Real Cases. Real Cops. Real Talk.
Crime Time Inc.
Former detectives Tom Wood and Simon McLean bring you inside Scotland's most gripping criminal cases. Real investigations. Real insight. No fluff.
5
Seasons
268+
Episodes
★ 5
Apple Podcasts
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Latest Episodes
S5 · E33 · 23:52
Was Ross Sullivan the Zodiac Killer? The Riverside Connection Explained
Ross Sullivan remains one of the most debated and mysterious suspects in the Zodiac Killer case. In this episode, we explore the evidence linking Sullivan to both the infamous Zodiac murders and the earlier 1966 killing of Cheri Jo Bates at Riverside City College. Sullivan, a library assistant at RCC, was present on campus at the time of Bates’ murder and later drew suspicion from co-workers who described him as unsettling and potentially dangerous. His sudden disappearance following the killing, combined with a change in appearance, raised further questions. We break down the key elements of the case: The Cheri Jo Bates murder and its possible connection to Zodiac Witness accounts and co-worker suspicions The disturbing “desktop poem” and its alleged link to Zodiac writings Sullivan’s interest in cryptography and handwriting disguise Physical similarities to the Zodiac composite sketch The controversial Mikado connection Conflicting alibi claims and institutionalisation records But the case against Sullivan is far from airtight. We also examine the major weaknesses: A significant height discrepancy with eyewitness descriptions Fingerprints that reportedly did not match crime scene evidence Claims of hospitalisation during key Zodiac attacks The lack of formal investigation by law enforcement Expert Review: Simon & Tom Analyse the Evidence Former investigators Simon and Tom provide a critical breakdown of the Sullivan theory, questioning whether modern researchers may now have a broader view of the case than original investigators ever did. They raise important questions about Sullivan’s mental health history, including what may have triggered his diagnoses and whether this is relevant to assessing his potential for violence. The discussion challenges a common assumption: that Sullivan’s cremation prevents DNA analysis. Tom explains how familial DNA could still be used to eliminate or potentially link him through relatives. However, both experts stress a key limitation—existing Zodiac DNA samples may not be reliable enough for definitive identification, meaning DNA may be more useful for elimination than confirmation. They also highlight the importance of forensic integrity, noting that any evidence must have a clear chain of custody to stand up in court. The height discrepancy is debated, with Simon viewing it as a major issue, while Tom argues eyewitness estimates—especially at night—are often unreliable. Crucially, Tom warns against “linking assumptions”—building a case on the idea that Bates is a Zodiac victim, then linking Sullivan to Bates, which compounds uncertainty. Both agree that much of the suspicion around Sullivan originates from co-workers rather than law enforcement, raising questions about how seriously he was ever investigated. The conclusion: Sullivan is an intriguing suspect with some compelling overlaps—but the case remains circumstantial and far from proven. With no confirmed DNA and conflicting evidence, the question remains open: was Ross Sullivan a viable suspect overlooked by police—or another compelling but ultimately flawed theory? In the next episode, we turn to another major Zodiac suspect: Lawrence Kane. About Crime Time Inc. Season 5 of Crime Time Inc. broadens its reach across two sides of the Atlantic. This season features cases from Scotland and across the wider UK — rooted in real investigative experience — alongside deep dives into some of the most infamous murder cases in American history. Hosted by former detectives Simon and Tom, with experience in both the UK and the United States, including time working alongside the FBI, the show strips away sensationalism to explain how crime and justice really work. Two crime worlds. One podcast. New episodes released regularly throughout the season. Our Website: https://crimetimeinc.com/ If you like this show please leave a review. It really helps us. Please help us improve our Podcast by completing this survey. http://bit.ly/crimetimeinc-survey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S5 · E32 · 47:25
How the Soham Murders Transformed UK Police Protocols
Old Firm Disorder, Glasgow Fire, and Lessons from Huntley: Policing, Enforcement, and True Crime Insights In a wide-ranging chat, Simon and former senior Scottish police officer Tom Wood discuss Tom’s new book-editing process and then focus on recent disorder around the Rangers–Celtic Old Firm match, arguing sectarian hatred still simmers and questioning reduced police presence, reliance on stewards, and proposals to reintroduce alcohol at stadiums. They link football violence, gate-crashing, and disguised fans to broader issues of enforcement, funding cuts, and lost “organisational memory.” The conversation shifts to a major Glasgow city-centre fire at an iconic corner, suggesting existing regulations are adequate but under-enforced due to hollowed-out local authorities and reduced inspection capacity, with concern about vape shops and illicit activity. They reflect on the Soham murders by Ian Huntley and the Bichard Inquiry’s lessons on intelligence-sharing failures, compare offender secrecy to Angus Sinclair, note a new near-miss account related to Robert Black, and briefly preview London’s policing challenge after banning the Al Quds march. 00:00 Book Editing Grind 00:44 Old Firm Violence Returns 01:45 Policing vs Stewarding 03:59 Alcohol Ban Debate 07:52 Sectarianism and Rivalry 11:49 Away Fans and Hooliganism 14:51 Pickpockets at Matches 16:46 Glasgow Fire and Neglect 20:36 Vape Shops and Drug Parallels 23:30 Smoking Ban Lessons 23:49 Smoking Ban Success 24:52 Vape Shop Fire Questions 25:16 Enforcement Over New Laws 26:34 Policing Vape Shops 27:24 Pawn Shops and Beat Cops 28:09 Madam Doubtfire Origins 29:08 Glasgow Fair and Pawnbroking 30:44 Soham Murders Lessons 32:59 Killers Keeping Secrets 36:27 Near Misses and Intel Logs 40:10 Patterns in Minor Incidents 41:37 Covering for Offenders 42:29 Banning Marches in London 46:42 Rugby and Sign Off About Crime Time Inc. Season 5 of Crime Time Inc. broadens its reach across two sides of the Atlantic. This season features cases from Scotland and across the wider UK — rooted in real investigative experience — alongside deep dives into some of the most infamous murder cases in American history. Hosted by former detectives Simon and Tom, with experience in both the UK and the United States, including time working alongside the FBI, the show strips away sensationalism to explain how crime and justice really work. Two crime worlds. One podcast. New episodes released regularly throughout the season. Our Website: https://crimetimeinc.com/ If you like this show please leave a review. It really helps us. Please help us improve our Podcast by completing this survey. http://bit.ly/crimetimeinc-survey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S5 · E31 · 38:25
Zodiac Killer Suspect Arthur Leigh Allen: The Evidence, the Doubts & the Unanswered Questions | Episode 10
In this episode, we review the case made against Arthur Leigh Allen, the man long considered by many to be the leading suspect in the Zodiac Killer investigation. Tom and Simon break down the strongest points pointing toward Allen, including his proximity to key crime scenes, his familiarity with coded messages, witness identification, shoe size, violent behaviour, and the disturbing testimony that he taught children how to create and decipher codes. But this episode also focuses on the evidence that muddies the picture. The discussion explores the disputed fingerprint and palm print evidence, the limits of the handwriting analysis, the problems with partial DNA from the Zodiac letters, and how easily investigators can become locked onto one suspect while dismissing contradictions. The conversation also looks at Allen’s background in the US Navy, his psychiatric history, his conviction for offences against a child, and the importance of building a proper timeline around his movements, incarceration, communications, and behaviour. Tom raises key investigative questions: What exactly was Allen treated for psychiatrically, and when? What did he actually do during his Navy service? Why were some potentially incriminating items found, but no firearms, ammunition, or clear cryptographic material? Was too much weight placed on forensic evidence that may have been contaminated, incomplete, or misunderstood? The episode also examines the role of Don Cheney, asking whether he should have been treated more seriously as a suspect or at least as a critical line of inquiry. This is a detailed look at how cold case reviews should be approached: start at the beginning, separate fact from theory, revisit early witness statements, and resist the temptation to force the evidence to fit the favourite suspect. If you are fascinated by the Zodiac case, suspect profiling, forensic ambiguity, and the psychology of major investigations, this is an essential listen. About Crime Time Inc. Season 5 of Crime Time Inc. broadens its reach across two sides of the Atlantic. This season features cases from Scotland and across the wider UK — rooted in real investigative experience — alongside deep dives into some of the most infamous murder cases in American history. Hosted by former detectives Simon and Tom, with experience in both the UK and the United States, including time working alongside the FBI, the show strips away sensationalism to explain how crime and justice really work. Two crime worlds. One podcast. New episodes released regularly throughout the season. Our Website: https://crimetimeinc.com/ If you like this show please leave a review. It really helps us. Please help us improve our Podcast by completing this survey. http://bit.ly/crimetimeinc-survey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Hosts
Straight From the Case Files
Tom Wood
Co-Host
Tom Wood is a retired detective, former Deputy Chief Constable and bestselling author of "Ruxton: The First Modern Murder". With decades of experience in Scottish law enforcement, Tom brings unparalleled insight into criminal investigations and forensic history.
Simon McLean
Co-Host
Simon McLean is a former detective and undercover cop. His experience spans organised crime, serious assault, and complex criminal networks across Scotland.
Chris Burt
Producer
Chris Burt is the producer of Crime Time Inc, handling all aspects of audio production, post-production, and digital content.
Listener Reviews
What Listeners Say
Absolutely Gripping
“Tom and Simon bring an authenticity to true crime that you just can't fake. Having two actual detectives walk you through these cases is incredible. Essential listening.”
— ScottishCrimeFan · Apple Podcasts
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