In this episode, we examine the terrifying case of Mr. Cruel, the unidentified predator who terrorised Melbourne, Australia, in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Known for his calculated attacks and chilling anonymity, Mr. Cruel left behind a legacy of fear and unanswered questions. Who was he? How did he evade capture? And could he still be out there? 

In this episode, we unravel the haunting case of Mary Marrs Carwein, a mystery that has baffled investigatorsf or decades. What really happened to Mary, and who was responsible for her fate? We explore the circumstances surrounding her case, the suspects, the theories, and the lingering questions that remain unanswered. Join us as we take a deep dive into this chilling story, separating fact from speculation in our search for the truth.

Today we dive into the chilling story of Andrew Cunanan, the manipulative and dangerously charismatic man who became one of America’s most infamous spree killers. Best known for the murder of fashion icon Gianni Versace, Cunanan’s killing spree spanned four states and left five men dead before ending in a dramatic police manhunt. 

FROM THE VAULT: today we uncover the incredible yet often overlooked story of Henrietta Lacks, the woman whose cells revolutionised modern medicine. Born in 1920, Henrietta’s cells—taken without her knowledge—became the first immortal human cell line, known as HeLa cells. These cells played a crucial role in medical breakthroughs, from the polio vaccine to cancer research, IVF, and even COVID-19 treatments.

Join us as we explore the ethics, impact, and legacy of Henrietta Lacks and her family’s fight for justice.

FROM THE VAULT: today we're diving into one of the most haunting unsolved cases in American history: The West Mesa Murders. In 2009, a woman walking her dog in Albuquerque, New Mexico, made a shocking discovery - the remains of 11 women and an unborn child buried in the desert. The case, linked to a suspected serial killer known as the West Mesa Bone Collector, remains open to this day, with no arrests and more questions than answers.

Who were the victims? What clues have investigators uncovered? And could the killer still be out there?

FROM THE VAULT: Today we delve into the chilling case of Peter Sutcliffe, the man who terrorised northern England as the Yorkshire Ripper. Between 1975 and 1980, Sutcliffe brutally murdered 13 women and attacked 7 others, evading capture for years as fear gripped the region. His crimes exposed deep flaws in the police investigation, leading to one of the most infamous manhunts in British history.

How did Sutcliffe evade justice for so long? What were the mistakes that allowed him to continue his reign of terror?

FROM THE VAULT: In September 1994, 30-year-old Camille Dardanes Dotson vanished after leaving the Clark County Detention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. Despite decades passing, her case remains unsolved, leaving her family and friends searching for answers. In this episode, we delve into Camille's life, her sudden disappearance, and the efforts to uncover what really happened to her.

FROM THE VAULT: In the 1980s and ’90s, the AIDS epidemic devastated communities around the world—yet governments, media, and society largely turned a blind eye. In this episode, we uncover the early days of the crisis, the devastating loss of life, and the fearless activism that forced the world to pay attention. From the rise of organizations like ACT UP to the scientific breakthroughs that changed the course of the epidemic, we explore the human stories behind one of the most tragic and transformative public health crises in history.

FROM THE VAULT: In honour of it being LGBTQ+ history month here in the UK, today I'm going to be sharing the tragic story of Matthew Shepard. In October 1998, Matthew Shepard, a 21-year-old college student, was brutally attacked and left for dead in Laramie, Wyoming - simply for being gay. His murder shocked the nation and became a turning point in the fight against hate crimes. 

FROM THE VAULT: In the 1950s and 60s, a "miracle drug" promised relief from morning sickness but left a devastating legacy. The thalidomide scandal shook the world as thousands of babies were born with severe birth defects due to a drug marketed as completely safe. In this episode, we delve into the harrowing stories of those affected, the corporate negligence that allowed it to happen, and the fight for justice that followed. How did this tragedy change drug regulations forever? Join me as we explore one of the most infamous medical scandals in history.