Episode 350: Ashley Wadsworth’s story is one of hope and adventure turned into a nightmare. Originally from Vernon, British Columbia, Ashley travelled to the UK to be with her boyfriend, Jack Sepple, whom she had met online. However, what began as a romantic journey ended in tragedy when she was found dead in February 2022. Her murder shocked communities on both sides of the Atlantic and raised questions about the dangers of online relationships.

Join us as we unravel the details of this heartbreaking case, examining the events leading up to Ashley’s untimely death and the subsequent investigation that brought her killer to justice.

Sources:

Ashley Wadsworth Obituary - Vernon, BC

Language & Culture Revitalization - Okanagan Indian Band

Timeline – Okanagan Nation Alliance

Vernon BC | The Canadian Encyclopedia

City of Vernon

The Implications of 'No Comment' in A Police Interview and the Importance of Legal Advice - Makwanas | Criminal Legal Aid Solicitors

The Power of Giving a 'No Comment' Interview During Police Questioning

Charge laid after B.C. woman killed in U.K.

Chelmsford: UPDATE Man charged with murder

Boyfriend killed Canadian teenager then filmed bloody confession | ITV News

'She wanted to help him... He repaid by taking her life' | ITV News

The Murder of Ashley Wadsworth | MacLeans

Vernon, B.C. teen’s U.K. killer sentenced to 23.5 years

‘She wanted to do so many things’: Vernon family grieving woman murdered in England

‘I was shocked’: Mother of Vernon teen murdered in England upon guilty plea

Documentary on B.C. teen’s murder airs on British TV

‘I thought England was the safest place in the world’ — DailyMail

Brit who killed girlfriend after she flew to UK was banned from meeting own mum

Mother of Vernon woman killed by boyfriend reacts to documentary about the death - Okanagan

The Murder Of Ashley Wadsworth — ITVX Documentary

Clare’s Law

Interpersonal Violence Disclosure Protocol (Clare’s Law) Act | Royal Canadian Mounted Police

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Episode 349: In the 8th Christmas episode of the Dark Poutine podcast, we once again dive into the shadowy side of holiday traditions that often go unnoticed amidst the festive cheer. This episode will explore the dark origins of some Christmas customs, such as mummering, a practice steeped in mystery and community engagement, where masked individuals visit homes to entertain and sometimes frighten.

We will also recount the chilling tale of Isaac Mercer, who met a tragic end at the hands of mummers in Bay Roberts, Newfoundland, in 1860.

Additionally, we’ll dig into the age-old custom of telling ghost stories during Christmas, which has deep roots in ancient traditions. This custom entertains and serves as a poignant reminder of mortality amidst the holiday festivities, adding an intriguing layer to our understanding of Christmas celebrations. We’ll share some chilly Canadian ghost stories along the way.

Sources:

Saturnalia | Celebration, Sacrifice, & Influence on Christmas | Britannica

The Wild Holiday That Turned Ancient Rome Upside Down

The Fright Before Christmas by Jeff Belanger

Mummers, Murder and Mayhem

Archival Moments: An Act Outlawing Mummering

Celebrate Christmas the old-fashioned way: with drunken mayhem | CBC News

Ep079 The Isaac Mercer Mummer Murder Case. | MUN

Statutes of Newfoundland, 1861

The Christmas Tradition With A Dark Side | The Murder Of Isaac Mercer | Youtube

Any Mummers ’Lowed In?: Christmas Mummering Traditions in Newfoundland and Labrador by Dale Jarvis

The dark side of mummering: What you may not know about a beloved tradition | CBC News

The Isaac Mercer Mummer Murder Gate | Carved by the Sea

Victorian Christmas Ghost Storytelling Traditions in Montreal

Rousing ghost of Mount Royal

The Coffin Surfing Ghost

Montreal’s Duggan House built on a foundation of the uncanny

The long journey for a body's burial

10 famously spooky Canadian ghost tales

Mysteries in Canadian History

7 Spooky Stories from Across Canada

Augustus John Peers (1848-1901)

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Episode 348: This is part 2 of our coverage of the Gay Purge in Canada. Last week, we uncovered the origins of the Canadian government’s purge of gays and queer folk, a campaign that began in the early years of the Cold War. 

This week, we take a chilling dive into one of the government’s most sinister methods—the Fruit Machine. This pseudoscientific device was meant to expose gay individuals through invasive tests, and how the RCMP and military’s attempted Purge of gays from civil service continued unabated all the way through to the 1990s.

Sources:

Peyton V. Lyon, The Loyalties of E. Herbert Norman: A Report Prepared for External Affairs and International Trade Canada, March 18, 1990 (Ottawa: 1990).

Bowen, Roger W, Innocence Is Not Enough: The Life and Death of Herbert Norman (Vancouver: Douglas & McIntyre, 1986).

Kinsman, Gary, and Patrizia Gentile. The Canadian War on Queers: National Security as Sexual Regulation. University of British Columbia Press, 2010.

The Canadian Encyclopedia: "Canada’s Cold War Purge of 2SLGBTQ2+ from Public Service"​ The Canadian Encyclopedia

Village Legacy Project: "Ottawa LGBT History: The 'Fruit Machine'"​ Village Legacy Project

https://definingmomentscanada.ca/all-for-9/historical-articles/lgbt-purge/#_edn3

https://www.trentarthur.ca/news/i-was-a-good-soldier-understanding-the-fruit-machine-2018-dir-sarah-fodey

https://ambcanada.ca/ambassadors/egerton-herbert-norman/

Arthur Newspaper

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Episode 347: In this episode, part one of two, thanks to Mathew’s intrepid and unflinching research, we’re peeling back the layers on one of the most harrowing chapters in Canadian history: the Gay Purge. 

Officially, the campaign targeted LGBTQ+ individuals as part of a national security effort—citing their supposed susceptibility to blackmail by Soviet agents - But the real story is that these purges were driven more by institutional homophobia cloaked in Cold War fears and rhetoric than by legitimate security concerns. The blackmail excuse became a convenient cover for the government's systemic discrimination, allowing a deeply entrenched homophobia to flourish unchecked.

This campaign stretched from the 1950s through to the 1990s, destroying lives, careers, and communities along the way. We’ll explore the origins of this agenda, how it escalated, and look at a few of the stories of individuals affected.

Sources:

Peyton V. Lyon, The Loyalties of E. Herbert Norman: A Report Prepared for External Affairs and International Trade Canada, March 18, 1990 (Ottawa: 1990).

Bowen, Roger W, Innocence Is Not Enough: The Life and Death of Herbert Norman (Vancouver: Douglas & McIntyre, 1986).

Kinsman, Gary, and Patrizia Gentile. The Canadian War on Queers: National Security as Sexual Regulation. University of British Columbia Press, 2010.

The Canadian Encyclopedia: "Canada’s Cold War Purge of 2SLGBTQ2+ from Public Service"​ The Canadian Encyclopedia

Village Legacy Project: "Ottawa LGBT History: The 'Fruit Machine'"​ Village Legacy Project

https://definingmomentscanada.ca/all-for-9/historical-articles/lgbt-purge/#_edn3

https://www.trentarthur.ca/news/i-was-a-good-soldier-understanding-the-fruit-machine-2018-dir-sarah-fodey

https://ambcanada.ca/ambassadors/egerton-herbert-norman/

Arthur Newspaper

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Episode 346: In this episode, we look into the life and mysterious murder of Annie Mae Pictou Aquash, a prominent Indigenous activist whose story continues to haunt the corridors of justice and activism alike. During the tumultuous 1970s, her journey took her from Shubenacadie, Nova Scotia, to the heart of the American Indian Movement (AIM) in the United States, where she fought for Indigenous rights.

The mystery surrounding Annie Mae's death is as compelling as her life. In December 1975, she disappeared and was later found deceased on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. Initial reports misleadingly attributed her death to exposure, but a second autopsy revealed she had been executed with a bullet to the back of her head. This revelation raised questions about who could have orchestrated such a brutal act against someone so profoundly committed to her cause.

It took almost 30 years before the shocking truth was uncovered and the people responsible for Annie’s murder were brought to justice.

Sources:

Annie Mae Aquash (1945 – 1975)

Shubenacadie Wildlife Park

A Warrior born... | Biography of Annie Mae

Crossing the Canada-U.S. border with a status card

CBP Customer Service

9.16 The 1960s Counterculture – Canadian History: Post-Confederation

National Day of Mourning: A 1970 protest changed how Native Americans see Thanksgiving | CBC Radio

Wounded Knee Massacre | South Dakota, Occupation, History, & Legacy | Britannica

Historical Reading Room — Incident at Wounded Knee | U.S. Marshals Service

Native Americans seized Wounded Knee 50 years ago. Here's what 1 reporter remembers

MuckRock | Annie Mae Aquash FBI Files

Annie Mae Aquash – From the US to Kurdistan: the indigenous struggle for freedom

National Inquiry into Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women and Girls - Montreal. Day 2, Community Public Hearing 2, March 13, 2018. Live Feed | By National Inquiry MMIWG / Enquête nationale FFADA | Facebook

American Indian Movement

2007 BCCA 345 (CanLII) | United States of America v. Graham | CanLII

2022 BCCA 47 (CanLII) | Graham v. Canada (Minister of Justice) | CanLII

Justice for Annie Mae Pictou Aquash Woman Warrior

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Episode 345: In December 2015, the quiet city of Moncton, New Brunswick, was shaken to its core by a brutal crime that would leave an indelible mark on the community. Eighteen-year-old Baylee Wylie was found dead in a burned-out townhouse, the victim of a horrific murder that shocked residents and sparked a manhunt for those responsible.

Three young people who Baylee thought were his friends were ultimately charged for their roles in Wylie's death: Marissa Shephard, 20 at the time, along with Devin Morningstar and Tyler Noel, both 18. The gruesome nature of the crime - Baylee had been tied to a chair, beaten, and stabbed approximately 200 times - sent shockwaves through Moncton.

The murder and subsequent trials captivated the region, with media coverage detailing the drug-fueled night that ended in tragedy. The community grappled with the senseless loss of a young life and the disturbing actions of the perpetrators.

In this episode, we'll explore the events leading up to that fateful night, the impact on Baylee's family and the wider Moncton community, and the following quest for justice. Join us as we examine one of the most notorious crimes in recent New Brunswick history.

Sources:

2017 NBQB 7 (CanLII) | R v. Morningstar | CanLII

2017 NBCA 39 (CanLII) | Morningstar v. R. | CanLII

2019 NBCA 76 (CanLII) | Shephard v. R. | CanLII

2021 NBQB 218 (CanLII) | R v Shephard | CanLII

2021 NBQB 181 (CanLII) | HMQ v. Marissa June Shephard | CanLII

Baylee Wylie Murder | News, Videos & Articles | GlobalNews

In loving memory of Baylee Wylie

Baylee Wylie - Search - Newspapers.com™

Obituary of Baylee Wylie | Fergusons Riverview Funeral Centre

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Episode 344: In 2002, Brandon, Manitoba, was rocked by the disappearance of Erin Chorney, a feisty and energetic teenager with her whole life ahead of her. What began as a simple outing—Erin telling her mother she'd be back in an hour—turned into a parent's worst nightmare when she never returned home. As days turned into weeks and weeks into months, the community of Brandon rallied around the Chorney family, desperately searching for answers.

The truth behind Erin's disappearance would only come to light through one of Canada's most contentious investigative techniques. You guessed it — Mister Big. The case led investigators down a dark path, culminating in a shocking confession and a grim discovery that would forever change the lives of those involved.

Join us as we explore the details of this heart-wrenching case, examining the investigation that followed, the controversial methods employed by law enforcement, and the lasting impact on a community forever changed by tragedy.

Sources:

Brandon | City, Prairie, Wheat Capital | Britannica

History of Brandon, MB

HeritageBrandon.ca

Canadian Encyclopedia | Brandon

Obituary for Erin Kristen Chorney

CHORNEY DARCY JAMES - Obituaries - Brandon Sun Passages

Fooled Into Giving A Full Confession | Dark Waters Of Crime | Real Crime

Undercover police sting ends with arrest of shocked murder suspect

Jun 18, 2005, page 4 - Nanaimo Daily News at Newspapers.com

Oct 08, 2006, page 22 - News-Press at Newspapers.com

Girlfriend-killer loses appeal

Jun 2014: Killer can't visit dying relative

Brandon man convicted of murdering Erin Chorney applying for parole under faint-hope clause

Apr 2021: Murder 'devastated' Chorney family

To the Grave: Inside a Spectacular RCMP Sting by Mike McIntyre

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Episode 343: This is our special Remembrance Day episode. Each year on November 11, Canadians pause to remember the sacrifices made by those who served in the armed forces, defending our country and our allies with incredible courage and resolve.

Last year, we shared the story of one remarkable Canadian soldier, Leo Major. Leo was a scout and sniper who, against all odds, single-handedly liberated the Dutch town of Zwolle in 1945. Moving under cover of darkness, he confused and intimidated German forces through a series of daring attacks, leading them to believe an entire Allied battalion was upon them. His incredible bravery and tactical genius not only saved the town but established him as a true legend.

This year, we’ll explore the stories of several more incredible Canadians who, like Leo, faced impossible odds with courage, ingenuity, and the unbreakable Canadian spirit. These people faced unimaginable odds, fought for our freedom and justice, and showed the world the strength of the Canadian spirit. Join us as we honour and remember these heroes—names that deserve a place in history and our hearts.

Sources:

Francis Pegahmagabow - Veterans Affairs Canada

Corporal Francis Pegahmagabow Memorial - National Inventory of Canadian Military Memorials (NICMM) - Memorials - Remembrance - Veterans Affairs Canada

PEGAHMAGABOW, FRANCIS - War Records

Francis Pegahmagabow National Historic Person (1889-1952)

Chief Francis Pegahmagabow, 1889-1952

Francis Pegahmagabow Monument - Veterans Affairs Canada

Ernest "Smokey" Smith - Record Detail | New Westminster Museum

Ernest Alvia Smith | Canada.ca

Sergeant (Ret’d) Ernest “Smokey” Smith, VC - Veterans Affairs Canada

Ernest Smith | Wikipedia

Ernest 'Smoky' Smith: 'I was never afraid to shoot' | Macleans

Tommy Prince | Legion Magazine

Prince of Death: Canada’s Indigenous war hero | Legion Magazine

Tommy Prince | Wikipedia

Tommy Prince | The Canadian Encyclopedia

Tommy Prince - Veterans Affairs Canada

NATIONAL INDIGENOUS HISTORY MONTH: Tommy Prince

Bizarre But True Facts: Canada in WWII

10 Badass Canadian War Heroes

'If you don't get us out of here, we're all going to die': Heroes Among Us

The Canadian hero whose leadership prevented countless casualties in Afghanistan

History-April 27 1945: The crazy trio who helped a starving war-torn Holland

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Episode 342: In the quiet Yukon community of Carcross, a chilling tragedy unfolded on March 1st, 1992, forever changing the lives of those involved and leaving a lasting impact on the region. Krystal Nicole Senyk, a twenty-nine-year-old with her whole life ahead of her, was found dead in the doorway of her cabin, the victim of a brutal murder.

The prime suspect in this heinous crime was Ronald Jeffrey Bax, the husband of Krystal's friend Lynn. In the hours between Krystal's murder and the discovery of her body, Bax, charged with murder in absentia, vanished without a trace, setting in motion a decades-long search for justice.

This case, which has haunted the Yukon for over 30 years, is a tale of tragedy, mystery, and the relentless pursuit of truth. Despite the passage of time, Ronald Bax has never been found, leaving authorities, Krystal's family and the community with unanswered questions and a continuing need for closure.

Sources:

Wanted by the RCMP: Ronald Jeffrey Bax | Royal Canadian Mounted Police

WhatHappenedToRonBax.com | A Yukon mystery

I Got a Name: The Murder of Krystal Senyk

Woman is shot; RCMP hunt for murder suspect

International Arm Wrestling Results 1990

May 19, 1989, page 3 - Whitehorse Daily Star at Newspapers.com

Mar 04, 1992, page 1 - Whitehorse Daily Star at Newspapers.com

Mar 05, 1992, page 1 - Whitehorse Daily Star at Newspapers.com

Mar 06, 1992, page 9 - The Standard at Newspapers.com

Mar 06, 1992, page 15 - The Province at Newspapers.com

Nov 13, 1992, page 1 - Whitehorse Daily Star at Newspapers.com

Nov 13, 1992, page 2 - Whitehorse Daily Star at Newspapers.com

Mar 02, 1993, page 3 - Whitehorse Daily Star at Newspapers.com

Nov 20, 1995, page 1 - Whitehorse Daily Star at Newspapers.com

Oct 18, 2000, page 46 - Whitehorse Daily Star at Newspapers.com

Remember Krystal, remember them all

‘A mother should never have to go through this’

Writer at Dawson City residency comes full-circle on Yukon true crime story

Author delves into the life and tragic death of Krystal Senyk | CBC News

Transcript: Crime Story, Episode 20 | CBC Radio

Krystal Nicole Senyk (1962-1992)

Ronald Bax | Unsolved Wiki

Yukon | Wikipedia

Home | Government of Yukon

Carcross | Wikipedia

https://destinationcarcross.ca/

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Episode 341: Welcome to a very special Halloween edition of Dark Poutine. This year, we’re also celebrating our seventh anniversary! Over the years, we’ve explored the darkest corners of Canadian crime and history, but tonight, we’re widening the lens to take you on a ghostly journey around the world. In the spirit of the spookiest time of year, we’ll dive into the eerie world of hauntings, ghosts and, of course, poltergeists—those noisy, mischievous spirits that have haunted homes, thrown objects, and terrified families across different cultures for centuries. Buckle up for a global tour of unsettling encounters and unexplained phenomena that have left their mark in folklore, history, and, for some, reality. Get ready to be both intrigued and chilled to the bone!

Sources:

Society for Psychical Research

Difference Between Ghost and Poltergeist

Types Of Ghosts and Spirits

Ghosts, poltergeists, and demons: What’s the difference?

The Ghost Glossary: The Difference Between Ghosts, Ghouls, Goblins, And More

Hauntings and Poltergeists | SPR

The Great Amherst Mystery, 1888

Mary Ellen Fire Spook - An Antigonish Haunting

The Hanging Cage That Held An Infamous Québec Murderess

Who is Marie-Josephte Corriveau?

The “Stone Tape Theory” of hauntings: A geological perspective

Family Ghosts: Bringing Back the Dead (Part II)

My Family Ghost Stories

Reddit Users Share Their Experiences with the Paranormal

From the Ghosts community on Reddit

The Enfield Poltergeist | Psi Encyclopedia

This House Is Haunted: The Investigation of the Enfield Poltergeist by Guy Lyon Playfair

The Enfield Poltergeist Tapes by Melvyn J Willin

Watch The Enfield Poltergeist - Apple TV⁠+ (CA)

‘The Enfield Poltergeist’: New doc explores the creepy, infamous haunting - National

The Enfield Poltergeist: BBC

Bill Wilkins — Investigation and Evidence

Enfield Poltergeist Real Voice Recordings (Bill) | YouTube

The Enfield Poltergeist RARE BBC FOOTAGE | YouTube

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