now for Lisa. 

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Investigative genetic genealogy has been hailed as the biggest breakthrough in investigations since the fingerprint. And yet only a handful of police forces in Canada are using it.  Why? And what will it take to address the challenges of moving forward?

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An interview with 'Someone Knows Something' host David Ridgen about true crime podcasting and his new season of SKS - The Christine Harron Case.

SPOILER ALERT: David goes into some detail about his new season.  

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On October 16th, 2024, the RCMP release a video of Justin Hall driving Amber Manthorne's white jeep, stopping at a gas station and revealing a dark grey tote in the back of the vehicle which may contain Amber's body. They name the late Justin Hall as a person of interest in Amber's disappearance and admit they do not believe Amber Manthorne is alive. It's a devastating development to an already heartbreaking case. 

The police video is posted on the Island Crime Facebook page. If you have information please contact your local police or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

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Shelley Wright was Cheri Lynn Smith's best friend. After the first episodes drop, she gets in touch. In this episode, Shelley shares a loving view of her teenage friend and provides insight into Cheri's world before and after Cheri is sex trafficked.

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After the original series drops, new information surfaces about Kimberly Gallup's case; fresh leads and questions from people close to Kimberly in time and place.

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In the immediate aftermath of the original Sweetheart series, the Island Crime inbox is flooded with new leads, fresh tips and reactions from those who knew and loved Kimberly Gallup, Melissa Nicholson and Cheri Lynn Smith.

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Experts say Investigative Genetic Genealogy, also known as IGG, is showing incredible promise in solving cold cases abroad. But the technology is not yet commonly used in Canada. Could Cheri, Melissa and Kimberly’s cases one day be solved through IGG? And what’s preventing law enforcement from using it more frequently in Canada?

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The 'teen hooker’ headlines are symbolic of the very real stigma and victim blaming involved in the cases of Cheri, Melissa and Kimberly. What role did the shaming of sexually exploited youth play in the murders, the investigations and how the media told their stories?

Signs someone you know could be being sex trafficked.

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When Melissa, Cheri and Kimberly were killed in Victoria, there may have been four serial killers preying on sex trade workers and sexually exploited youth on the coast. Who are these predators, and what has been done to exclude them from the cases on the island?

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The men close to Cheri, Melissa and Kimberly, at the time of their deaths, are all potential suspects. Boyfriends, pimps, and sex traffickers, could any of them have wanted the girls gone?

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Cheri, Kimberly and Melissa were all last seen on the stroll in downtown Victoria. The activities of the area starkly contrast the elegant image Victoria is trying to sell tourists. It becomes a fertile hunting ground for predators.

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Melissa Nicholson’s badly beaten body is found on the side of the road.  Newspapers at the time describe her as "teen hooker #3", but her family only remembers her big smile, sparkly personality, and honey-coloured hair. The 17-year-old is last seen on the Victoria stroll.

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Cheri Lynn Smith spends her days reading the bible and writing to her parents. Before she's killed, Cheri is lured away from her Regina home by a sex trafficker posing as her boyfriend. Not long after, a horseback rider finds her body in the underbrush outside of Victoria, B.C., Canada.

Thank you to Cheri's parents for permitting me to use the audio from their interview on 'Listen Up TV' -and to host Lorna Dueck for agreeing to make the audio available to Island Crime.

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For three decades, Rhonda has wondered why someone killed her high school friend Kimberly Gallup. Kimberly was a girl who loved the Kansas City Chiefs and Bon Jovi. Her death has a lasting impact on all who knew her. 

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The year is 1990 and within about 12 months three teenage girls will be murdered in Victoria, B.C., Canada. Before they were found dead, all three girls were lured into sex trafficking with promises of love and money. Today, it's been more than thirty years since they were killed, and their killer, or killers, have never been found. 

Island Crime Season 6: Sweethearts exposes the stigma surrounding their deaths and asks whether time and technology can finally bring justice for their families. 

New episodes coming April 2024. 

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If you were accused of being involved in a terrible crime what would you do? William Curry is anxious to clear his name once and for all. He's tired of rumours suggesting he was involved in Lisa Marie Young's disappearance. Christopher Adair has chosen to remain silent. Now one of his relatives wants to put an end to the secrecy. 

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Island Crime is committed to keeping 'cold cases' in the public eye and leaving no stone unturned. In this episode, you'll hear an update to Island Crime Seasons 1-5. 

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As Amber's hometown prepares to mark the one-year anniversary of her disappearance, a forest fire severs the connection to the community. Port Alberni quietly grieves her loss, still waiting for answers. In this episode, a woman believes she may have witnessed Amber and her boyfriend together the weekend after her disappearance. And a man who never knew Amber, becomes an online antagonist, provoking a response.

This episode was recorded and edited before news of Justin Hall's death became public. An update message has been added to reflect this most recent development.  

Thank you to CHEK News for the use of audio from archival news footage.

If you would like to support Amber's friends and family please head to their Facebook page: Finding Amber Manthorne

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As the first anniversary of Amber Manthorne's disappearance approaches, her family and friends prepare to say their goodbyes and celebrate Amber's life.  Meanwhile, the search for Amber and the investigation into her case carries on. In this episode, Amber's sister Shannon speaks publicly for the first time and an avid river adventurer shares that he might have found evidence, which could be helpful to the investigation.

This episode was recorded and edited before news of Justin Hall's death became public. An update message has been added to reflect this most recent development.  

Thank you to CHEK News for the use of audio from archival news footage.

Note: After the episode was published, I heard from a friend of Amber's who confirmed the shawl/sweater Amber is wearing in some photos belonged to a friend, and that friend confirms the item of clothing is in her closet. So the first item of clothing Geoff found likely did not belong to Amber. 

If you would like to support Amber's friends and family please head to their Facebook page: Finding Amber Manthorne

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Don't poke the bear. It's a warning I heard a number of times as I worked on the story of 'Whiskey Creek'. After almost three years of silence, reverberations from the series are being felt across the island. I'll open up about the aftermath of reporting on this story and the knock-on effects on the victims' families.

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When Shawn McGrath emerged from incarceration he wound up out in the woods.  What could have helped him succeed outside of prison? And how can we prevent another Whiskey Creek from happening?

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John McGrath knows his boy, Shawn, was no angel. And now, years later, he's ready to share his theory about the Whiskey Creek murders for the first time.

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Two weeks before the Whiskey Creek shootings, a young woman’s body is found on a nearby highway. The 22-year-old knew the Whiskey Creek victims and spent time there. Is her death somehow connected?

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A Vancouver Island mother believes her son may have been held hostage at Whiskey Creek. In her eyes, he is an innocent victim in an act of vigilantism. But he has never been named publicly as one of the victims. What will his mom do in order to seek justice for her boy? 

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Today, the lone survivor of the Whiskey Creek massacre lives in fear that those responsible for the slaughter are still planning to finish him off. After the attack, he fled to the mainland, warned never to return. But now he wants to come home. 

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Fresh out of jail and with nowhere to go, Shawn McGrath lands in a trailer in Whiskey Creek. That's when problems in the community begin. His encampment in the woods is a magnet for the young and vulnerable. How far will the community go to protect their own?

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It's Halloween Night 2020. Neighbours hear loud noises coming from the bush. They assume the sounds are fireworks marking late night festivities. The next afternoon a dirt biker stumbles across a scene straight out of a Hollywood drama. Burned out vehicles, three dead bodies, four dead dogs and, incredibly, a survivor. 

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On Halloween night in 2020, a mass shooting took place near the resort community of Qualicum Beach, Vancouver Island. Three people are found dead in a make-shift encampment deep in the woods. Beside them, four dead dogs and a burned-out trailer. Now, more than two years on, the case is at a standstill.  Island Crime Season 5: Whiskey Creek explores the secrecy and fear surrounding the shootings.

New episodes coming May 9. 

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If you have information please contact the Victoria Police: https://vicpd.ca/michaeldunaheetips/

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No charges were ever laid in the alleged attempted abduction and Michael Dunahee's disappearance remains unsolved. 

If you have information please contact the Victoria Police: https://vicpd.ca/michaeldunaheetips/

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Jason is recalling the events from that night to the best of his recollection. It's been more than 20 years and he admits he was drinking that evening. No one else who was at either of the gatherings has spoken about what happened. But his descriptions are consistent with the facts of the case as they are known.

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Twenty years on, there are now new searches for Lisa Marie Young. The fresh attention is reopening old wounds and bringing unwanted attention to some.  

You'll hear from a man who had a relationship with Lisa the year before she vanished. 

& William Curry, a former criminal who once approached Lisa's father Don Young with an offer to help, shares his perspective on Lisa's disappearance.

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Brandon Cairney has been missing since October 2017. On September 22nd 2022, Brandon surfaced alive. 

Listen to the original story of Brandon's disappearance in Episode 1 of 'Gone Boys'.

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Amber's disappearance devastates those who love her. In this episode, close friends wrestle with the thought of life without Amber and look to the past to find clues about what was really going on in Amber's world.

Amber Manthorne has not been found. The search for her is ongoing. While her disappearance is certainly out of character, it may not be a crime. Police have not ruled out criminality in her case. Anyone who may have information and has not already spoken with police is asked to contact the Port Alberni RCMP at 250-723-2424. And if you want to help support Amber’s friends, you can join them on Facebook through the group, 'Finding Amber Manthorne'.

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Amber lives for summer. She works at a boat shop, her home is out at the lake and she makes the most out of the sunny season. A colleague, a friend and a woman Amber never met, shine a light on how Amber's bright spark may have been darkened forever.

None of the allegations of abuse involving Justin have been proven.

Amber Manthorne has not been found. The search for her is ongoing. While her disappearance is certainly out of character, it may not be a crime. Police have not ruled out criminality in her case. Anyone who may have information and has not already spoken with police is asked to contact the Port Alberni RCMP at 250-723-2424. And if you want to help support Amber’s friends, you can join them on Facebook through the group, 'Finding Amber Manthorne'.

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Tensions are high in Amber's hometown of Port Alberni, while Amber remains missing. What can be learned of Amber's boyfriend, allegedly the last person known to be with her before she vanishes?

Amber Manthorne has not been found. The search for her is ongoing. While her disappearance is certainly out of character, it may not be a crime. Police have not ruled out criminality in her case. Anyone who may have information and has not already spoken with police is asked to contact the Port Alberni RCMP at 250-723-2424. And if you want to help support Amber’s friends, you can join them on Facebook through the group, 'Finding Amber Manthorne'.

Note: Thank you to the CHEK news team who have led on the coverage of Amber's story and whose archival tape you hear in this episode.

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As time passes with no sign of Amber, friends fear the worst. The town is on edge and the behaviour of Amber's boyfriend adds to the tension. 

Amber Manthorne has not been found. The search for her is ongoing. While her disappearance is certainly out of character, it may not be a crime. Police have not ruled out criminality in her case. Anyone who may have information, and has not already spoken with police, is asked to contact the Port Alberni RCMP at 250-723-2424. And if you want to help support Amber’s friends you can join them on Facebook through the group Finding Amber Manthorne.

Note: Thank you to the CHEK news team who have led on the coverage of Amber's story and whose archival tape you hear in this episode.

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When 40-year-old Amber Manthorne fails to show up to work on Friday, July 8th, 2022, her friends immediately believe something is wrong. At first, it is thought that Amber is with her boyfriend, Justin Hall, but then Justin surfaces days later, without Amber, leaving more questions than answers.

In this episode, host Laura Palmer outlines the timeline of events surrounding Amber's disappearance and sits down with Amber's friend, and family spokesperson, Kristie St. Claire.

Amber Manthorne has not been found. The search for her is ongoing. While her disappearance is certainly out of character, it may not be a crime. Police have not ruled out criminality in her case. Anyone who may have information and has not already spoken with police is asked to contact the Port Alberni RCMP at 250-723-2424. And if you want to help support Amber’s friends-you can join them on Facebook through the group Finding Amber Manthorne.

Note: Thank you to the CHEK news team who have led on the coverage of Amber's story. You hear audio of their news footage in this episode.

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Amber is a cherished member of her Port Alberni community; a loyal friend, devoted daughter, a really ‘cool chick’, bubbly, and always cheerful. So it's no surprise that a community of people dubbed 'Amber's Army' have come together to help find her. Amidst the desperate search for Amber, friends take time to talk about her and answer questions about the circumstances surrounding her disappearance.

In this episode, host Laura Palmer talks to one of Amber's closest pals, a Chief of a local First Nation who also knew Amber well, and a friend who is a commercial diver, now using his skills to search for his friend in the lake she loved.

Amber Manthorne has not been found. The search for her is ongoing. While her disappearance is certainly out of character, it may not be a crime. Police have not ruled out criminality in her case. Anyone who may have information and has not already spoken with police is asked to contact the Port Alberni RCMP at 250-723-2424. And if you want to help support Amber’s friends, you can join them on Facebook through the group, 'Finding Amber Manthorne'.

Note: Thank you to the CHEK news team who have led on the coverage of Amber's story and whose archival tape you hear in this episode.

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Christopher William Adair is the last person known to be seen with Lisa Marie Young before she vanished in 2002. He has never been charged in connection with her disappearance and detectives currently investigating the case can't say much about him.  But now there is a $50,000 reward for information that could lead investigators to Lisa's remains. 

Where is Lisa?: Red Jag Guy marks the 20th anniversary of Young's disappearance with a two-part story of the man who gave her a ride in a red Jaguar the night she went missing. In part two, host Laura Palmer interviews a retired RCMP officer who worked on Lisa's file and an Edmonton police officer who encountered Chris while he was in Alberta. Also, an interview with the donor behind the reward explains why he wanted to get involved in Lisa's case. 

Some voices you will hear are altered to protect the identity of sources. The sources are confidential, but they are not anonymous. They are known to the producer.

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“Don't get into a vehicle with a driver you don't know.” This was the golden rule Don Young taught his daughter, Lisa Marie Young. But twenty years ago, on June 29th 2002, Lisa broke her father's rule. She got into a red Jaguar driven by a charming young man and was never seen alive again.

Where is Lisa?: Red Jag Guy marks the 20th anniversary of Young's disappearance with a two-part story of the man behind the wheel. The man is Christopher William Adair, and the myth in Lisa's story is that the driver of the vehicle is a young man of considerable wealth and privilege. But as usual, the truth is more complicated. In part one, host Laura Palmer focuses on Chris's world before he met Lisa in 2002. She examines what is known about the last person to see Lisa alive, and asks what more might he know about what happened the night she vanished?

Some voices you will hear are altered to protect the identity of sources. The sources are confidential, but they are not anonymous. They are known to the producer.

End of episode song 'Softly'  by Kyla Lee music by Tim Hearsey https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LRaryWrgOgA

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What has changed when it comes to keeping kids safe from abductors?

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If Michael is alive, DNA is the most likely way he will be found. The police have now put together Michael's DNA from his old toys and a hat.

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81 year old Norma doesn't want to go to her grave without knowing what happened to Michael. She believes she witnessed his abduction. 

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Detective Robertson says her gut tells her the person responsible is likely already on their radar.

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Does a dangerous offender currently incarcerated  in a Canadian prison, hold the key to what happened to Michael Dunahee on March 24th 1991?

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There are few names publicly associated as possible suspects in Michael’s case. One of them is Vernon Seitz.

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From afar it may appear that there is just nothing. But the opposite is true. There are many suspects and it is possible whomever is responsible has already  been identified.

Retired Detective Al Cochrane believes there is someone out there with a specific piece of information who needs to step forward in order for the Dunahees to know what happened to their son Michael. 

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In this episode you'll hear about the extraordinary lengths taken to solve the case. Retired Detective Sergeant Don Bland describes the efforts as like 'the war measures act'. Police contact the American space agency to try to get satellite pictures. The BC government flies 9 detectives down to Quantico Virginia, to consult with the F.B.I .

Michael's grandmother Cathy Jeffries reflects on memories of Michael and recalls searching for him with one of Michael's other grandmothers.

On Sunday March 24th 1991, Ian Arnold rides his bicycle around the neighbourhood searching for Michael.  He lives across from Blanshard Elementary. The Dunahee's go to his home to phone the police that afternoon.

Retired Detective Sergeant Don Bland is one of the lead detectives on the Dunahee investigative team.  Three decades on he remembers  the mounting concern in the early hours and days after Michael disappears.

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Crystal's team mates 'The Hellcats' are the first to search for Michael. They will later be hypnotized to jar memories. Witnesses to one of Canada's greatest unsolved mysteries, their friendships transcend time and tragedy.

In this episode the players walk through Sunday March 24th 1991,  the minutes and hours immediately following Michael's disappearance.

John Ducker  will go on to become Victoria's Deputy Police Chief. In 1991, he is one of the junior officers called in to assist with the search and the investigation.

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In this episode you will hear the voice of Michael Dunahee himself. Michael's parents Bruce & Crystal Dunahee shared home video with Producer Laura Palmer. 

Felicia Bernier was one of Michael's little chums. She describes her friend Michael through the lens of a childhood playmate. She talks about his love of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. And how losing her buddy in such tragic circumstances impacted her life.  

Bruce and Crystal Dunahee reflect on their life as a family before Michael vanishes. Michael's parents talk about Michael's childhood and what kind of a little guy he is growing into. They are interviewed separately and together to capture as much detail as possible about the day Michael disappears and their specific recollections of the event. 

Author Valerie  Green wrote the book on Michael Dunahee's case. It's called 'Vanished: The Michael Dunahee story'. Valerie mostly writes local history books. And true crime represents something of a departure for her. But Michael's disappearance in 1991, is a big part of the story of Victoria. 

Townsend Coleman is the voice of  the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle 'Michaelangelo', one of Michael's heroes. At the end of each episode Townsend is lending his voice to  a plea for information on Michael's case. 

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The cliche 'It's every parent's nightmare' certainly fits the narrative of the disappearance of 4-year-old Michael Dunahee. On a spring day in 1991, Michael vanished from a playground in Victoria, BC while his parents were nearby. The adorable dimpled little boy with tousled blond hair captured the attention of the entire country. His case remains one of the largest unsolved mysteries in Canada. What happened to little Michael on that day? Could he still be alive?

Listen to Island Crime, Season 3: Missing Michael on January 18th.

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Season 3: Missing Michael. Available January 2022.

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Questions answered, exclusive new information on the missing men and the latest reaction to the ‘Gone Boys’ investigation.

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Daniel MacDonnell’s dad wishes his son had sought help for his mental health. But like many men, Daniel struggled along on his own. Now Daniel is gone. Why self-reliance could be a death sentence for men like Daniel.

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If there is a serial predator on the island, it’s possible they have targeted victims alone on the roadside. A criminologist, a criminal profiler and an FBI analyst bring their expertise to an exploration of the serial killer theory.

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Loral McLeod is determined to find her handsome charismatic big brother Kelly. In the years before he goes missing Kelly’s life spirals downward into addiction and homelessness. Now Loral believes her brother was murdered.

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Meet the RCMP statistician, the coroners and the dominatrix working to understand the data points representing the missing men’s cases.

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Ian Henry loves drumming, spear fishing and cycling. He is 26 when he disappears from the small island community, he calls home. Ian suffers from schizophrenia; without his medication he can’t function. His disappearance along with those of other men in his Cowichan First Nation has left his community unable to move forward.

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14 year old Desmond Peter was last seen walking along the side of the highway. As a child Desmond witnessed a horrific murder which upended his world and altered the course of his life. Rumours abound about Desmond’s fate, but his family fears he may have been a victim of a predator.

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Thousands of people go missing each year. But almost all of them are found. But on Vancouver Island, young men are going missing and staying missing. Brandon Cairney is athletic, handsome and bright. Then, one tragic night he suffers a brain injury in a car accident and his life takes a tragic turn. Brandon vanishes from his small island community leaving behind a trail of unanswered questions.

*Update. Brandon Cairney surfaced briefly 5 years after his disappearance. You can listen to the surprising update to his case in an episode added to the series.

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To the public they are faces on faded missing person posters. To their parents, they are their boys, and they are gone. Most missing persons cases are resolved quickly. But on Vancouver Island in recent years, some men have vanished without a trace.
Follow the mystery of Vancouver Island’s missing men, on ‘Gone Boys’ Island Crime Season 2.

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After Lisa Marie Young disappeared in 2002, a drug dealer named Bob hears rumours that Lisa has been murdered at a specific location. Alone, he searched. Now 18 years later, a police team is conducting searches in this same spot. And Bob has just come forward with a new piece of information, possible evidence of what happened the night Lisa vanished.

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