This Much is True Crime

The Body in the Church: Criminologist on the Haircut Killer

12K views · 2d ago · 50:47

Supported by True Crime Channel. For years, women in Bournemouth reported finding locks of their hair mysteriously cut off. The man responsible would eventually be exposed as a double murderer. Danilo Restivo, nicknamed the 'Haircut Killer', was convicted of murdering 48-year-old Heather Barnett in her Bournemouth home in 2002. Investigators also linked him to the murder of 16-year-old Elisa Claps, who disappeared in Italy in 1993.

Criminologist Interviews Former Parole Officer: Murderers, Bizarre Crimes & Life Behind Bars

30K views · 1w ago · 1:01:02

Supported by True Crime Channel. What is it really like to spend 25 years working with some of Britain's most troubled and dangerous offenders? Former probation officer Elizabeth Baxter joins This Much Is True Crime to discuss her new book, A Murderer's Guide to Cleaning, and the extraordinary people she encountered throughout her career in Britain's probation service.

Criminologist on Britain's 'Sickest Child', Fake Disabilities & Medical Abuse

32K views · 2w ago · 56:01

Supported by True Crime Channel. Lisa Hayden-Johnson convinced the country that her young son Matthew was suffering from a series of life-threatening illnesses. But the truth was far more disturbing. From cerebral palsy and cystic fibrosis to diabetes and severe allergies, Matthew was subjected to hundreds of medical appointments, made to use a wheelchair and fed through tubes, despite not having the conditions his mother claimed.

Criminologist breaks down botched Christa Pike Execution

96K views · 3w ago · 56:49

Christa Pike was supposed to become the first woman executed by Tennessee in more than 200 years. Instead, she survived her own execution. Pike was sentenced to death for the 1995 torture and murder of 19 year old Colleen Slemmer. On September 30, Tennessee attempted to execute her by lethal injection, but after two doses of pentobarbital, Pike continued breathing and was eventually rushed to hospital in critical condition.

Criminologist on Welsh Vampire Killer: Extremely Disturbing Case

96K views · 1mo ago · 50:34

In November 2001, 90 year old Mabel Leyshon was murdered inside her home on Anglesey in one of Wales's most disturbing murder cases. Her killer was 17 year old Mathew Hardman, a former paperboy who had developed an obsession with vampires and the idea that he could achieve immortality.

Criminologist breaks down why Luigi Mangione ACTUALLY pleaded guilty?

11K views · 1mo ago · 57:13

The case of Luigi Mangione has become one of the most closely followed criminal cases in America. Mangione is accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, who was shot dead in Manhattan in December 2024. The case has attracted extraordinary public attention, from the circumstances surrounding Thompson's death to the reaction to Mangione himself.

The Lucy Letby Case: What Are We Still Not Being Told?

41K views · 1mo ago · 1:08:35

Guest: Christopher Morris

Bombshell new findings from the Thirlwall Inquiry have concluded that Lucy Letby could and should have been stopped sooner, potentially saving the lives of three of her victims. The inquiry found serious safeguarding failures at the Countess of Chester Hospital and concluded that the failure to alert police earlier to concerns about Letby's conduct had devastating consequences for children and their families.

Lindsay Clancy: How Did This End in a Mistrial?

15K views · 1mo ago · 53:27

Guest: Lindsay Clancy

The trial of Lindsay Clancy has become one of the most closely watched criminal cases in America, but after weeks in court, it ended without a verdict. Clancy was on trial over the deaths of her three young children, with her defence arguing that she was not criminally responsible by reason of insanity. After deliberations, the jury was unable to reach the unanimous verdict required, resulting in a mistrial.

Wayne Couzens: The Warning Signs the Met Police Missed

36K views · 1mo ago · 54:51

Guest: Wayne Couzens

How did a serving police officer with a history of concerning allegations remain in the Metropolitan Police? Professor David Wilson and Martin Frizell examine the murder of Sarah Everard by serving Metropolitan Police officer Wayne Couzens and the series of failures that preceded her death.

Nicola Thorp: Taking the Preston Davey Case to Downing Street

58K views · 2mo ago · 59:16

Guest: Nicola Thorp

What’s new in the Preston Davey Scandal? Child killer Jamie Varley has been under 24hr hour watch since his jailing for the murder of toddler Preston Davey, he’s even changed his name at notorious Wakefield Prison hoping it might protect him from other inmates at what’s called ‘Monster Mansion’.

Simon Levy: The Tube Predator Who Became a Killer

13K views · 2mo ago · 55:12

Guest: Simon Levy

Even the police called him a ‘predatory monster’ But a series of bungles allowed Simon Levy to roam London’s tube network sexually abusing women commuters before he escalated his perversion to murder and violent rape. Levy was considered so dangerous to women and girls he’s been sentenced to a rare while life term.

James Desborough: How a brutal murder unfolded in a quiet Cornish village

23K views · 2mo ago · 50:01

Guest: James Desborough

This week, we're discussing the case of James Desborough, the killer whose crimes in Cornwall earned him comparisons to the fictional serial killer Dexter Morgan. Desborough murdered two men at his isolated shack in the Cornish woods before later killing his own cellmate while serving time in prison.

Nancy Guthrie's Kidnapping: Has New Evidence Changed the Case?

40K views · 2mo ago · 49:24

Guest: Nancy Guthrie's Kidnapping

Does the motive for the alleged kidnapping of grandmother Nancy Guthrie lead back to a Manhattan tv studio and an obsessive fan? Kidnapping claims, mysterious ransom notes, and fresh developments—this episode examines the latest verified updates in the Nancy Guthrie case, separating confirmed facts from rumor and exploring what investigators have revealed so far.