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
Fresh Episodes
Latest Episodes
S5 · E45 · 29:34
Why the Zodiac Killer Was Never Caught | Final Case Review
In this episode, we delve into the intricate case of the Zodiac Killer, reflecting on the thorough investigation and narrative crafted by Alex, who's been pivotal in summarizing the key elements of this elusive case. Through Alex’s comprehensive overview, we pay homage to the victims and draw distinctions between verified killings attributed to the Zodiac and other alleged murders. Despite decades passing, the case remains alive with ongoing public interest, leading to a continuous influx of suspect names, showcasing the enduring enigma the Zodiac has become. We explore the complexities that have accumulated over the last 50 years, emphasizing how the tales surrounding the Zodiac Killer have taken on a life of their own. The necessity arises to return to the inception of the investigations, utilizing modern technology such as artificial intelligence to sift through historical data to identify the genuine Zodiac murders versus those that have been mistakenly associated with him. This approach could pave the way for a more accurate forensic review, relying on evolved methodologies to address any degradation of evidence over time. Both Tom and Simon reflect on the huge investment of resources needed in cold cases like the Zodiac—a task that requires not only modern techniques but a fresh perspective unmarred by the "noise" of decades of speculation and myth-making. The discussion turns towards assessing the worth and feasibility of revisiting long-cold cases against the backdrop of contemporary murder rates and resource limitations for law enforcement agencies. We also touch on the necessity for proficiency in cryptography as a critical characteristic of the true Zodiac Killer, underscoring that this level of expertise would significantly narrow down the pool of suspects. The conversation further highlights the evolution of investigative techniques, by juxtaposing past practices with today’s advanced methodologies that could expose previously overlooked details in long-standing murder inquiries, especially focusing on stranger killings and suspicious deaths that may have been misclassified due to various systemic flaws in the investigative process. As the episode progresses, we reflect on the human aspects of the law enforcement officers who encountered the Zodiac's initial crimes—acknowledging their challenges and limited training at the time. Both hosts express admiration for Alex’s respectful treatment of these individuals while emphasizing the need for contemporary discussions to address the evolving dynamics of murder investigation teams and their management. Finally, we conclude by considering the potential future directions of investigations into the Zodiac case. As we celebrate Alex's innovative work, we ponder the implications of reopening old cases with a fresh lens and the importance of imparting lessons learned from past mistakes within law enforcement practices. The exchange leaves listeners with a profound sense of the shared history behind these investigations and the ongoing allure that such cases continue to exert on public imagination. Zodiac Killer Zodiac Killer investigation unsolved serial killers true crime podcast cold case review criminal investigation forensic failures police investigation mistakes Zodiac cryptography detective analysis unsolved mysteries cold case analysis 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 · E44 · 44:49
Zodiac Killer Final Episode: The Remaining Suspects, The Failed Investigation, and Why the Case Is Still Unsolved
In the final episode of our Zodiac Killer series, we move beyond the best-known suspects and examine the bigger question at the heart of this case: why has the Zodiac investigation produced so many names, and yet no definitive answer? This episode covers the remaining major suspects, including Jack Tarrance, Rick Marshall, Ted Kaczynski, David Carpenter, Bruce Davis, Paul Doerr, Kjell Qvale, and Giuseppe Bevilacqua. For each, we look at why they were considered, what evidence or theory linked them to the case, and why none of those theories has led to a confirmed identification. But this is not just another suspects episode. It is also a deeper look at the Zodiac investigation itself: the fragmented police response across multiple jurisdictions, the missed opportunities, the Paul Stine dispatcher error, the role of Dave Toschi and other investigators, the limitations of eyewitness sketches, the problems with the DNA evidence, and the enduring influence of the Zodiac’s letters and ciphers. We also examine how modern forensic tools, including touch DNA, next-generation sequencing, and genetic genealogy, may still offer hope — while being honest about the limits of the evidence that remains. The episode explores the 2020 cracking of the Z340 cipher, the unsolved Z13 and Z32 messages, and the reality that the Zodiac case remains open more than half a century later. Above all, this episode brings the focus back to the confirmed victims: David Faraday, Betty Lou Jensen, Darlene Ferrin, Cecelia Shepard, and Paul Stine. Their lives, not the mythology of the killer, are where this story begins and ends. This is the final scripted episode in our Zodiac series — a careful, unsensational look at the remaining suspects, the failures and frustrations of the investigation, and the uncomfortable truth that some cases remain unsolved. zodiac killer, zodiac killer suspects, zodiac killer final episode, zodiac case unsolved, jack tarrance zodiac, rick marshall zodiac, ted kaczynski zodiac theory, paul doerr zodiac, kjell qvale zodiac, zodiac investigation, zodiac killer dna, zodiac ciphers, z340 cipher, zodiac killer case update, zodiac victims, true crime podcast, unsolved serial killer, san francisco zodiac killer, zodiac killer documentary, 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 · E43 · 21:34
Ex-Detectives review Earl Van Best Jnr as a Zodiac Killer Suspect
In this episode of Crime Time Inc, hosts Tom Wood and Simon McLean join researcher Alex to continue their deep dive into the Zodiac killer case, turning their attention from the evidence itself to the deeply human story behind one of the most enduring suspects — a man whose abandoned son became convinced his estranged father was the infamous serial killer. Tom, drawing on decades of experience as a senior investigating officer on cases including the World's End murders and the Robert Black abductions, offers a compelling psychological perspective on why family members of terrible people sometimes come forward to link their relatives to high-profile unsolved crimes. As he explains, these individuals are rarely faking it; they genuinely believe what they're saying, driven by a deep need to make sense of the cruelty they experienced. It's a way of externalising their pain, of finding an explanation grand enough to account for the abandonment and neglect they suffered. The conversation opens up into a broader and thought-provoking discussion about the exploitation of serious crime. Simon raises the uncomfortable truth that bestselling books, films, and television programmes have been built on the back of cases like the Zodiac, Jack the Ripper, and countless others — an industry where there is, as Tom puts it, no quality control and no board of censors. With the rise of artificial intelligence, the hosts note, the barrier to producing speculative true crime content has never been lower. It's a candid moment of self-awareness from two men who make their living in the genre, and they handle it with characteristic honesty and humour. Tom takes the opportunity to share the remarkable story behind his own book, *Ruxton: The First Modern Murder*, recounting how a bundle of case papers — tied with the original pink police tape, unread for over eighty years — was discovered in a Portobello attic and eventually found its way to his desk. The documents, belonging to a deceased Edinburgh CID detective, contained a wealth of new information about a well-known case and told the story of an ordinary county police sergeant who, with no resources and no CID experience, did extraordinary investigative work. It's a story that underscores a theme that has run through Crime Time Inc from the very beginning: the critical importance of protecting and properly investigating the crime scene, a principle as vital today as it was in 1935. Simon also teases his forthcoming novel, *Kintyre*, which Tom reports he has read in excerpt and enjoyed very much. The episode closes with a forward-looking discussion about cold case responsibility. Tom poses the question of who, if anyone, is still actively investigating the Zodiac murders, and whether modern forensic advances have ever been applied to the original evidence. He draws a parallel with the ongoing Police Scotland search for the remains of Renee MacRae and her young son — a case that is solved and whose perpetrator is dead, yet where the duty to victims' families compels continued work. The hosts reflect on the value of structures like Police Scotland's Homicide Review Board and wonder whether any equivalent systematic review has ever been applied to the full range of killings attributed to the Zodiac. It's a fitting end to an episode that balances sharp investigative thinking with genuine humanity, and listeners are reminded that the Zodiac series will continue with further suspects and a full case summary in upcoming episodes. Zodiac Killer, Zodiac Killer podcast, Zodiac murders, unsolved serial killer, true crime podcast, Zodiac suspects, Zodiac evidence, San Francisco murders, 1960s serial killer, cold case investigation, Zodiac cipher, true crime analysis, Zodiac Killer theory, unsolved mysteries, crime podcast, serial killer case study, Zodiac Killer identity, true crime storytelling, criminal investigation, famous unsolved cases 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
Crime Time Membership
Exclusive episodes, printed case notes, webinars with the hosts, and backstage access. Be the first to know when we launch.
Get Notified