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Crime Time Inc
Scottish Elections, Police Body Cameras, Lockerbie and the £6 Billion Drugs Crisis
This week on Crime Time Inc, Simon and Tom mark the last of their general-topic episodes for a few weeks — while they push on to finish their in-depth series on the Zodiac murders — with an episode packed full of Scottish crime, policing, politics, and culture.
Simon opens with a warning about "true friendship fraud", the growing phenomenon where criminals cultivate online relationships with vulnerable and elderly people in order to steal their money. With Scotland's older population increasingly targeted through Facebook, WhatsApp and other platforms, Simon and Tom explain the warning signs to look out for. Tom brings his characteristic dry wit to the subject, suggesting that any would-be fraudsters targeting him would leave considerably out of pocket.
The political agenda is front and centre this week. Simon highlights new UK legislation cracking down on political donations — including a ban on crypto donations and a £100,000 cap on overseas contributions — ahead of the Scottish Parliament elections on 6 May. Tom draws on his years as Deputy Chief Constable of Lothian and Borders to give a frank insider account of what it takes to police a major election: the pre-planning, the management of rival factions, security at counting centres, the Representation of the People Act, and why rising political temperatures mean this May's vote will be a particularly demanding operation. Both hosts share their frustration at the state of modern political debate, noting that First Minister's Questions has descended into a catalogue of accusations rather than a forum for policy.
Glasgow has finally joined the rest of the UK in rolling out police body-worn cameras, and Tom is blunt about why it took so long: Scotland's police capital budget is "lamentably inadequate", representing close to 0% of the Scottish Government's public spending despite policing accounting for roughly 3% of costs. Tom draws a direct line between that chronic underfunding and the £50 million Sheku Bayoh public inquiry — a cost that would have paid for body cameras across the whole of Police Scotland. The hosts also discuss privacy implications and Simon's affectionate memory of "Mr Gadget", a community officer from his days in Govan who wore every piece of kit simultaneously — including body armour he'd acquired himself — until being rendered immobile by the weight of it.
Elsewhere, Tom gives his assessment of the Lockerbie bombing trial in New York, where alleged bomb-maker Abu Masud faces charges but legal delays are raising fears that the evidence may never be heard in open court. Tom warns of defence tactics designed to "run the clock round" and expresses hope that the Crown's reported intention to publish all evidence publicly — should the trial collapse — will at least bring some form of truth to the families of the 270 victims. The episode also features the latest instalment of the hosts' regular Scots language segment, with explorations of "wee", "Hogmanay", the "Loony Dook" and the beautiful Scots blessing "Lang may yer lum reek". Finally, Simon trails a forthcoming episode on Scotland's £6 billion annual drug crisis, following a major new Social Market Foundation report.
KEY TALKING POINTS
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• Friendship fraud and befriending scams: how to spot them and protect vulnerable people
• New UK rules on political donations: crypto ban and the £100k overseas cap
• Policing Scottish elections: behind the scenes with a former Deputy Chief Constable
• Why First Minister's Questions has become "yaboo politics"
• Glasgow body cameras: why Scotland was years behind — and the true cost of delay
• The Sheku Bayoh inquiry: £50m that could have paid for national body cam rollout
• Lockerbie trial update: delays, defence tactics and the risk evidence is never heard
• Scots Language: "Wee", "Aye", "Hogmanay", "Loony Dook", "Lang may yer lum reek"
• Preview: Scotland's £6 billion drug crisis
HOSTS
About Crime Time Inc.
Season 5 of Crime Time Inc. broadens its reach across two sides of the Atlantic.
This season features cases from Scotland and across the wider UK — rooted in real investigative experience — alongside deep dives into some of the most infamous murder cases in American history.
Hosted by former detectives Simon and Tom, with experience in both the UK and the United States, including time working alongside the FBI, the show strips away sensationalism to explain how crime and justice really work.
Two crime worlds. One podcast.
New episodes released regularly throughout the season.
Our Website: https://crimetimeinc.com/
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38. Richard Gaikowski: The Zodiac Suspect Built on Coincidence or Hidden Truth?
12:35||Season 5, Ep. 38In this episode, we examine one of the most controversial and debated Zodiac Killer suspects — Richard Gaikowski.A journalist with ties to San Francisco’s counterculture scene, Gaikowski has long fascinated researchers due to a series of striking coincidences, disputed claims, and lingering questions.We break down the full case for and against Gaikowski, separating documented facts from speculation.In this episode, we cover:Gaikowski’s background, military service, and journalism careerHis movements between California and New York during key Zodiac yearsThe origins of the theory — and the role of Blaine “Goldcatcher”, the informant who first accused himThe Darlene Ferrin connection and the Albany timeline overlapThe controversial “GYKE” cipher claimThe disputed voice identification by Nancy SloverLinks to Good Times newspaper and cultural references like The MikadoClaims around the Exorcist letter and “Me = 37”Physical resemblance to the Zodiac composite sketchWe also examine the critical weaknesses:The lack of credible supporting evidence from law enforcementThe highly questionable reliability of the original sourceThe disputed passport and travel alibiHandwriting analysis that did not match the ZodiacA missed opportunity for fingerprint comparisonAnd most importantly —no public forensic evidence (DNA, fingerprints, or handwriting) has ever tied Gaikowski to the Zodiac crimesThis episode takes a balanced, evidence-led approach, asking a key question:Is Richard Gaikowski a serious suspect — or a theory built on coincidence and amplification?Perfect for:True crime fansZodiac Killer researchersListeners interested in suspect analysis and investigative breakdownsIf you enjoy deep-dive true crime analysis, follow the podcast and don’t miss our ongoing Zodiac series.Richard Gaikowski, Zodiac Killer, Zodiac Killer suspects, Zodiac Killer theory, Blaine Blaine Goldcatcher, Zodiac evidence, Darlene Ferrin, Zodiac cipher, GYKE, true crime podcast, unsolved murders, Zodiac case
36. Why Lawrence Kane STILL Can’t Be Ruled Out as the Zodiac Killer
12:51||Season 5, Ep. 36In this episode, former detectives Simon and Tom review the case against Lawrence Kane — one of the most persistent suspects in the Zodiac Killer investigation. We advise you listen to the previous episode. While Kane appears to “tick many boxes” on paper, this discussion goes deeper — separating compelling evidence from misleading coincidence.Key points explored include:Kane’s background: Navy experience, coding knowledge, brain injury, and a history of sexual and petty offencesHis proximity to key Zodiac crime locations, including San Francisco and VallejoThe significance of his convictions for prowling and voyeurism — and whether these behaviours align with the Zodiac’s possible pre-offence patternsThe detectives focus heavily on identification evidence, often considered the backbone of any case:Darlene Ferrin’s sisters identifying Kane as a man who frightened herKathleen Johns later identifying Kane as her abductorWhy these identifications are compelling — but still fall short of proving he was the ZodiacHowever, major challenges to the Kane theory are also examined:No confirmed link to firearms — despite the Zodiac’s demonstrated skill with multiple weaponsThe Donna Lass case, which differs significantly from known Zodiac crimes in method and executionThe risk of forcing connections between unrelated crimesA key theme of this episode is the copycat theory:Could some incidents attributed to the Zodiac actually be separate crimes triggered by media coverage?Are investigators and researchers grouping together crimes that don’t belong?The discussion also highlights a critical investigative danger:Becoming too focused on one suspect and forcing evidence to fit — rather than stepping back and reassessing the bigger pictureUltimately, the conclusion remains frustratingly familiar:Lawrence Kane cannot be definitively linked to the Zodiac KillerBut equally, he cannot be fully ruled outThis episode is a grounded, expert-led breakdown of a suspect who continues to divide opinion — and a reminder of just how complex the Zodiac case truly is.
35. Lawrence Kane: The Zodiac Suspect Detectives Could Never Eliminate
15:24||Season 5, Ep. 35n this episode, we examine one of the most persistent and controversial Zodiac Killer suspects: Lawrence Kane.Unlike lesser-known names, Kane is a suspect that serious investigators — including retired detective Harvey Hines — returned to repeatedly.We explore Kane’s background, including:His military training in electronics and codingA life-altering brain injury in 1962 and subsequent psychological declineA long criminal history that abruptly stopped just before the Zodiac killings beganWe then break down the most disturbing connections:Darlene Ferrin – Identified by her sisters as a man who frightened her prior to her murderVehicle change – Kane replaced his car days after the Blue Rock Springs shootingPaul Stine murder – Kane lived just blocks from the pickup locationOfficer Don Fouke – Described Kane as the closest likeness he had seen to the ZodiacThe case becomes even more chilling with the disappearance of Donna Lass:Worked in the same building as Kane in Lake TahoeVanished in 1970 under suspicious circumstancesLater linked to a possible Zodiac communicationHer remains were only identified in 2023 — over 50 years laterWe also revisit the Kathleen Johns abduction, where she identified Kane in a photo lineup — an incident the Zodiac himself claimed responsibility for.Despite these connections, the forensic case remains inconclusive:Fingerprints did not match — but may not belong to the killerDNA evidence is disputed and unreliableHandwriting analysis failed to confirm or eliminate himSo why was Kane never ruled out?No definitive alibiMultiple circumstantial overlaps with Zodiac crimesContinued interest from law enforcementThis episode lays out the full picture — the evidence, the doubts, and the unanswered questions — surrounding a man who may be one of the strongest Zodiac suspects, yet remains officially unconfirmed.Next episode: Richard Gaikowski — a name some believe the Zodiac hid in plain sight.
34. Assisted Dying in Scotland, the Nathan Bennett Nursery Case, and Crime in the Headlines
49:47||Season 5, Ep. 34In this episode, Tom and Simon break down some of the most important crime and justice stories in the news. They begin with the shocking Nathan Bennett case, discussing how a nursery worker was able to offend against very young children, what this says about vetting and safeguarding, and why specialist police interview techniques are so important when children are involved.They then turn to the deeply divisive debate over assisted dying in Scotland, examining the proposed law, the role of doctors, the safeguards being discussed, and the wider moral and legal questions around dignity, coercion, and end-of-life care.The conversation also explores the civil case involving Gerry Adams and what it could mean for accountability, historical truth, and the legacy of the Troubles.Elsewhere, Tom and Simon discuss the Glasgow Central Station fire, whether the UK has a regulation problem or an enforcement problem, rising concerns over youth disorder and knife incidents in Glasgow city centre, and why vape shops are attracting growing suspicion from police and communities alike.There is also discussion of Scotland’s supervised consumption model and plans for a similar facility in Edinburgh, along with the usual sharp observations, policing insight, and dark humour listeners expect from Crime Time Inc.This episode covers:the Nathan Bennett nursery abuse casesafeguarding, vetting, and child protectionthe assisted dying bill in Scotlandthe Gerry Adams civil trialthe Glasgow Central Station fireknife disorder involving youths in Glasgowvape shops, drug paraphernalia, and enforcement concernssupervised consumption rooms in Scotland
33. Was Ross Sullivan the Zodiac Killer? The Riverside Connection Explained
23:52||Season 5, Ep. 33Ross Sullivan remains one of the most debated and mysterious suspects in the Zodiac Killer case. In this episode, we explore the evidence linking Sullivan to both the infamous Zodiac murders and the earlier 1966 killing of Cheri Jo Bates at Riverside City College.Sullivan, a library assistant at RCC, was present on campus at the time of Bates’ murder and later drew suspicion from co-workers who described him as unsettling and potentially dangerous. His sudden disappearance following the killing, combined with a change in appearance, raised further questions.We break down the key elements of the case:The Cheri Jo Bates murder and its possible connection to ZodiacWitness accounts and co-worker suspicionsThe disturbing “desktop poem” and its alleged link to Zodiac writingsSullivan’s interest in cryptography and handwriting disguisePhysical similarities to the Zodiac composite sketchThe controversial Mikado connectionConflicting alibi claims and institutionalisation recordsBut the case against Sullivan is far from airtight. We also examine the major weaknesses:A significant height discrepancy with eyewitness descriptionsFingerprints that reportedly did not match crime scene evidenceClaims of hospitalisation during key Zodiac attacksThe lack of formal investigation by law enforcementExpert Review: Simon & Tom Analyse the EvidenceFormer investigators Simon and Tom provide a critical breakdown of the Sullivan theory, questioning whether modern researchers may now have a broader view of the case than original investigators ever did.They raise important questions about Sullivan’s mental health history, including what may have triggered his diagnoses and whether this is relevant to assessing his potential for violence.The discussion challenges a common assumption: that Sullivan’s cremation prevents DNA analysis. Tom explains how familial DNA could still be used to eliminate or potentially link him through relatives.However, both experts stress a key limitation—existing Zodiac DNA samples may not be reliable enough for definitive identification, meaning DNA may be more useful for elimination than confirmation.They also highlight the importance of forensic integrity, noting that any evidence must have a clear chain of custody to stand up in court.The height discrepancy is debated, with Simon viewing it as a major issue, while Tom argues eyewitness estimates—especially at night—are often unreliable.Crucially, Tom warns against “linking assumptions”—building a case on the idea that Bates is a Zodiac victim, then linking Sullivan to Bates, which compounds uncertainty.Both agree that much of the suspicion around Sullivan originates from co-workers rather than law enforcement, raising questions about how seriously he was ever investigated.The conclusion: Sullivan is an intriguing suspect with some compelling overlaps—but the case remains circumstantial and far from proven.With no confirmed DNA and conflicting evidence, the question remains open: was Ross Sullivan a viable suspect overlooked by police—or another compelling but ultimately flawed theory?In the next episode, we turn to another major Zodiac suspect: Lawrence Kane.
32. How the Soham Murders Transformed UK Police Protocols
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31. Zodiac Killer Suspect Arthur Leigh Allen: The Evidence, the Doubts & the Unanswered Questions | Episode 10
38:25||Season 5, Ep. 31In this episode, we review the case made against Arthur Leigh Allen, the man long considered by many to be the leading suspect in the Zodiac Killer investigation.Tom and Simon break down the strongest points pointing toward Allen, including his proximity to key crime scenes, his familiarity with coded messages, witness identification, shoe size, violent behaviour, and the disturbing testimony that he taught children how to create and decipher codes.But this episode also focuses on the evidence that muddies the picture. The discussion explores the disputed fingerprint and palm print evidence, the limits of the handwriting analysis, the problems with partial DNA from the Zodiac letters, and how easily investigators can become locked onto one suspect while dismissing contradictions.The conversation also looks at Allen’s background in the US Navy, his psychiatric history, his conviction for offences against a child, and the importance of building a proper timeline around his movements, incarceration, communications, and behaviour.Tom raises key investigative questions:What exactly was Allen treated for psychiatrically, and when?What did he actually do during his Navy service?Why were some potentially incriminating items found, but no firearms, ammunition, or clear cryptographic material?Was too much weight placed on forensic evidence that may have been contaminated, incomplete, or misunderstood?The episode also examines the role of Don Cheney, asking whether he should have been treated more seriously as a suspect or at least as a critical line of inquiry.This is a detailed look at how cold case reviews should be approached: start at the beginning, separate fact from theory, revisit early witness statements, and resist the temptation to force the evidence to fit the favourite suspect.If you are fascinated by the Zodiac case, suspect profiling, forensic ambiguity, and the psychology of major investigations, this is an essential listen.
30. Arthur Leigh Allen: The Zodiac Killer’s Prime Suspect? | Episode 9
01:00:00||Season 5, Ep. 30Episode 9 of The Zodiac Killer series focuses entirely on Arthur Leigh Allen — the man law enforcement pursued for decades and the only suspect ever publicly named in the case.From Donald Cheney’s explosive 1971 account to Michael Mageau’s later identification, Allen’s case is packed with disturbing coincidences, alleged admissions, and behavior investigators found impossible to ignore.We break down the full timeline: Allen’s background in Vallejo, his reported pre-crime statements, the Zodiac Sea Wolf watch, the Lake Berryessa alibi, the search warrants, the pipe bombs, and the claims made in Netflix’s 2024 documentary This Is the Zodiac Speaking.But this episode also examines the other side of the case: the fingerprints that did not match, the handwriting experts who excluded him, the partial DNA that failed to connect him, and why he was never charged.Was Arthur Leigh Allen the Zodiac Killer — or the most compelling wrong suspect in true crime history? 00:00 Prime Suspect Setup01:43 Allen Early Life04:24 Grievances And Red Flags05:54 Cheney Bombshell Tip07:00 Lovers Lane Details11:54 Credibility And DNA Wrinkle15:10 First Police Interview16:26 Watch Alibi And Knives19:33 Handwriting Excludes Allen20:43 Search Warrant And Arrest22:51 Spinelli Names Allen25:27 1991 Search And Bombs27:48 Blue Rock Springs Revisited28:58 Mageau Photo Lineup30:55 Voice Witness Limits32:28 Allen Dies and Search33:14 DNA and Handwriting Tests35:52 Forensic Caveats Explained37:01 Netflix Seawater Claims40:49 Beach and Riverside Trips44:35 Confession Accounts Weighed46:19 Case For and Against53:20 Why Allen Endures56:53 Final Question and Next