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Five seasons. 268+ episodes. Cases from across the world — dissected, debated and brought to life by two former detectives who've seen it all.
283 episodes
How Forensics Might Solve the Gary Poste Enigma
In this episode of Crime Time Inc, hosts Tom Wood and Simon McLean take a detailed look at Gary Francis Post as a suspect in the Zodiac killer case, continuing their in-depth series on one of America's most enduring unsolved mysteries. Before diving into the main discussion, the pair share some entertaining memories of police life — the Glasgow dairies and Edinburgh bakeries that served as unofficial gathering spots for officers, the camaraderie with A&E nurses at the Western General Hospital on the night shift, and some memorably brutal lines from staff appraisals. It's a warm, unguarded exchange that captures the culture of policing in Scotland during their era, and a reminder that even in a true crime podcast, the human side of the job matters. The heart of the episode is a rigorous, experience-driven analysis of Post as a Zodiac suspect and the work of the so-called "case breakers" who championed him. Tom and Simon walk through the circumstantial evidence — Post's military background, his time in the San Francisco Bay Area, claimed cipher interpretations spelling out his name, reports of domestic violence, and familiarity with firearms — and systematically weigh each element. Tom, drawing on decades as a senior investigator and his FBI secondment at Quantico, is characteristically measured but skeptical. He notes that firearms familiarity was near-universal among American men of that generation, that access to military PX stores was hardly exclusive, and that the behavioural profile doesn't fit: serial offenders of this type rarely just stop and settle into quiet domestic life. Simon reinforces the point that the evidence supporting Post is almost entirely subjective or speculative, and crucially, that law enforcement investigating the Zodiac case showed no interest in Post — a telling sign given their otherwise fastidious approach to other suspects. A standout theme of the episode is the concept of elimination in major crime investigation. Tom explains, with the authority of someone who led the World's End murders inquiry and spent years on the Susan Maxwell and Vicky Hamilton cases, that elimination must meet an even higher standard than prosecution — you need to be one hundred per cent certain it is not the suspect. He illustrates this vividly with the Emma Caldwell case, where a suspect initially appeared to have a cast-iron alibi of being in prison, only for investigators to discover he had been released on weekend leave at the time of the murder. The discussion also highlights how DNA evidence, so central to Tom's work on the World's End case — explored fully in his bestselling book *The World's End Murders: The Inside Story* (Ringwood Publishing, 2024) — serves as much to clear the innocent as to convict the guilty. It's a nuanced point that underscores why the Zodiac case, with its degraded and poorly preserved forensic evidence, remains so frustratingly unresolved. The episode closes on a lighter note, with Tom revealing he saw the Beatles live in Edinburgh in their very early days, and Simon ribbing him about Paul McCartney's stolen left-handed guitar — a nod to Simon's well-known friendship with McCartney dating back to his days as a young officer in Campbeltown. The pair tease future episodes, including a Zodiac series roundup and a possible deep dive into the Emma Caldwell case, giving listeners plenty to look forward to. 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 Man With the Hammer: Gary Poste and the Zodiac Killer Theory Explained
In this episode, Simon and Tom examine one of the most controversial modern Zodiac Killer suspects: Gary Francis Poste. The story begins with a chilling moment—an elderly man, a simple question, and a violent response with a hammer. That moment would later fuel a nationwide media storm and reignite interest in a case that has remained unsolved for over 50 years. We break down the claims made by the Case Breakers, a team of former law enforcement and intelligence professionals who publicly named Poste as the Zodiac in 2021. Key areas explored in this episode: The hammer incident and the credibility of the sole witness Poste’s background: Air Force service, cryptography training, and life in the Bay Area during the Zodiac murders His move to Groveland, California in 1970—the same year the Zodiac killings stopped Allegations of violence, control, and disturbing behaviour reported by neighbours The forehead scars and how they compare to the Zodiac composite sketch The controversial cipher theory linking Poste’s name to the Zodiac’s coded messages The connection to the Cheri Jo Bates murder—and why police dispute it Claims of hidden weapons caches and a possible trained group of followers The ongoing mystery surrounding DNA evidence—and why it has never been conclusively compared We also examine strong criticism from leading Zodiac researchers, including Tom Voigt, and explore whether the Case Breakers’ evidence holds up under scrutiny. With no confirmed forensic link—no definitive DNA, fingerprints, or handwriting match—the case against Gary Poste remains entirely circumstantial. So why hasn’t law enforcement fully addressed it? And what happens when a suspect dies before answers are found? The Zodiac case remains officially open. And the question still stands: Was Gary Francis Poste the Zodiac Killer—or just another name in a long list of suspects? 🎙️ This episode sets up our next instalment, where Simon and Tom critically review the Gary Poste theory in detail. Zodiac Killer, Gary Francis Poste, Zodiac suspect, Case Breakers, true crime podcast, unsolved murders, serial killers, Cheri Jo Bates, Zodiac ciphers, cold case, forensic investigation, true crime UK, true crime US, criminal psychology, unsolved mysteries 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.
Richard Gaikowski Review: Was the Zodiac Killer Hiding in Plain Sight?
In this review episode, Simon and Tom take a measured look at Richard Gaikowski, one of the most frequently discussed suspects in the Zodiac case. After Alec’s suspect profile, they break down what is genuinely intriguing, what feels overstated, and why Gaikowski remains a suspect many people talk about—but one who is still far from proven. The discussion focuses on several points that continue to keep Gaikowski in the conversation: his work as a newspaper editor in the Bay Area, his background as an army medic, his reported mental health issues, and the often-mentioned claim that parts of the Zodiac material may contain references to his name. Simon and Tom weigh each of these carefully, separating factual details from interpretations that may rely too heavily on hindsight. A major theme in this episode is the danger of forcing evidence to fit a suspect. Tom raises concerns about the reliability of the anonymous informant behind some of the claims, and both hosts question how much weight can really be placed on decades-old voice identifications and speculative links drawn from coded messages. The episode also explores one of the most interesting aspects of the case: timeline gaps. Gaikowski’s stay at Napa State Hospital from 1971 to 1974 is discussed in relation to the absence of Zodiac letters during that period, raising the question of whether those missing years might matter more than they first appear. Along the way, Simon and Tom also reflect on how historic cases are sometimes solved unexpectedly—through family disclosures, long-buried secrets, or information that only emerges decades later. It is a thoughtful conversation about evidence, probability, and why some suspects can never be fully dismissed, even when the case against them remains inconclusive. This episode is not about sensational claims. It is about careful review, investigative caution, and asking whether Richard Gaikowski was a serious Zodiac suspect—or another name kept alive by mystery, coincidence, and speculation. 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.
Richard Gaikowski: The Zodiac Suspect Built on Coincidence or Hidden Truth?
In this episode, we examine one of the most controversial and debated Zodiac Killer suspects — Richard Gaikowski. A journalist with ties to San Francisco’s counterculture scene, Gaikowski has long fascinated researchers due to a series of striking coincidences, disputed claims, and lingering questions. We break down the full case for and against Gaikowski, separating documented facts from speculation. In this episode, we cover: Gaikowski’s background, military service, and journalism career His movements between California and New York during key Zodiac years The origins of the theory — and the role of Blaine “Goldcatcher”, the informant who first accused him The Darlene Ferrin connection and the Albany timeline overlap The controversial “GYKE” cipher claim The disputed voice identification by Nancy Slover Links to Good Times newspaper and cultural references like The Mikado Claims around the Exorcist letter and “Me = 37” Physical resemblance to the Zodiac composite sketch We also examine the critical weaknesses: The lack of credible supporting evidence from law enforcement The highly questionable reliability of the original source The disputed passport and travel alibi Handwriting analysis that did not match the Zodiac A missed opportunity for fingerprint comparison And most importantly — no public forensic evidence (DNA, fingerprints, or handwriting) has ever tied Gaikowski to the Zodiac crimes This episode takes a balanced, evidence-led approach, asking a key question: Is Richard Gaikowski a serious suspect — or a theory built on coincidence and amplification? Perfect for: True crime fans Zodiac Killer researchers Listeners interested in suspect analysis and investigative breakdowns If you enjoy deep-dive true crime analysis, follow the podcast and don’t miss our ongoing Zodiac series. Richard Gaikowski, Zodiac Killer, Zodiac Killer suspects, Zodiac Killer theory, Blaine Blaine Goldcatcher, Zodiac evidence, Darlene Ferrin, Zodiac cipher, GYKE, true crime podcast, unsolved murders, Zodiac case 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.
Scottish Elections, Police Body Cameras, Lockerbie and the £6 Billion Drugs Crisis
This week on Crime Time Inc, Simon and Tom mark the last of their general-topic episodes for a few weeks — while they push on to finish their in-depth series on the Zodiac murders — with an episode packed full of Scottish crime, policing, politics, and culture. Simon opens with a warning about "true friendship fraud", the growing phenomenon where criminals cultivate online relationships with vulnerable and elderly people in order to steal their money. With Scotland's older population increasingly targeted through Facebook, WhatsApp and other platforms, Simon and Tom explain the warning signs to look out for. Tom brings his characteristic dry wit to the subject, suggesting that any would-be fraudsters targeting him would leave considerably out of pocket. The political agenda is front and centre this week. Simon highlights new UK legislation cracking down on political donations — including a ban on crypto donations and a £100,000 cap on overseas contributions — ahead of the Scottish Parliament elections on 6 May. Tom draws on his years as Deputy Chief Constable of Lothian and Borders to give a frank insider account of what it takes to police a major election: the pre-planning, the management of rival factions, security at counting centres, the Representation of the People Act, and why rising political temperatures mean this May's vote will be a particularly demanding operation. Both hosts share their frustration at the state of modern political debate, noting that First Minister's Questions has descended into a catalogue of accusations rather than a forum for policy. Glasgow has finally joined the rest of the UK in rolling out police body-worn cameras, and Tom is blunt about why it took so long: Scotland's police capital budget is "lamentably inadequate", representing close to 0% of the Scottish Government's public spending despite policing accounting for roughly 3% of costs. Tom draws a direct line between that chronic underfunding and the £50 million Sheku Bayoh public inquiry — a cost that would have paid for body cameras across the whole of Police Scotland. The hosts also discuss privacy implications and Simon's affectionate memory of "Mr Gadget", a community officer from his days in Govan who wore every piece of kit simultaneously — including body armour he'd acquired himself — until being rendered immobile by the weight of it. Elsewhere, Tom gives his assessment of the Lockerbie bombing trial in New York, where alleged bomb-maker Abu Masud faces charges but legal delays are raising fears that the evidence may never be heard in open court. Tom warns of defence tactics designed to "run the clock round" and expresses hope that the Crown's reported intention to publish all evidence publicly — should the trial collapse — will at least bring some form of truth to the families of the 270 victims. The episode also features the latest instalment of the hosts' regular Scots language segment, with explorations of "wee", "Hogmanay", the "Loony Dook" and the beautiful Scots blessing "Lang may yer lum reek". Finally, Simon trails a forthcoming episode on Scotland's £6 billion annual drug crisis, following a major new Social Market Foundation report. KEY TALKING POINTS ------------------ • Friendship fraud and befriending scams: how to spot them and protect vulnerable people • New UK rules on political donations: crypto ban and the £100k overseas cap • Policing Scottish elections: behind the scenes with a former Deputy Chief Constable • Why First Minister's Questions has become "yaboo politics" • Glasgow body cameras: why Scotland was years behind — and the true cost of delay • The Sheku Bayoh inquiry: £50m that could have paid for national body cam rollout • Lockerbie trial update: delays, defence tactics and the risk evidence is never heard • Scots Language: "Wee", "Aye", "Hogmanay", "Loony Dook", "Lang may yer lum reek" • Preview: Scotland's £6 billion drug crisis HOSTS 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Arthur Leigh Allen: The Zodiac Killer’s Prime Suspect? | Episode 9
Episode 9 of The Zodiac Killer series focuses entirely on Arthur Leigh Allen — the man law enforcement pursued for decades and the only suspect ever publicly named in the case. From Donald Cheney’s explosive 1971 account to Michael Mageau’s later identification, Allen’s case is packed with disturbing coincidences, alleged admissions, and behavior investigators found impossible to ignore. We break down the full timeline: Allen’s background in Vallejo, his reported pre-crime statements, the Zodiac Sea Wolf watch, the Lake Berryessa alibi, the search warrants, the pipe bombs, and the claims made in Netflix’s 2024 documentary This Is the Zodiac Speaking. But this episode also examines the other side of the case: the fingerprints that did not match, the handwriting experts who excluded him, the partial DNA that failed to connect him, and why he was never charged. Was Arthur Leigh Allen the Zodiac Killer — or the most compelling wrong suspect in true crime history? 00:00 Prime Suspect Setup 01:43 Allen Early Life 04:24 Grievances And Red Flags 05:54 Cheney Bombshell Tip 07:00 Lovers Lane Details 11:54 Credibility And DNA Wrinkle 15:10 First Police Interview 16:26 Watch Alibi And Knives 19:33 Handwriting Excludes Allen 20:43 Search Warrant And Arrest 22:51 Spinelli Names Allen 25:27 1991 Search And Bombs 27:48 Blue Rock Springs Revisited 28:58 Mageau Photo Lineup 30:55 Voice Witness Limits 32:28 Allen Dies and Search 33:14 DNA and Handwriting Tests 35:52 Forensic Caveats Explained 37:01 Netflix Seawater Claims 40:49 Beach and Riverside Trips 44:35 Confession Accounts Weighed 46:19 Case For and Against 53:20 Why Allen Endures 56:53 Final Question and Next 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.
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