In November 2003, 14-year-old Charlene Downes went missing from Blackpool. She has never been found and is presumed murdered. In this ten-part series, we will go through the case, piece by piece. With access to thousands of records and reports, this podcast will attempt to explain one of the UK's most complex, bizarre and heartbreaking cases and try to get a step closer to finding out....What Happened to Charlene Downes? If you'd like to support the show, you can do so here:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/podcast4justiceArtwork by Jack Connolly If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this podcast, please see the below organisations that offer support, advice and information:https://www.thesurvivorstrust.org/ - For people who have been the victim of sexual abuse (UK)https://www.rainn.org/ - Sexual Abuse Support USAhttps://www.nasasv.org.au/support-directory - Sexual Abuse Support Australia https://www.rcni.ie/useful-links/ - Sexual Abuse Support Ireland

REAL Presents... EP1: What Happened To Charlene Downes?

Real is a true crime podcast made by award winning TV Producer Naomi Channell.Each episode is an audio documentary, telling a true crime story that is almost unbelievable. But these stories, are Real. If you would like to support the show, you can do so here, thank you: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/podcast4justice

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In January 2003, 22-year-old Kim Banyard should have been enjoying the happiest moments of her life. She'd just given birth to her first child and she'd seen friends to celebrate her birthday. But when she arrived home on the night of her birthday, she had no idea that it would be her last. And what happened next, was the most incredible case of 'right place, right time' for two patrolling police officers. This is Real.If you'd like to support the show, you can do so here. Thank you so much:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/podcast4justiceIf you need help or support with domestic abuse please get in touch with the following organisations:https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/ - UKhttps://mankind.org.uk/ - Support for male victims https://safelives.org.uk/ - UKhttps://www.victimsupportni.com/help-for-victims/domestic-violence/ - Northern Irelandhttps://mapni.co.uk/ - Northern Ireland for men https://sdvs.ie/ - Irelandhttps://www.mensaid.ie/ - Ireland for men https://www.lifewire.org/ - USAhttps://www.thehotline.org/resources/men-can-be-victims-of-abuse-too/ - USA for men https://www.rizeup.com.au/ - Australiahttps://mensline.org.au/family-violence/ - Australia

Episode 53: Murdered On Her Birthday

TW: Domestic ViolenceEmma-Jayne Magson was in a volatile relationship with her on-off boyfriend James Knight. Until one night in March 2016 ended their relationship... and the life of James. But what really happened that night and was James the only victim in this case? This case posses one important question: Are the only victims, the ones who die? This is Real. If you'd like to support the show, you can do so here. Thank you:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/podcast4justiceIf you need help or support with domestic abuse please get in touch with the following organisations:https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/ - UKhttps://mankind.org.uk/ - Support for male victims https://safelives.org.uk/ - UKhttps://www.victimsupportni.com/help-for-victims/domestic-violence/ - Northern Irelandhttps://mapni.co.uk/ - Northern Ireland for men https://sdvs.ie/ - Irelandhttps://www.mensaid.ie/ - Ireland for men https://www.lifewire.org/ - USAhttps://www.thehotline.org/resources/men-can-be-victims-of-abuse-too/ - USA for men https://www.rizeup.com.au/ - Australiahttps://mensline.org.au/family-violence/ - Australia

Episode 52: The Trials of Emma-Jayne Magson

Keep your friends close and your enimies closer. It's a saying we hear often, but what if our enimies are disguised as our friends?In April 2023, Carol and Stephan Baxter were found dead in their armchairs. But when the police realised their deaths were not from natural causes and their investigation led them to a seriously dark and depraved act of betrayal but someone they loved.This is Real. If you'd like to support the show, you can do so here. Thank you:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/podcast4justice

Episode 51: Poisoned Minds - The Murders of Carol and Stephen Baxter

In 2011, a mysterious double tragedy happened in a mansion in California. 2 people were dead, both under suspicious circumstances. 2 families were left torn apart and with questions. Was 6-year-old Max Shacknai's death an accident? And did 29-year-old Rebecca Zahau take her own life.... or did someone else?This is Real. To see the video mentioned in the show regarding the knife, you can do so here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m5KPQaoQmtAA link to the MAXIES House non-profit organisation in honour of Max: https://www.facebook.com/maxieshouse/If you would like to support for the show, you can do so here, thank you so much: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/podcast4justice

Episode 50: What Really Happened to Max & Rebecca?

This episode is a Q&A; episode with 'Real' producer and presenter Naomi Channell. Unlike the other episodes, it's a conversation co-hosted by Alice, the voice of popular YouTube channel 'Truly Criminal'. This stand alone epsiode will cover updates on past cases and answer questions submitted by listeners. This is Real.

REAL Presents... EP1: What Happened To Charlene Downes?

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