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Canadian True Crime
The Wells Gray Park Murders
In August 1982, three generations of a family set out for a two week camping trip in the wilds of British Columbia.
When the entire family failed to return home, it triggered the most expensive and publicized manhunt in Canadian history — and uncovered a horrific truth that shocked the nation.
Additional content warning: this episode includes the murder and sexual assault of a child. Minimal graphic details will be given. Please take care when listening.
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SIGN THE PETITION | The Johnson-Bentley family needs your help. The man who murdered six of their loved ones – including two young girls, is again seeking parole in 2026. The family has asked us to share this updated and remastered episode to remind the public of the danger his release could pose.
Please read and sign the family’s petition now and show your support. The deadline is fast approaching.
Special thanks to Shelley Boden of the Johnson-Bentley family for speaking to us for this updated and remastered episode. The original, titled "The Johnson-Bentley Family Murders" was posted in April 2021.
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Canadian True Crime donates monthly to those facing injustice. This month we’ve donated to the Sexual Assault Centre of Kingston, who are supporting 28 victim-complainants involved in the ongoing sexual violence and child exploitation trial of Michael Haaima who faces nearly 100 charges. Donate here and note “Haaima” in the message box.
Full list of resources, information sources, and more: www.canadiantruecrime.ca/episodes
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Production delay: new episodes coming soon
02:16|A brief update, with our apologies. Despite our best efforts to return with new episodes by the end of April, we need some additional time due to some behind-the-scenes challenges beyond our control. Thanks for your patience and understanding. As always, Canadian True Crime remains committed to presenting these cases with accuracy, care, depth and context. Please be assured that new episodes are on the way and we’re really excited to be able to share them with you soon.- Kristi Lee
211. The Pacific Junction Murders [2]
53:14||Ep. 211[Part 2 of 2] With the infant recovered and the suspects in custody, the investigation only grows more disturbing. Shifting stories, buried secrets, and mounting evidence collide in a dramatic courtroom showdown — the first ever kidnapping trial in the province of New Brunswick and the last double hanging in Canada. — This two-part series is a carefully selected replay from our archive, originally titled "The Lake Family Murders". We'll be back with new episodes in late April.*Additional content warning: this series includes the death of a young child. Please take care when listening.Full list of resources, information sources, credits and music credits:See the page for this episode at https://www.canadiantruecrime.ca/episodes/132
210. The Pacific Junction Murders [replay]
47:55||Ep. 210A two-part series | A New Brunswick railway worker discovers a burned‑out shack deep in the woods, with three members of a young family dead inside. But their infant is missing, and there's a trail of footprints in the snow. What begins as a desperate search for the lost baby soon exposes an unbelievable web of deception and hidden motives. — This two-part series is a carefully selected replay from our archive, originally titled "The Lake Family Murders". We'll be back with new episodes in late April.*Additional content warning: this series includes the death of a young child. Please take care when listening.Full list of resources, information sources, credits and music credits:See the page for this episode at https://www.canadiantruecrime.ca/episodes/132
209. Colin Thatcher and the murder of JoAnn Wilson [3]
01:22:24||Ep. 209[Part 3 of 3] A surprise witness comes forward to testify against Colin Thatcher. His own contribution from the stand? Deny, deny, deny. Even after the jury reaches a verdict, Thatcher continues to make headlines for decades to come...*Additional content warning: this episode contains mentions of domestic abuse.— This series is a carefully selected replay from our archive. Full list of resources, information sources, credits and music credits:See the page for this episode at https://www.canadiantruecrime.ca/episodes/135
208. Colin Thatcher and the murder of JoAnn Wilson [2]
01:15:39||Ep. 208[Part 2 of 3] As she recovers from her gunshot wound, JoAnn Wilson decides to back down from the custody fight with her former husband.Colin Thatcher has won this battle, but his fixation is far from over. A series of witnesses would later come forward with information almost impossible to believe...*Additional content warning: this episode contains mentions of domestic abuse.— This series is a carefully selected replay from our archive. Full list of resources, information sources, credits and music credits:See the page for this episode at https://www.canadiantruecrime.ca/episodes/135
207. Colin Thatcher and the murder of JoAnn Wilson [replay]
01:10:52||Ep. 207A three-part series—A man walking home from work suddenly hears screams coming from a house... then a single sharp crack.He follows the sound to the garage, where he finds a woman bleeding out on the floor. It's JoAnn Wilson, mother of three and ex-wife of Colin Thatcher, a high-profile Saskatchewan politician. Her murder was the tip of the iceberg of a decades-long saga that gripped the nation and drew comparison to the show Dallas — but would prove far darker than anything on TV.*Additional content warning: this episode contains mentions of domestic abuse.— This series is a carefully selected replay from our archive. Full list of resources, information sources, credits and music credits:See the page for this episode at https://www.canadiantruecrime.ca/episodes/135
206. The Twisted Story of Sergeant John Wilson [2]
01:01:34||Ep. 206[Part 2 of 2] After picking up his pregnant wife from Saskatoon train station, Sergeant John Wilson drives them north to their new home.They just have one stop to make on the way to take care of some "police business"...*Additional content warning: brief details of an attempted suicide at approx. timestamp 29:00 to 30:30. Please take care when listening.Full list of resources, information sources, credits and music credits:See the page for this episode at www.canadiantruecrime.ca/episodes
205. The Twisted Story of Sergeant John Wilson [replay]
01:02:46||Ep. 205A two-part series—A gripping, action-packed miniseries about a mountie who finds himself at the centre of a sordid love triangle.Pieced together from a treasure trove of real love letters, forged letters and police and court memos, this series paints a vivid snapshot of Canada as World War I raged on.— This series is a carefully selected replay from our archive, and was originally titled The Murderous Mountie. Full list of resources, information sources, credits and music credits:See the page for this episode at www.canadiantruecrime.ca/episodes
Quick update: new episodes return in April
04:40|A quick update and some thanks! Over the past 12 months... Canadian True Crime has had the opportunity to take on several meaningful projects alongside the usual podcast production. These included the CBC documentary Breaking Idol, the co-founding of Beyond The Verdict survivor-led advocacy group, and in-depth coverage of the 2025 Hockey Canada trial. While incredibly rewarding, the extra activities made for a very intense year behind the scenes. After the recent Robert Pickton series ended, it became clear we needed to pause, step back and reset things. Your support by listening to the podcast is what makes all of this work possible, so this year we're focusing on getting the podcast back into balance for sustainability.New episodes will return in April. Until then, we'll be replaying a few carefully selected episodes from our archive with new personal introductions from Kristi. Thank you again for listening and supporting the show! Your patience and understanding is appreciated.Mentioned in this episode:Breaking Idol - new CBC TV documentary Beyond The Verdict - new survivor-led advocacy groupMysterious letter - Beverley Rowbotham's family believes it could shed light on the case (25th anniversary)Guest appearances:CTV – The Social - with co-hosts Melissa Grelo and Jess Allan about survivor-centered storytelling, deep research, and the Jacob Hoggard caseThe Soundoff Podcast - with host Matt Cundill about the business side of podcasting and moreBroadcast Dialogue - Kristi shares the ups and downs of her podcasting journey with host Connie Thiessen, including managing burnout and perfectionism...Special thanks to Castbox and Apple Podcasts.More information about Canadian True Crime: Visit canadiantruecrime.ca or follow us on Instagram or Facebook.