Share

cover art for The Renfrew County Massacre

Canadian True Crime

The Renfrew County Massacre

Ep. 74

The story of the worst-ever case of intimate-partner violence in Ontario—and one of the worst in Canadian history. In 2015, the lives of three women - Nathalie Warmerdam, Anastasia Kuzyk and Carol Culleton - were snuffed out within hours of each other in a violent murder spree that could have been prevented.


*This episode replaces the original episode we released in 2020.


Look out for early, ad-free release on CTC premium feeds: available on Amazon Music (included with Prime), Apple Podcasts, Patreon and Supercast.

 

Full list of resources, information sources, credits and music credits:

See the page for this episode at www.canadiantruecrime.ca/episodes

More episodes

View all episodes

  • 193. Analyzing the Hockey Canada trial [3]

    01:30:07||Ep. 193
    [Part 3 of 4] In Part 3, we unpack the confusing timeline of Room 209 and the contradictions at the heart of the case. A clear pattern emerges: the five accused players were repeatedly given the benefit of the doubt, while E.M. was scrutinized and cast as unreliable. Thanks for your patience with this deep-dive series and for allowing us the time to give it the attention it deserves. Part 4 will wrap this series up, and then we’ll be back to our usual schedule. Please note: this series does not dispute the judge’s not guilty verdicts.Our position is that the framing of the evidence in the written decision was unnecessary and damaging, with impact that extends far beyond the trial.*Additional content warning: Graphic details of sexual acts.More information and resources:WATCH: Hockey Parents - A profile of Mitch Marner and Michael McLeod's parents from 2009, by Peter Wall for CBC via YouTubeREAD: What Was Left Unsaid in the Hockey Canada Trial | The Walrus, by Ariella Garmaise, Sept 10 2025FYI: The “Junior Hockey Bible” via Internet Archive (content warning!)LISTEN:  The Trial of Jacob Hoggard (JB’s story). Kelly Favro’s StoryIf you or anyone you know is experiencing sexual violence and abuse, help is available at REES Community or Ending Violence Canada - Sexual Assault Centres, Crisis Lines and Support ServicesBeyond The Verdict: www.beyondtheverdict.caLet us know what you think! Follow Canadian True Crime on Facebook and InstagramFull list of resources, information sources, credits and music credits:See the page for this episode at www.canadiantruecrime.ca/episodes
  • 192. Analyzing the Hockey Canada trial [2]

    01:33:27||Ep. 192
    [Part 2 of 4] The Hockey Canada verdicts are final, but the story isn’t. Kristi Lee looks closely at the most talked-about evidence, how it was reflected in the written decision, and how that shaped public opinion. Thanks for your patience!In this episode:The flaws in the first police investigation - and why it didn't result in chargesMichael McLeod's instagram exchange with EM the day after the hotel room incidentThe "group chat" six days later that appears to show the hockey players trying to get their stories straightThe series of debacles that resulted in this jury trial switching to judge-aloneSurvivors JB and Kelly Favro return to share their perspectives about watching this case unfold not only as survivors — but also as massive hockey fans.*Additional content warning: Details of sexual acts.PLEASE NOTE: This series does not dispute the judge’s verdicts. Instead, it highlights a deeper truth: contradictions and inconsistencies existed on both sides, yet the accused players’ accounts were overwhelmingly accepted while the victim-complainant's was dismissed as “not credible or reliable.” Regardless of verdicts, our position is that this framing was both unnecessary and harmful — and its impact reaches far beyond the trial itself.More information and resources:LISTEN: Kelly Favro’s Story and The Trial of Jacob Hoggard (JB’s story)WATCH: Steve Dangle Show on Youtube - Team Canada World Junior Trial Verdict w/ Katie Strang, July 29 2025READ: The Hockey Canada trial could have been a reckoning. It was something else - by Dan Robson and Katie Strang,The Athletic, July 24 2025If you or anyone you know is experiencing sexual violence and abuse, help is available at REES Community or Ending Violence Canada - Sexual Assault Centres, Crisis Lines and Support ServicesBeyond The Verdict:www.beyondtheverdict.caLook out for early, ad-free release on CTC premium feeds: available on Amazon Music (included with Prime), Apple Podcasts, Patreon and Supercast.Full list of resources, information sources, credits and music credits:See the page for this episode at www.canadiantruecrime.ca/episodes
  • Update on the Hockey Canada series (and thanks for your patience)

    11:54|
    Kristi Lee gives an honest and transparent update about why Part 2 of the Hockey Canada trial is taking longer than expected. Thank you so much for your patience and understanding as we take the time to cover this case with the care and thoroughness it deserves. In the meantime:Read JB's Op-Ed in the Globe and Mail, and on our website: "When aggressive tactics are praised as legal strategy, it’s survivors like me who pay the price."Check out Beyond the Verdict - our new survivor-led advocacy group to challenge a justice system that puts sexual assault survivors on trial. www.beyondtheverdict.caFor more information about Canadian True Crime episodes, information sources, credits and music credits:Visit www.canadiantruecrime.ca/episodesContact us
  • 191. Surviving the Hockey Canada trial [1]

    01:25:02||Ep. 191
    A special four-part series — Two extraordinary guests join Kristi to take you through one of the biggest scandals in Canadian sports history. They know what it means to survive not only sexual assault - but the trial itself. And you probably know their stories:J.B. - aka the "Ottawa woman" who testified against former Canadian musician Jacob HoggardKelly Favro - survivor and advocate from British Columbia who helped re-write Canada's publication ban laws. As the country reacts to the Hockey Canada trial verdicts delivered last week, J.B. and Kelly share what they saw unfolding, how it mirrors their own experiences, and what the public needs to understand about what victim-complainant “E.M.” may be living through. They also share eye-opening details about shocking courtroom tactics they've endured, and challenge us to rethink what justice really means. *Additional content warning: While not the focus of this episode, there is mention of graphic details of sexual acts, and suicidal thoughts. Please take care when listening. More information and resources:LISTEN: Kelly Favro’s StoryLISTEN: The Trial of Jacob Hoggard (JB)RESOURCES: If you or anyone you know is experiencing sexual violence and abuse, help is available at REES Community or Ending Violence Canada - Sexual Assault Centres, Crisis Lines and Support ServicesBeyond The Verdict: www.beyondtheverdict.caLook out for early, ad-free release on CTC premium feeds: available on Amazon Music (included with Prime), Apple Podcasts, Patreon and Supercast.Full list of resources, information sources, credits and music credits:See the page for this episode at www.canadiantruecrime.ca/episodes
  • 190. The Zaman Family | Season Finale

    01:02:32||Ep. 190
    It started with a shocking message in a private chat: “I’ve just slaughtered my entire family.” What was first thought of as a grim joke soon became a frantic race to uncover the truth… and prevent a real-life horror from getting worse.The intention of this episode is to take a look back at a shocking crime, how it impacted the community, and how it might have been prevented. Some names have been changed to respect the privacy of those involved.Recommended listening: Casefile Case 50: Jennifer PanCanadian true crime donates monthly to those facing injustice.This month we have donated to Canadian Resource Centre for Victims of CrimeLook out for early, ad-free release on CTC premium feeds: available on Amazon Music (included with Prime), Apple Podcasts, Patreon and Supercast.Full list of resources, information sources, credits and music credits:See the page for this episode at www.canadiantruecrime.ca/episodes
  • Introducing… The Lost Boys Of Wineville

    03:07|
    From the creators of the award-winning podcast They Walk Among Us comes The Lost Boys of Wineville—an extended limited series spanning 30 in-depth episodes. This gripping true-crime saga unravels a chilling story that unfolded nearly a century ago in the shadow of the recently erected Hollywoodland sign, and reached its harrowing conclusion on a remote poultry ranch…For more information, visit www.thelostboysofwineville.com
  • 189. The Murder of Minnie Callan

    01:13:18||Ep. 189
    On a freezing night in Norman’s Cove, a brutal attack leaves the small coastal town shaken to its core. As police investigate, a twisted plot starts to unravel…The intention of this episode is to honour the victim of a harrowing crime that was largely ignored by the media at the time, and resulted in harmful rumours.Some names have been changed to respect the privacy of those involved.*Additional content warning: this case contains some details of graphic violence. Please take care when listening.Recommended reading:The Murder of Minnie Callan: A True Newfoundland Crime Story by Tom Gruchy, 2018. Court document: 1987 CanLII 5192 (NL SC) | R. v. Butt | CanLIICanadian True Crime donates monthly to those facing injustice.This month we have donated to the organizations that stage the In Her Name Vigil:First Light St John's Friendship CentreNL Sexual Assault Crisis and Prevention CentreSt John's Status of Women CouncilLook out for early, ad-free release on CTC premium feeds: available on Amazon Music (included with Prime), Apple Podcasts, Patreon and Supercast.Full list of resources, information sources, credits and music credits:See the page for this episode at www.canadiantruecrime.ca/episodes
  • 188. The Richardson Family Murders [3]

    50:42||Ep. 188
    [Part 3 of 3] At trial, Jade Richardson and Jeremy Steinke’s final testimonies are weighed against the forensic evidence, and the picture of what exactly happened inside that house starts to take shape.... leading to the final conclusion.*Additional content warning: this episode includes the death of a child. Please take care when listening.The intention of this series is to take a look back at a shocking crime sensationalized through headlines and explore how it impacted the community. Some names have been changed to respect the privacy of those involved.Canadian True Crime donates monthly to help those facing injustice.This month we have donated to the Calgary Homicide Support Society.Look out for early, ad-free release on CTC premium feeds: available on Amazon Music (included with Prime), Apple Podcasts, Patreon and Supercast.Full list of resources, information sources, credits and music credits:See the page for this episode at www.canadiantruecrime.ca/episodes
  • 187. The Richardson Family Murders [2]

    01:04:31||Ep. 187
    [Part 2 of 3] After three members of the Richardson family are found dead, the police continue to search for the missing 12-year-old girl. But a darker picture has started to emerge involving her 23-year-old boyfriend.* Additional content warning: this episode includes the death of a child. Please take care when listening.The intention of this series is to take a look back at a shocking crime sensationalized through headlines and explore how it impacted the community.Some names have been changed to respect the privacy of those involved.Canadian True Crime donates monthly to help those facing injustice.This month we have donated to the Calgary Homicide Support Society.Look out for early, ad-free release on CTC premium feeds: available on Amazon Music (included with Prime), Apple Podcasts, Patreon and Supercast.Full list of resources, information sources, credits and music credits:See the page for this episode at www.canadiantruecrime.ca/episodes