Crime Beat

It’s arguably one of the highest profile multiple murder cases in Canadian history. Douglas Garland was convicted of the first-degree murder of five-year-old Nathan O’Brien and his grandparents Alvin and Kathy Liknes. For nearly five weeks, jurors were shown graphic forensic evidence gathered from the Liknes home and the farm where Garland lived with his parents. Now, for the first time, two of the 12 jurors who decided Garland’s fate, are speaking out about the ongoing impact of hearing such a disturbing case. For these jurors, it’s been an ongoing process to cope with the trauma that’s been passed on to them and they deal with sudden and unexpected triggers. “I'm not going to say I haven't shed a few tears just randomly,” one said in the exclusive interview. Join Global News senior crime reporter Nancy Hixt as she shares their compelling conversations in the conclusion of this three-part special Crime Beat podcast series, ‘Hunted by Evil.’ Contact: Twitter: @nancyhixt Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NancyHixtCrimeBeat/ Email: nancy.hixt@globalnews.ca See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On July 4, 2014, four days into an Amber Alert, a suspect was arrested in connection with the disappearance of Nathan O’Brien and his grandparents Alvin and Kathy Liknes. An RCMP emergency response team searched the farm where Douglas Garland lived with his parents. They didn’t find Nathan, Alvin and Kathy. At that time, there wasn’t enough evidence to charge Garland with kidnapping. Instead, he was arrested on unrelated fraud charges. In the meantime, investigators got a warrant and began an exhaustive search of the expansive 40-acre Garland property — one that would become the biggest in Calgary police history. A few days later, he was released on bail with the condition he would not return to his parents' farm as the search continued. The 54-year-old was under constant surveillance. Two days later, officers watched as he drove out to his parents' property. In Part Two of the Crime Beat series "Hunted by Evil," you’ll hear from the rookie officer who tracked Garland in the darkness and the forensic investigators who scoured the Garland property for months. More than 1,400 exhibits were seized — including the DNA of all three victims. Follow along as Global News senior crime reporter Nancy Hixt explains how a petty grudge grew into a murderous plot and shares the disturbing evidence that police uncovered. -- If you enjoy Crime Beat, please take a minute to rate it on Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts, tell us what you think and share the show with your friends. Contact: Twitter: @nancyhixt Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NancyHixtCrimeBeat/ Email: nancy.hixt@globalnews.ca See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 2014, on the first long weekend of the summer, a Calgary mother went to her parents’ home to pick up her five-year-old son following a sleepover. When she got there, all three were missing. Who would kidnap a five-year-old child and his grandparents, and why? It was the start of one of the longest Amber Alerts in Canadian history and a race against the clock to find the missing trio. In part one of this two-part series of Crime Beat, ‘Hunted by Evil,’ Global News senior crime reporter Nancy Hixt shares the unprecedented efforts that were made to find Nathan O’Brien and his grandparents Alvin and Kathy Liknes. Follow along as police uncover shocking forensic evidence and learn the twist that finally led investigators to identify a suspect. -- Contact: Twitter: @nancyhixt Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NancyHixtCrimeBeat/ Email: nancy.hixt@globalnews.ca See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over her 25 year career as a crime reporter...each case she's covered stays with her…But...there are some... that haunt her. They’re heartbreaking and horrific…difficult to revisit...because to bring you these stories she goes through hundreds of photos, court exhibits... graphic evidence. This season on Crime Beat, we share the high-profile cases you’ve asked me about...and others that maybe you’re not as familiar with. Nancy Hixt, is a senior crime reporter with Global News…join her on season four of Crime Beat as she takes you beyond the headlines…  Introduces you to the people directly impacted by these crimes…and brings you the stories behind the stories… You’ll hear exclusive interviews with victims, families, investigators, prosecutors, and even jurors…voices that deserve to be heard. Season four begins October 19th See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Introducing Episode 1 of China Rising - Hostage Diplomacy On the first episode of China Rising, we examine  the Chinese government's practice of detaining political prisoners, by hearing directly from Canadians who've become caught in the crossfire. Christian aid workers Julia and Kevin Garratt lived in China for 30 years before their arrest in 2014, when they were suddenly cast as pawns in a geopolitical chess match. The Garratts’ traumatic experience is eerily similar to the case of the 'Two Michaels,' Canadians Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig, detained in China since December 2018. Using their stories and others as a guide, we'll investigate how Western countries, including Canada, should respond to China's so-called 'Hostage Diplomacy.' You can listen to more episodes here: https://link.chtbl.com/china-rising See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Global News crime reporter Nancy Hixt gives you a behind-the-scenes look at Crime Beat. From digging up stories to writing and putting together this podcast, join Nancy as she explains how it all comes together. In this episode, she shares insight on journalism, crime reporting and even answers some of your questions.   She also introduces you to the Crime Beat team -- which includes Chris Bassett, Dila Velazquez and Rob Johnston. Contact: Twitter: @nancyhixt Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NancyHixtCrimeBeat/ Email: nancy.hixt@globalnews.ca See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the summer of 1999, the RCMP in central Alberta investigated a horrific case involving two children. A father murdered his little girl and tried to kill his son. The case haunted investigators for decades. But it was particularly traumatic for one officer because it launched a completely unrelated series of events that ultimately led to him being wrongfully accused of sexual assault. It would leave his life torn in pieces. In part two of this special Crime Beat series, Global News crime reporter Nancy Hixt explains the mind-blowing twists and turns of this case. Learn what it’s been like for this veteran officer to live with the stigma of being wrongfully accused of a serious criminal offence in the conclusion of ‘Scarred but not broken.’  Contact: Twitter: @nancyhixt Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NancyHixtCrimeBeat/ Email: nancy.hixt@globalnews.ca See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On a cool rainy day in the summer of 1999, an old Chevy van was seen speeding on a highway from the backcountry eastbound towards Rocky Mountain House, Alta. There was a large piece of canvas attached to the bumper and it dragged behind the van. A short time later, the vehicle pulled into the ambulance bay at the Rocky Mountain House hospital. A man went in and identified himself as Brian Hogg. He was covered in blood and had lacerations to both of his wrists. Hogg asked the doctor to check on his son, who was still in the van. A little boy was found seated in the front passenger seat. He had blood on his neck, face, chest, arms and legs. His throat was cut, but he was responsive. The seven-year-old was rushed into the emergency room. But he wasn’t the only child inside the van. There was a little girl, unresponsive, on top of some sleeping bags. The doctor who made the horrific discovery noted the two-year-old was cold to the touch. She had no vital signs when was rushed into the emergency room and was later pronounced deceased by the local medical examiner. The case was now considered a homicide. In part one of this two-part series of Crime Beat, Global News crime reporter Nancy Hixt shares how this senseless crime continues to impact the officers who investigated the case. Contact: Twitter: @nancyhixt Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NancyHixtCrimeBeat/ Email: nancy.hixt@globalnews.ca See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In early 2007, a young widowed mother of two was just settling into a bigger home after living for several years in a cramped apartment with her extended family. Aset Magomadova was looking forward to spring because she finally had a backyard and was going to plant a garden. The family came to Calgary as refugees from war-torn Chechnya where they experienced imprisonment, homelessness, severe injuries and loss. Arriving in Canada brought new hope. This was the place her dreams were supposed to come true. But on a cold snowy day in February 2007, all those plans came to an abrupt end.  In the latest episode of the Global News podcast, Crime Beat, crime reporter Nancy Hixt highlights the importance of knowing the full story before rushing to judgment because we never know what people have gone through. Contact: Twitter: @nancyhixt Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NancyHixtCrimeBeat/ Email: nancy.hixt@globalnews.ca See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of the Global News podcast Crime Beat, crime reporter Nancy Hixt shares the story of a man who became the victim of a senseless crime and the unfortunate hands life dealt him throughout his life.    This case began, in the spring of 2014, when the co-manager of a Calgary Walmart was closing up shop and getting ready to head home. As he walked out to the parking lot with several coworkers, they spotted a man on a nearby bench who looked to be in medical distress. A closer look revealed the man was unconscious and lying in a pool of blood. The store manager called 911. Police and EMS arrived within minutes. The man was badly beaten and had been stabbed twice.  He was rushed to hospital in serious, life-threatening condition but later died. An autopsy revealed he died from a loss of blood caused by the stab wounds. The victim was Gabriel Okeynan, 45, a father of four and his death became a homicide investigation. The question was, who did this to him, and why? This is a case that highlights what the detective in charge of this case refers to as “good old fashioned police work.” Follow along as police investigated a trail of evidence and unravelled a complicated series of events to solve this case. It’s the story about the paths we choose...and the paths that choose us--and how every decision we make impacts our lives. Contact: Twitter: @nancyhixt Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NancyHixtCrimeBeat/ Email: nancy.hixt@globalnews.ca

This episode begins with an investigation that rocked Alberta's foster care system. Garry Prokopishin took in troubled teenage boys: kids with behavioural and substance abuse issues. His foster home was considered a last resort for teens who had nowhere else to go. Those boys described having all the freedom in the world at the Prokopishin’s. They were allowed to smoke, they could have friends over, party, go out and not get in trouble. Prokopishin also took them out for dinner and drinks and made the boys feel special. A local association recognized him for his tireless efforts with boys, naming him “foster parent of the year." By 2009, Prokopishin had been operating a foster home for nearly 20 years and during that time 55 teenage boys had come under his care. Then, one young man came forward alleging sexual abuse. Before long, police revealed that abuse went beyond just one victim. The court process revealed Prokopishin used money and threats to manipulate the boys into keeping the abuse a secret for years. But what set these young boys on a path that led to the Prokopishin home in the first place? In covering this case, Hixt came to meet one of the young victims who revealed the abuse went much deeper. That’s what set the stage for his time with Prokopishin, who preyed on his vulnerability. Follow the shocking turns this case took as Nancy Hixt shares the story of young boy who was abandoned by the very people who were supposed to show him unconditional love and left him wanting a loving home. Contact: Twitter: @nancyhixt Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NancyHixtCrimeBeat/ Email: nancy.hixt@globalnews.ca

In this episode, Global News crime reporter Nancy Hixt, turns to the experts including police, judges and lawyers, to answer your questions about crime, the courts and COVID-19 -- and what it all means for your safety. The novel coronavirus has affected all of us. Many have lost loved ones, businesses have closed, thousands have lost their jobs. People are asked to stay home wherever possible, to self-isolate and to maintain social distancing. With that, there are added strains on many relationships. Advocacy groups are seeing increased rates of domestic and sexual violence -- in some areas, the number of reported incidents has tripled. Others, can’t avoid going out -- including essential service providers like doctors, nurses and hospital staff.  That also includes those working to maintain public safety during a time of heightened anxiety. Police are experiencing new challenges and are noticing a change in the types of crimes they’re being asked to investigate. With more people working from home, house break-ins are down, but many closed businesses have been left more vulnerable and commercial break-ins are on the rise. There have also been cases where COVID-19 has been used as a weapon against police, in the form of coughing and spitting on first-responders. Experts note one silver lining in this difficult time--and that is the increased use of technology to keep the wheels of justice moving. Video conferencing and teleconferencing is being used whenever possible to deal with bail, sentencing hearings and even trials. Other court cases are being delayed because of the need to follow social distancing and limits on people gathered in one place, including jury trials. That’s raised concerns about an already strained Canadian justice system and what that means for keeping up with time limits imposed by the Supreme Court of Canada on how long a case can take from start to finish.

On this episode of the Global News podcastCrime Beat, crime reporter Nancy Hixt brings us to Part 3 of her special series, the Brentwood five massacre. This episode takes an in-depth look at what it means to be found not criminally responsible (NCR) in Canada. Carol de Delley understands the anguish of what NCR can mean for the family of a victim, as few others can. She lost her son, Timothy McLean, in one of the most high profile cases in Canadian history where the killer was found NCR. In 2008, McLean was brutally attacked by a stranger—a man who sat next to him as they rode a Greyhound bus. McLean was stabbed more than 100 times. He was mutilated and cannibalized. Vince Li was charged with second-degree murder Less than a year later, he was found not criminally responsible for his actions. Just eight years after that, Vince Li (who changed his name to Will Baker) was granted an absolute discharge. That ruling gave him complete freedom. He never has to receive treatment or take medication again—if he chooses not to. The families of the Brentwood five are concerned the same thing that happened to McLean’s killer will happen to the man who killed their five children in the Spring of 2014. Matthew de Grood was originally charged with five counts of first-degree murder but was later deemed to be NCR for the stabbing deaths of Lawrence Hong, Kaiti Perras, Jordan Segura, Josh Hunter and Zackariah Rathwell. The judge ruled de Grood was suffering from a mental disorder that rendered him incapable of knowing that his actions were wrong when committed the worst mass killing in Calgary’s history. The finding meant de Grood would not go to prison and he would not have a criminal record. He was no longer a part of the Canadian criminal justice system. Instead, he was moved to the healthcare system. De Grood’s case is assessed on a yearly basis by the Alberta Review Board (ARB) and each year the board has three options: to continue his treatment in a secure facility, to grant him a conditional discharge or to grant him an absolute discharge. In the conclusion of “the Brentwood five massacre” you’ll hear from the families of these five victims, and from Timothy McLean’s mother. They are working together to lobby for a change in Canadian legislation so killers deemed to be NCR would be mandated to continue their treatment and monitoring indefinitely. Contact: Twitter: @nancyhixt Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NancyHixtCrimeBeat/ Instagram: @nancy.hixt

Lawrence Hong, Kaiti Perras, Jordan Segura, Josh Hunter and Zackariah Rathwell were a group of talented young people with promising futures. On this episode of the Global News podcast Crime Beat, crime reporter Nancy Hixt brings us to Part 2 of her special series, the Brentwood five massacre. What started out as a party to mark the end of classes at the University of Calgary ended in a horrific tragedy. It happened quickly and without warning. In less than a minute the five victims were stabbed in the biggest mass killing in Calgary’s history. Police arrived on the scene less than five minutes after the first call to 911. To add to the complexity of the case, investigators quickly learned the suspect was the son of one of their own. The accused was the 22-year-old son of a veteran, high ranking officer with the Calgary Police Service and would soon be charged with five counts of first-degree murder. But what led to such a horrific and violent attack?  Contact: Twitter: @nancyhixt Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NancyHixtCrimeBeat/ Email: nancy.hixt@globalnews.ca

On April 14, 2014, a group of friends had a small get-together at their home near the University of Calgary campus in the northwest neighbourhood of Brentwood. Five young people shared a small, grey-and-blue split-level house on a quiet block on Butler Crescent. The house was a well-known rental for university students that many affectionately called the “Butler Mansion.” It was a relatively small gathering, with many of those invited having gone to junior high or high school together. The rest knew each other from university.  It was an amazing group of young people that included an accomplished dancer, an aspiring urban planner, two talented musicians, and a young man who was well on his way to becoming a humanitarian. For the most part, the mood of the party was laid back and relaxed. No one could have predicted the terrifying turn the night would take and how quickly it would all unravel. It was a day that left a scar on the soul of the city -- the biggest mass killing in Calgary’s history. On this episode of the Global News podcast Crime Beat, crime reporter Nancy Hixt looks the Brentwood five massacre.