Island Crime

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As Amber's hometown prepares to mark the one-year anniversary of her disappearance, a forest fire severs the connection to the community. Port Alberni quietly grieves her loss, still waiting for answers. In this episode, a woman believes she may have witnessed Amber and her boyfriend together the weekend after her disappearance. And a man who never knew Amber, becomes an online antagonist, provoking a response.

This episode was recorded and edited before news of Justin Hall's death became public. An update message has been added to reflect this most recent development.  

Thank you to CHEK News for the use of audio from archival news footage.

If you would like to support Amber's friends and family please head to their Facebook page: Finding Amber Manthorne

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As the first anniversary of Amber Manthorne's disappearance approaches, her family and friends prepare to say their goodbyes and celebrate Amber's life.  Meanwhile, the search for Amber and the investigation into her case carries on. In this episode, Amber's sister Shannon speaks publicly for the first time and an avid river adventurer shares that he might have found evidence, which could be helpful to the investigation.

This episode was recorded and edited before news of Justin Hall's death became public. An update message has been added to reflect this most recent development.  

Thank you to CHEK News for the use of audio from archival news footage.

Note: After the episode was published, I heard from a friend of Amber's who confirmed the shawl/sweater Amber is wearing in some photos belonged to a friend, and that friend confirms the item of clothing is in her closet. So the first item of clothing Geoff found likely did not belong to Amber. 

If you would like to support Amber's friends and family please head to their Facebook page: Finding Amber Manthorne

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Don't poke the bear. It's a warning I heard a number of times as I worked on the story of 'Whiskey Creek'. After almost three years of silence, reverberations from the series are being felt across the island. I'll open up about the aftermath of reporting on this story and the knock-on effects on the victims' families.

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When Shawn McGrath emerged from incarceration he wound up out in the woods.  What could have helped him succeed outside of prison? And how can we prevent another Whiskey Creek from happening?

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John McGrath knows his boy, Shawn, was no angel. And now, years later, he's ready to share his theory about the Whiskey Creek murders for the first time.

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Two weeks before the Whiskey Creek shootings, a young woman’s body is found on a nearby highway. The 22-year-old knew the Whiskey Creek victims and spent time there. Is her death somehow connected?

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A Vancouver Island mother believes her son may have been held hostage at Whiskey Creek. In her eyes, he is an innocent victim in an act of vigilantism. But he has never been named publicly as one of the victims. What will his mom do in order to seek justice for her boy? 

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Today, the lone survivor of the Whiskey Creek massacre lives in fear that those responsible for the slaughter are still planning to finish him off. After the attack, he fled to the mainland, warned never to return. But now he wants to come home. 

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Fresh out of jail and with nowhere to go, Shawn McGrath lands in a trailer in Whiskey Creek. That's when problems in the community begin. His encampment in the woods is a magnet for the young and vulnerable. How far will the community go to protect their own?

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It's Halloween Night 2020. Neighbours hear loud noises coming from the bush. They assume the sounds are fireworks marking late night festivities. The next afternoon a dirt biker stumbles across a scene straight out of a Hollywood drama. Burned out vehicles, three dead bodies, four dead dogs and, incredibly, a survivor. 

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On Halloween night in 2020, a mass shooting took place near the resort community of Qualicum Beach, Vancouver Island. Three people are found dead in a make-shift encampment deep in the woods. Beside them, four dead dogs and a burned-out trailer. Now, more than two years on, the case is at a standstill.  Island Crime Season 5: Whiskey Creek explores the secrecy and fear surrounding the shootings.

New episodes coming May 9. 

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No charges were ever laid in the alleged attempted abduction and Michael Dunahee's disappearance remains unsolved. 

If you have information please contact the Victoria Police: https://vicpd.ca/michaeldunaheetips/

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Twenty years on, there are now new searches for Lisa Marie Young. The fresh attention is reopening old wounds and bringing unwanted attention to some.  

You'll hear from a man who had a relationship with Lisa the year before she vanished. 

& William Curry, a former criminal who once approached Lisa's father Don Young with an offer to help, shares his perspective on Lisa's disappearance.

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Brandon Cairney has been missing since October 2017. On September 22nd 2022, Brandon surfaced alive. 

Listen to the original story of Brandon's disappearance in Episode 1 of 'Gone Boys'.

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Amber lives for summer. She works at a boat shop, her home is out at the lake and she makes the most out of the sunny season. A colleague, a friend and a woman Amber never met, shine a light on how Amber's bright spark may have been darkened forever.

None of the allegations of abuse involving Justin have been proven.

Amber Manthorne has not been found. The search for her is ongoing. While her disappearance is certainly out of character, it may not be a crime. Police have not ruled out criminality in her case. Anyone who may have information and has not already spoken with police is asked to contact the Port Alberni RCMP at 250-723-2424. And if you want to help support Amber’s friends, you can join them on Facebook through the group, 'Finding Amber Manthorne'.

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Tensions are high in Amber's hometown of Port Alberni, while Amber remains missing. What can be learned of Amber's boyfriend, allegedly the last person known to be with her before she vanishes?

Amber Manthorne has not been found. The search for her is ongoing. While her disappearance is certainly out of character, it may not be a crime. Police have not ruled out criminality in her case. Anyone who may have information and has not already spoken with police is asked to contact the Port Alberni RCMP at 250-723-2424. And if you want to help support Amber’s friends, you can join them on Facebook through the group, 'Finding Amber Manthorne'.

Note: Thank you to the CHEK news team who have led on the coverage of Amber's story and whose archival tape you hear in this episode.

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As time passes with no sign of Amber, friends fear the worst. The town is on edge and the behaviour of Amber's boyfriend adds to the tension. 

Amber Manthorne has not been found. The search for her is ongoing. While her disappearance is certainly out of character, it may not be a crime. Police have not ruled out criminality in her case. Anyone who may have information, and has not already spoken with police, is asked to contact the Port Alberni RCMP at 250-723-2424. And if you want to help support Amber’s friends you can join them on Facebook through the group Finding Amber Manthorne.

Note: Thank you to the CHEK news team who have led on the coverage of Amber's story and whose archival tape you hear in this episode.

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Amber is a cherished member of her Port Alberni community; a loyal friend, devoted daughter, a really ‘cool chick’, bubbly, and always cheerful. So it's no surprise that a community of people dubbed 'Amber's Army' have come together to help find her. Amidst the desperate search for Amber, friends take time to talk about her and answer questions about the circumstances surrounding her disappearance.

In this episode, host Laura Palmer talks to one of Amber's closest pals, a Chief of a local First Nation who also knew Amber well, and a friend who is a commercial diver, now using his skills to search for his friend in the lake she loved.

Amber Manthorne has not been found. The search for her is ongoing. While her disappearance is certainly out of character, it may not be a crime. Police have not ruled out criminality in her case. Anyone who may have information and has not already spoken with police is asked to contact the Port Alberni RCMP at 250-723-2424. And if you want to help support Amber’s friends, you can join them on Facebook through the group, 'Finding Amber Manthorne'.

Note: Thank you to the CHEK news team who have led on the coverage of Amber's story and whose archival tape you hear in this episode.

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When 40-year-old Amber Manthorne fails to show up to work on Friday, July 8th, 2022, her friends immediately believe something is wrong. At first, it is thought that Amber is with her boyfriend, Justin Hall, but then Justin surfaces days later, without Amber, leaving more questions than answers.

In this episode, host Laura Palmer outlines the timeline of events surrounding Amber's disappearance and sits down with Amber's friend, and family spokesperson, Kristie St. Claire.

Amber Manthorne has not been found. The search for her is ongoing. While her disappearance is certainly out of character, it may not be a crime. Police have not ruled out criminality in her case. Anyone who may have information and has not already spoken with police is asked to contact the Port Alberni RCMP at 250-723-2424. And if you want to help support Amber’s friends-you can join them on Facebook through the group Finding Amber Manthorne.

Note: Thank you to the CHEK news team who have led on the coverage of Amber's story. You hear audio of their news footage in this episode.

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Christopher William Adair is the last person known to be seen with Lisa Marie Young before she vanished in 2002. He has never been charged in connection with her disappearance and detectives currently investigating the case can't say much about him.  But now there is a $50,000 reward for information that could lead investigators to Lisa's remains. 

Where is Lisa?: Red Jag Guy marks the 20th anniversary of Young's disappearance with a two-part story of the man who gave her a ride in a red Jaguar the night she went missing. In part two, host Laura Palmer interviews a retired RCMP officer who worked on Lisa's file and an Edmonton police officer who encountered Chris while he was in Alberta. Also, an interview with the donor behind the reward explains why he wanted to get involved in Lisa's case. 

Some voices you will hear are altered to protect the identity of sources. The sources are confidential, but they are not anonymous. They are known to the producer.

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“Don't get into a vehicle with a driver you don't know.” This was the golden rule Don Young taught his daughter, Lisa Marie Young. But twenty years ago, on June 29th 2002, Lisa broke her father's rule. She got into a red Jaguar driven by a charming young man and was never seen alive again.

Where is Lisa?: Red Jag Guy marks the 20th anniversary of Young's disappearance with a two-part story of the man behind the wheel. The man is Christopher William Adair, and the myth in Lisa's story is that the driver of the vehicle is a young man of considerable wealth and privilege. But as usual, the truth is more complicated. In part one, host Laura Palmer focuses on Chris's world before he met Lisa in 2002. She examines what is known about the last person to see Lisa alive, and asks what more might he know about what happened the night she vanished?

Some voices you will hear are altered to protect the identity of sources. The sources are confidential, but they are not anonymous. They are known to the producer.

End of episode song 'Softly'  by Kyla Lee music by Tim Hearsey  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LRaryWrgOgA

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What has changed when it comes to keeping kids safe from abductors?

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If Michael is alive, DNA is the most likely way he will be found. The police have now put together Michael's DNA from his old toys and a hat.

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From afar it may appear that there is just nothing. But the opposite is true. There are many suspects and it is possible whomever is responsible has already  been identified.

Retired Detective Al Cochrane believes there is someone out there with a specific piece of information who needs to step forward in order for the Dunahees to know what happened to their son Michael. 

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In this episode you'll hear about the extraordinary lengths taken to solve the case. Retired Detective Sergeant Don Bland describes the efforts as like 'the war measures act'. Police contact the American space agency to try to get satellite pictures. The BC government flies 9 detectives down to Quantico Virginia, to consult with the F.B.I .

Michael's grandmother Cathy Jeffries reflects on memories of Michael and recalls searching for him with one of Michael's other grandmothers.

On Sunday March 24th 1991, Ian Arnold rides his bicycle around the neighbourhood searching for Michael.  He lives across from Blanshard Elementary. The Dunahee's go to his home to phone the police that afternoon.

Retired Detective Sergeant Don Bland is one of the lead detectives on the Dunahee investigative team.  Three decades on he remembers  the mounting concern in the early hours and days after Michael disappears.

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Crystal's team mates 'The Hellcats' are the first to search for Michael. They will later be hypnotized to jar memories. Witnesses to one of Canada's greatest unsolved mysteries, their friendships transcend time and tragedy.

In this episode the players walk through Sunday March 24th 1991,  the minutes and hours immediately following Michael's disappearance.

John Ducker  will go on to become Victoria's Deputy Police Chief. In 1991, he is one of the junior officers called in to assist with the search and the investigation.

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In this episode you will hear the voice of Michael Dunahee himself. Michael's parents Bruce & Crystal Dunahee shared home video with Producer Laura Palmer. 

Felicia Bernier was one of Michael's little chums. She describes her friend Michael through the lens of a childhood playmate. She talks about his love of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. And how losing her buddy in such tragic circumstances impacted her life.  

Bruce and Crystal Dunahee reflect on their life as a family before Michael vanishes. Michael's parents talk about Michael's childhood and what kind of a little guy he is growing into. They are interviewed separately and together to capture as much detail as possible about the day Michael disappears and their specific recollections of the event. 

Author Valerie  Green wrote the book on Michael Dunahee's case. It's called 'Vanished: The Michael Dunahee story'. Valerie mostly writes local history books. And true crime represents something of a departure for her. But Michael's disappearance in 1991, is a big part of the story of Victoria. 

Townsend Coleman is the voice of  the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle 'Michaelangelo', one of Michael's heroes. At the end of each episode Townsend is lending his voice to  a plea for information on Michael's case. 

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The cliche 'It's every parent's nightmare' certainly fits the narrative of the disappearance of 4-year-old Michael Dunahee. On a spring day in 1991, Michael vanished from a playground in Victoria, BC while his parents were nearby. The adorable dimpled little boy with tousled blond hair captured the attention of the entire country. His case remains one of the largest unsolved mysteries in Canada. What happened to little Michael on that day? Could he still be alive?

Listen to Island Crime, Season 3: Missing Michael on January 18th.

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Daniel MacDonnell’s dad wishes his son had sought help for his mental health. But like many men, Daniel struggled along on his own. Now Daniel is gone. Why self-reliance could be a death sentence for men like Daniel.

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Thousands of people go missing each year. But almost all of them are found. But on Vancouver Island, young men are going missing and staying missing. Brandon Cairney is athletic, handsome and bright. Then, one tragic night he suffers a brain injury in a car accident and his life takes a tragic turn. Brandon vanishes from his small island community leaving behind a trail of unanswered questions.

*Update. Brandon Cairney surfaced briefly 5 years after his disappearance. You can listen to the surprising update to his case in an episode added to the series.

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Lisa’s hometown was once dubbed ‘the city without pity’, an allusion to dark themes of drugs, gangs, and a conspiracy of silence thwarting the investigation into Lisa’s case. In the summer of 2020, Lisa’s community finally steps up for her, embracing her story in ways both symbolic and significant. And cracks begin to form, opening …

Continue reading "Update: 2020 Summer of Hope"

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The last of the original planned episodes of S1. This episode introduces those who sparked the inspiration for this podcast: Musician Alison Crowe was friends with Lisa and wrote a haunting song in her memory, Alison’s manager and former white collar crime investigator Adrian DuPlessis, and the tenacious high school friend and advocate Cyndy Hall. As new information surfaces the series continues...

Note: This episode was originally recorded in May 2020. It was remixed with original script & audio for a better listening experience in September 2022.

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Dave was a self-described gangster and bad guy. Now he’s a born-again Christian who claims to have inside information on what happened to Lisa. Lorimer Shenher is a former police detective who wrote a book about a serial killer he helped catch. Two men worlds apart, share their unique perspectives on Lisa’s case.

Note: This episode was originally recorded in May 2020. It was remixed with original script & audio for a better listening experience in September 2022.

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In their desperation, with no new leads, Lisa’s family turn to a psychic for help. Norm Pratt describes himself as a spiritual intuitive. He has successfully worked with police to find missing people. Norm heads into the forest with Lisa’s loved ones to search for Lisa.

Note: This episode was originally recorded in May 2020. It was remixed with original script & audio for a better listening experience in September 2022.

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CHEK TV Reporter Kendall Hanson is a rookie when he is first assigned the story of the search for Lisa Marie Young. Kendall will forge a lifelong friendship with Lisa’s mother Joanne. In Episode 3, Kendall details his fascination with Lisa’s story, and why eighteen years on Lisa’s case still keeps him awake at night.

Note: This episode was originally recorded in May 2020. It was remixed with original script & audio for a better listening experience in September 2022.

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The evening Lisa vanished began in the most ordinary way. Lisa and her dad watched TV and enjoyed a beer together. They were close. When she says goodbye and heads out into the night to meet friends, Lisa’s father Don Young has no idea he will never see Lisa again. Don recounts what happened that night and describes the immediate aftermath of losing Lisa.

Note: This episode was originally recorded in May 2020. It was remixed with original script & audio for a better listening experience in September 2022.

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On a long weekend in the summer of 2002, Lisa Marie Young went out to celebrate a friend’s birthday. There were big changes ahead; a move to a new apartment, a fresh start on a career with big dreams of becoming a sportscaster. But that night, Lisa got into a red jaguar with a young …

Continue reading "Season 1: Where is Lisa?"

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