Uncover: Calls From a Killer
CBC
What does a reporter do when they receive a cold call from one of the most horrific serial killers in Canadian history?The killer: Clifford Olson, who murdered at least eleven children in the 1980s. The reporter: Arlene Bynon, who recorded her jailhouse calls with Olson for years.Alongside legendary journalist Peter Worthington, Arlene spent hundreds of hours on the phone with Olson. It was kept secret from his prison guards; he wasn't allowed to speak to the media.In Calls From a Killer, from CBC’s Uncover, Arlene unearths secrets that have been buried for decades. Secrets about Olson's crimes, about how police failed his young victims and their families — and why law enforcement paid a psychopathic serial killer $100,000. With Nathaniel Frum — Peter's grandson — Arlene exposes hard truths about a forgotten tragedy, a bungled investigation, the loved ones left behind, and the mind of a killer. About UNCOVER: Crime. Investigation. Revelation. Uncover brings you explosive, high-caliber true crime year-round. From CIA mind control to serial abuse, mysterious disappearances to wrongful imprisonment. Each season features a new host who is deeply connected to the story, committed to tracking down the truth. With over 30 seasons to choose from, Uncover represents the best in true crime.For early access to episodes, plus ad-free listening, visit apple.co/cbctruecrime.
Episodes
Mentioned books
4 snips
Dec 22, 2022 • 59min
S17: "The Kill List" E4: ‘I am not a terrorist’
We learn about Karima’s final days from those closest to her, including a man who’s finally ready to speak. After escaping death in Pakistan, what evidence is there that Karima may have taken her own life?
For transcripts of this series, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/podcastnews/the-kill-list-transcripts-listen-1.6514561
11 snips
Dec 22, 2022 • 1h 4min
S17: "The Kill List" E5: Living Ghosts
We follow Karima’s dramatic return to Balochistan — where even in death, she’s considered a threat. And hear from those in her homeland still willing to risk their lives by speaking out.
For transcripts of this series, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/podcastnews/the-kill-list-transcripts-listen-1.6514561
4 snips
Dec 22, 2022 • 1h 5min
S17: "The Kill List" E6: The Pier
New documents, witnesses and a renowned forensic scientist all lead to the same, unsettling conclusion about what really happened to Karima.
For transcripts of this series, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/podcastnews/the-kill-list-transcripts-listen-1.6514561
Aug 2, 2022 • 3min
Introducing: Kuper Island
Long after the Kuper Island Residential School was torn down, the survivors are still haunted by what happened there. Investigative reporter Duncan McCue exposes buried police investigations, confronts perpetrators of abuse and witnesses a community trying to rebuild — literally on top of the old school’s ruins and the unmarked graves of Indigenous children.
Aug 2, 2022 • 32min
S16: “Kuper Island” E1: A School They Called Alcatraz
Survivors James and Tony Charlie give a tour of the grounds of Kuper Island Residential School, discussing the dark memories and the mystery surrounding the death of one boy. The podcast explores the haunting experiences and disturbing secrets of the school, the impact of separation from family, and the abuse endured by the students.
7 snips
Aug 2, 2022 • 39min
S16: “Kuper Island” E2: Nights on the Boys’ Side
Survivors James and Tony Charlie share their haunting accounts of recurring sexual abuse at Kuper Island Residential School in Canada. They discuss the rot of abuse in all aspects of school life, the tragic death of a student, religious indoctrination, and the use of power dynamics to inflict abuse.
5 snips
Aug 2, 2022 • 36min
S16: “Kuper Island” E3: Sink or Swim
Survivor Belvie Brebber shares her traumatic experiences at Kuper Island Residential School, including fear, cruelty, and sexual violence. The podcast explores the impact on her family, harrowing encounters at the school, and accounts of abuse and negligence. It also delves into her brother Richard's aspiration to become a priest and his time at the school. The podcast raises doubts about Richard's cause of death and reveals a police investigation.
6 snips
Aug 2, 2022 • 44min
S16: “Kuper Island” E4: What happened to Richard?
Richard Thomas was smart, kind and well-loved. He was having no problems in school and he wanted to go further in education. Then inexplicably, days before his graduation, he’s found dead in the Kuper Island school gym. His death was ruled a suicide — with no further questions as to why. We piece together a portrait of the teenager through his own writings, and find an old coroner’s report that raises more questions than answers about how Thomas died.
For transcripts of this series, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/podcastnews/kuper-island-transcripts-listen-1.6622551
Aug 2, 2022 • 37min
S16: “Kuper Island” E5: Feeding the Dead
An archaeologist uses survivors' stories and ground-penetrating radar to locate burial sites of children who died at Kuper Island school. The importance of honoring ancestral dead and settling spirits in unmarked graves. Exploring the search for missing children using ground penetrating radar. Ethical considerations of identifying remains and whether to honor buried individuals where they lie. The significance of statistics in convicting an abuser at Cooper Island School.
Aug 2, 2022 • 37min
S16: “Kuper Island” E6: It Didn't Feel Like Justice
Explore the investigation into sexual abuses at Kuper Island Residential School and the search for Brother Glenn Doughty. Discusses challenges faced by survivors seeking justice and compensation. Explores interactions between survivors and the legal system in Canada. Reluctance to talk and availability of support services also discussed.
