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Kristi Lee | Canadian True Crime

Immersive, fact-based and responsible true crime storytelling

Go beyond the headlines with Aussie-Canadian host Kristi Lee as she carefully unravels some of Canada's most compelling crimes with meticulous research and a trauma-informed approach.

Release schedule: at least two episodes most months, whenever they're ready.

Subscribe and find out why Canadian True Crime is Canada's top independent podcast.

 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Canadian True Crime

Today, we dive into the high-profile, baffling disappearance of six-year-old Lilly Sullivan and her four-year-old brother Jack, who vanished from their rural Nova Scotia home in May 2025.

Kristi is joined by Jordan Bonaparte of The Canadian Gothic (formerly Nighttime), who has covered the case extensively from the area. Together, they cut through the speculation and conspiracy theories to focus on the confirmed facts.

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Information about Jack and Lilly Sullivan

The Government of Nova Scotia is offering a reward of up to $150,000 for information about the disappearance of Lilly and Jack Sullivan. More details and photos.

Statements referenced in this episode:

Mother Malehya Brooks-Murray 

Stepfather Daniel Martell

Daniel Martell's mother (also lives on the property) 

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Let us know what you think!

Follow Canadian True Crime on Facebook and Instagram

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 sex trafficking trial of Michael Haaima of Kingston. Donate here and note “Haaima” in the message box.

Full list of resources, information sources, and more:

www.canadiantruecrime.ca/episodes

 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lilly and Jack Sullivan: Cutting through the noise

For years, J.B.’s identity was hidden behind publication ban.

Now, she steps forward in her own name to share her story of survival and resilience.

We're thrilled to announce the release of Breaking Idol, a powerful new documentary from CBC about "J.B.” — a survivor at the centre of the first sexual assault trial of Jacob Hoggard.

J.B.’s case against the former Canadian Idol finalist and frontman of the multi-platinum band Hedley, captivated the country and divided fans of all ages. 

Based on part on Canadian True Crime's series about that 2022 trial, Breaking Idol explores the collision of fandom, power, and truth, and follows J.B. as she confronts the aftermath of the trial and the culture that protected the man who assaulted her. 

__________________________________________________

Stream Breaking Idol now on CBC Gem and YouTube 

Currently available only in Canada, sorry.

__________________________________________________

Media clips to come on Canadian True Crime Facebook and Instagram

Director Tiffany Hsiung

Supervising Producer Sally Karam

Produced by Frantic Films for CBC’s The Passionate Eye

Consulting Producer Kristi Lee

Special thanks to J.B. and Kelly Favro, Beyond The Verdict

Breaking Idol is based in part on Canadian True Crime’s podcast series The Trial of Hedley’s Jacob Hoggard 

 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

BIG ANNOUNCEMENT: Breaking Idol, a CBC documentary

[Part 2 of 2] A decade after the brutal murder of Christine Jessop, a DNA breakthrough completely clears Guy Paul Morin. But it would be another 25 years before the real killer is revealed.

In this two-part series, we share the full story of Christine Jessop — the one her family waited decades for the courage to tell – with insight from the documentary filmmaker who spent years earning their trust.

Additional content warning: this is about the murder and sexual assault of a child. Minimal graphic details will be given. Please take care when listening.

The Christine Jessop Story is a new three-part documentary series available on Crave (this episode is not sponsored). For the first time, Christine’s family gives their unfiltered truth about the case that captivated Canada. It’s a story of corrupt policing, revolutionary forensics, and a family forced to go through the unthinkable.

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

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 sex trafficking trial of Michael Haaima of Kingston. Donate here and note “Haaima” in the message box.

Full list of resources, information sources, and more:

www.canadiantruecrime.ca/episodes

 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Murder of Christine Jessop [2]

[Part 1 of 2] The brutal murder of nine-year-old Christine Jessop in 1984 shattered her family’s tiny Ontario community. When police arrested her quiet neighbour Guy Paul Morin, the case spiralled into a circus of trials, appeals and outrage, leading to one of Canada’s most notorious wrongful convictions. When the real killer was found in 2020, the memory of the little girl at the centre of the case had been overshadowed by the spectacle. 

Additional content warning: this is about the murder and sexual assault of a child. Minimal graphic details will be given. Please take care when listening.

The Christine Jessop Story is a new documentary series on Crave (our series is not sponsored). For the first time, Christine’s family gives their unfiltered truth about the case that captivated Canada. It’s a story of corrupt policing, revolutionary forensics, and a family forced to go through the unthinkable.

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

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 sex trafficking trial of Michael Haaima of Kingston. Donate here and note “Haaima” in the message box.

Full list of resources, information sources, and more:

www.canadiantruecrime.ca/episode

 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Murder of Christine Jessop [1]

In this special update episode we’re joined by Beverley’s sister Barb Kilpatrick and niece Melanie to mark a milestone in one of the most high-profile cases the province has seen, reflect on the impact, and share new details - including some sad family news and a public plea for information.

25 years ago today, the body of 42 year old mother of two Beverley Rowbotham was found in the family car at an abandoned gas station in Selkirk, Manitoba. Beverley’s political advisor husband, Mark Stobbe, was acquitted of her murder 12 years later.

The case has remained unsolved. Beverley’s remaining family members hope to finally get answers and justice for Beverley.

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Public plea to help locate a potential credible lead - “Paul and Ann from Calgary”

They are from Calgary, Alberta and drove to Rocky Mountain House in March of 2018 to deliver a handwritten note.

See an image of the Paul and Ann note,

Paul was very well spoken, Anne had a cane and walked with a bit of a limp. They indicated that they were scared, but needed to share their information in person.

If you have information to locate this this couple, please contact Canadian True Crime podcast or find us on Facebook or Instagram and we will connect you.

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More information:

Listen to episode Remembering Beverley Rowbotham: 23 Years (Released October 24, 2023)

Obituary for Beverley’s sister Betty Rowbotham who passed away October 18, 2025.

Clinging to hope: Twenty-five years after Beverley Rowbotham was slain, her family believes a mysterious letter could shed light on the case that gripped Manitoba by Chris Kitching for Winnipeg Free Press, October 24, 2025

Canadian True Crime donates monthly to help those facing injustice.

This month we have donated in Beverley Rowbotham's name to: The Alpha House Project - Winnipeg

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

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

 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Beverley Rowbotham's Family Speaks Out: 25 Years Later

[Part 5 of 5] This final instalment wraps up our coverage and analysis of the Hockey Canada scandal and trial. At the end, Kristi shares her personal opinion about what likely happened in Room 209 that night — and why the verdicts would have remained the same anyway. The difference is in how the judge got there. 

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.

Do you have a “fawning” story you’d like to share?

Write it or record it and contact us through the website, Facebook or Instagram. Confidentially assured.

Beyond The Verdict: www.beyondtheverdict.ca

More information and resources:

Young men need to be taught what consent looks like • by Elizabeth Renzetti, Toronto Star
Hockey Canada trial outcome a 'crushing day' for sexual assault survivors • featuring Daphne Gilbert, by Sheena Goodyear, CBC Radio 
Megan Savard for the Defence • by Kathrine Laidlaw, Toronto life
Hockey Canada trial should put spotlight on morality of society • by Catherine Ford
 • LISTEN: 
The Trial of Jacob Hoggard • (JB’s story) and 
Kelly Favro’s Story • 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 Services

Full list of resources, information sources, and more: www.canadiantruecrime.ca/episode

 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Analyzing the Hockey Canada trial [5]

[Part 4 of 5] We continue to unpack the confusing timeline of Room 209 - including the controversy around crown witness Brett Howden and the alleged slap and “splits” incidents, leading up to the verdicts and how the country reacted to them. At the end, Kristi shares her personal opinion about what likely happened in that hotel room — and why the verdicts would have remained the same anyway. The difference is in how the judge got there. 

We’ll also be looking at: 

 • Why the court zeroed in on E.M.’s level of intoxication 
 • Her supposed motive to fabricate evidence
 • The reasons for the judge’s ultimate conclusion that E.M.’s evidence was “not credible or reliable”
 • Why - despite saying rape myths and stereotypes would be avoided, the judge’s written decision reads like the opposite
 • Public speculation about why this case went to trial at all
 • The damaging impact of this trial 

﻿

Content Warning: Graphic details of sexual acts.

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.

More information and resources:

WATCH: Team Canada World Junior Trial Verdict w/ Katie Strang | The Steve Dangle Podcast • , Youtube, July 29 2025
READ: The Hockey Canada trial could have been a reckoning. It was something else - by Dan Robson and Katie Strang, The Athletic, July 24 2025. • LISTEN: 
The Trial of Jacob Hoggard • (JB’s story) and 
Kelly Favro’s Story • 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 Services • Beyond The Verdict: 
www.beyondtheverdict.ca

Let us know what you think! 

Follow Canadian True Crime on Facebook and Instagram

Full list of resources, information sources, and more: www.canadiantruecrime.ca/episodes

 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Analyzing the Hockey Canada trial [4]

[Part 3 of 5] 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 YouTube
READ: • 
What Was Left Unsaid in the Hockey Canada Trial | The Walrus • , by Ariella Garmaise, Sept 10 2025
FYI: • 
The “Junior Hockey Bible” • via Internet Archive (content warning!)
LISTEN: The Trial of Jacob Hoggard • (JB’s story). 
Kelly Favro’s Story • 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 Services • Beyond The Verdict: 
www.beyondtheverdict.ca

Let us know what you think! 

Follow Canadian True Crime on Facebook and Instagram

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

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

 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Analyzing the Hockey Canada trial [3]

[Part 2 of 5] 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 charges
 • Michael McLeod's instagram exchange with EM the day after the hotel room incident
 • The "group chat" six days later that appears to show the hockey players trying to get their stories straight
 • The series of debacles that resulted in this jury trial switching to judge-alone
 • Survivors 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 2025
 • READ: 
The Hockey Canada trial could have been a reckoning. It was something else • - by Dan Robson and Katie Strang,The Athletic, July 24 2025
 • 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 Services • Beyond The Verdict:
www.beyondtheverdict.ca

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

 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Analyzing the Hockey Canada trial [2]

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.ca

For more information about Canadian True Crime episodes, information sources, credits and music credits:

Visit www.canadiantruecrime.ca/episodes

Contact us

 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Update on the Hockey Canada series (and thanks for your patience)

[Part 4 of 4] The Truth. Hidden documents and files are released through a Freedom of Information request, strongly suggesting that what actually happened on August 31, 2009 was different to the narrative presented by the press — and in court.

In this new four-part series, edited and re-mastered, you’ll hear a story of elites vs peasants, cars vs bicycles, and wealth and privilege vs poverty and crime. It’s a cautionary tale of how justice works differently in this country for some people.

Special thanks to Allan Sheppard, Joe Hendry and Victoria (the eyewitness). Thanks also to writer Mary Fairhurst Breen for editing and creative direction on this reboot series.

Please respect the privacy of those involved in this case.

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

 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Collision Course: The Darcy Allan Sheppard Case [4]

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