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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S5 · E36 · 12:51
Why Lawrence Kane STILL Can’t Be Ruled Out as the Zodiac Killer
In this episode, former detectives Simon and Tom review the case against Lawrence Kane — one of the most persistent suspects in the Zodiac Killer investigation. We advise you listen to the previous episode. While Kane appears to “tick many boxes” on paper, this discussion goes deeper — separating compelling evidence from misleading coincidence. Key points explored include: Kane’s background: Navy experience, coding knowledge, brain injury, and a history of sexual and petty offences His proximity to key Zodiac crime locations, including San Francisco and Vallejo The significance of his convictions for prowling and voyeurism — and whether these behaviours align with the Zodiac’s possible pre-offence patterns The detectives focus heavily on identification evidence, often considered the backbone of any case: Darlene Ferrin’s sisters identifying Kane as a man who frightened her Kathleen Johns later identifying Kane as her abductor Why these identifications are compelling — but still fall short of proving he was the Zodiac However, major challenges to the Kane theory are also examined: No confirmed link to firearms — despite the Zodiac’s demonstrated skill with multiple weapons The Donna Lass case, which differs significantly from known Zodiac crimes in method and execution The risk of forcing connections between unrelated crimes A key theme of this episode is the copycat theory: Could some incidents attributed to the Zodiac actually be separate crimes triggered by media coverage? Are investigators and researchers grouping together crimes that don’t belong? The discussion also highlights a critical investigative danger: Becoming too focused on one suspect and forcing evidence to fit — rather than stepping back and reassessing the bigger picture Ultimately, the conclusion remains frustratingly familiar: Lawrence Kane cannot be definitively linked to the Zodiac Killer But equally, he cannot be fully ruled out This episode is a grounded, expert-led breakdown of a suspect who continues to divide opinion — and a reminder of just how complex the Zodiac case truly is. 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 · E35 · 15:24
Lawrence Kane: The Zodiac Suspect Detectives Could Never Eliminate
n this episode, we examine one of the most persistent and controversial Zodiac Killer suspects: Lawrence Kane. Unlike lesser-known names, Kane is a suspect that serious investigators — including retired detective Harvey Hines — returned to repeatedly. We explore Kane’s background, including: His military training in electronics and coding A life-altering brain injury in 1962 and subsequent psychological decline A long criminal history that abruptly stopped just before the Zodiac killings began We then break down the most disturbing connections: Darlene Ferrin – Identified by her sisters as a man who frightened her prior to her murder Vehicle change – Kane replaced his car days after the Blue Rock Springs shooting Paul Stine murder – Kane lived just blocks from the pickup location Officer Don Fouke – Described Kane as the closest likeness he had seen to the Zodiac The case becomes even more chilling with the disappearance of Donna Lass: Worked in the same building as Kane in Lake Tahoe Vanished in 1970 under suspicious circumstances Later linked to a possible Zodiac communication Her remains were only identified in 2023 — over 50 years later We also revisit the Kathleen Johns abduction, where she identified Kane in a photo lineup — an incident the Zodiac himself claimed responsibility for. Despite these connections, the forensic case remains inconclusive: Fingerprints did not match — but may not belong to the killer DNA evidence is disputed and unreliable Handwriting analysis failed to confirm or eliminate him So why was Kane never ruled out? No definitive alibi Multiple circumstantial overlaps with Zodiac crimes Continued interest from law enforcement This episode lays out the full picture — the evidence, the doubts, and the unanswered questions — surrounding a man who may be one of the strongest Zodiac suspects, yet remains officially unconfirmed. Next episode: Richard Gaikowski — a name some believe the Zodiac hid in plain sight. 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 · E34 · 49:47
Assisted Dying in Scotland, the Nathan Bennett Nursery Case, and Crime in the Headlines
In this episode, Tom and Simon break down some of the most important crime and justice stories in the news. They begin with the shocking Nathan Bennett case, discussing how a nursery worker was able to offend against very young children, what this says about vetting and safeguarding, and why specialist police interview techniques are so important when children are involved. They then turn to the deeply divisive debate over assisted dying in Scotland, examining the proposed law, the role of doctors, the safeguards being discussed, and the wider moral and legal questions around dignity, coercion, and end-of-life care. The conversation also explores the civil case involving Gerry Adams and what it could mean for accountability, historical truth, and the legacy of the Troubles. Elsewhere, Tom and Simon discuss the Glasgow Central Station fire, whether the UK has a regulation problem or an enforcement problem, rising concerns over youth disorder and knife incidents in Glasgow city centre, and why vape shops are attracting growing suspicion from police and communities alike. There is also discussion of Scotland’s supervised consumption model and plans for a similar facility in Edinburgh, along with the usual sharp observations, policing insight, and dark humour listeners expect from Crime Time Inc. This episode covers: the Nathan Bennett nursery abuse case safeguarding, vetting, and child protection the assisted dying bill in Scotland the Gerry Adams civil trial the Glasgow Central Station fire knife disorder involving youths in Glasgow vape shops, drug paraphernalia, and enforcement concerns supervised consumption rooms in Scotland 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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