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Island Crime

Laura Palmer

Each season of Island Crime delves into an unsolved murder or missing person case on Vancouver Island. Host/Producer Laura Palmer updates the cases when she finds new evidence or fresh perspectives. Original journalism, leaving no stone unturned.

Season 9: 'The Dead File' The unsolved double stabbing of a husband & wife in their own home.

Season 8: 'My Best Friend Bree' -the unsolved murder of Bree Gamble (Lozano)

Season 7: 'Evaporated' explores the disappearance of Victoria's Ian Indridson.

Season 6: ‘Sweethearts’ examines the unsolved cases of three teenage girls who were murdered in Victoria, Canada between 1990 and 1991.

Season 5: ‘Whiskey Creek’ is the untold story of a Halloween night massacre.

Season 4: ‘Finding Amber’ follows the case of a Port Alberni woman who disappeared on July 8, 2022.

Season 3: ‘Missing Michael’ is the story of Michael Dunahee, a little boy from Victoria, BC, who vanished from a playground in 1991 at the age of 4.

Season 2: ‘Gone Boys’ follows the mystery of men who have gone missing in recent years on Vancouver Island.

Season 1: ‘Where is Lisa?’ digs into the disappearance of 21-year-old Lisa Marie Young.

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

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20 episodes
Avg 34 min
English

Episodes 20

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S9 · E9
August 7 · 1 hr
S9 E9 The Investigation Continues
A newly released prison file offers the clearest picture yet of Joseph Phillips—and confirms he was intensively questioned by the RCMP about the murders of his in-laws. Meanwhile, Laura and Shauna receive significant news in their battle to uncover the long-hidden police file, raising new questions about what remains secret nearly 70 years later. Note: Joseph's prison file was too long and too dense to include in its entirety in the episode. I have posted it on the Island Crime Facebook page if you want to see it in full. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S9 · E8
July 10 · 35 min
S9 E8 Open & Shut
After more than 67 years, a fresh tip comes in, which leaves Laura wondering whether police had another suspect on their radar back then. Also, throughout the series, Laura & Shauna have been pushing for the release of 'The Dead File.' In this episode, the case for and against opening up cold cases to the public. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S9 · E7
July 3 · 36 min
S9 E7 The Murder House
In this episode, Shauna steps inside the infamous murder house in South Wellington, where the unsolved 1959 murders of her great-great-grandparents Curly and Lizzie Kostyniuk, took place. The new owners learn about the house’s dark history and its connection to Shauna's family tragedy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S9 · E6
June 26 · 41 min
S9 E6 The Paper Trail
After months of searching, the police file on the 1959 murders of Curly and Lizzie Kostyniuk has finally arrived, but it's not what Shauna and I hoped for. Over 100 pages of heavily redacted administrative paperwork instead of the real investigative file. Still, buried inside: new names, hints of an undercover operation, and a suspect who may have still been alive years later. Retired RCMP homicide detective Garry Rodgers joins host Laura Palmer to break down the crime scene, the killer's behaviour, and why this case may not be as cold as it seems. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S9 · E5
June 19 · 42 min
S9 E5 Bad Grandpa Part 2
Janet Piper is the great-granddaughter of the victims, Lizzie and Curly Kostyniuk. In this episode, she speaks publicly for the first time about the man she believes committed the murders, a man who was her grandfather. A man who went to jail twice. A man who terrorized three generations of women and children. The episode delves into the intergenerational trauma of abuse, secrecy, and justice. Featuring survivor testimony and expert insights, it highlights the importance of uncovering hidden truths for healing and justice. Note: This episode contains discussion of incest and other forms of familial abuse. Some listeners may find the material disturbing. Please take care while listening, and consider whether this episode is right for you or those around you. This is a resource recommended by Professor Freyd. https://rainn.org/help-and-healing/for-survivors-of-child-sexual-abuse/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S9 · E4
June 19 · 40 min
S9 E4 Bad Grandpa
A double murder. A robbery motive that doesn't add up. And a family theory that's been passed down in whispers for decades. In this episode, host Laura Palmer digs into the suspect, Shauna's family calls "Bad Grandpa" Joseph Charles Phillips, a convicted predator with a grudge, a motive, and, according to someone who knew him, sudden money after the killings. Through long-buried psychiatric records, jailhouse letters, and a remarkable conversation with an 85-year-old who knew both the victims and the suspect, the story of who may have killed Andrew "Curly" and Lizzie Kostyniuk comes into sharper focus. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S9 · E3
June 12 · 36 min
S9 E3 What Wasn't in the Newspapers
In 1959, South Wellington residents Andrew “Curly” Kosteniuk and his wife Lizzie are found stabbed to death, and the killer is never caught. Host Laura Palmer reexamines the case through archives and family memories. New details from Margaret Kostyniuk’s psychiatric records suggest escalating family conflict and a key suspect connected to secrets that never made the papers. This series includes original news reports from the time, presented as radio news stories. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S9 · E2
June 5 · 41 min
S9 E2 What the Bodies Revealed
In June 1959, newspapers pile up outside the Kostyniuk home in South Wellington until neighbours find the house ransacked, the phone line cut, and the bodies of Andrew “Curly” and Elizabeth “Lizzie” Kostyniuk in the bedroom. Police back then suspect robbery, but the coroner’s inquest and autopsies suggest a more complex story. I've posted the full Coroners Inquest report, including autopsies, on the Island Crime Facebook page. And if you'd like to learn more about Dr. Crossland's life's work, check out his book: http://www.deathcalls.ca/ This series includes original news reports from the time, presented as radio news stories. As well, in this episode, you'll hear original witness testimony dramatized as all of the witnesses are now deceased. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S9 · E1
May 29 · 39 min
S9 E1 They Should Have Felt Safe
In the summer of 1959, Andrew and Elizabeth Kostyniuk, known to everyone in South Wellington, BC, as Curly and Lizzie, were stabbed to death in their own home. The case was never solved, and for 67 years, their names faded into silence. Now, their great-great-granddaughter, Shauna, has asked host Laura Palmer to take on her coldest case yet. In this first episode, Laura travels to South Wellington to learn about the world Curly and Lizzie lived in, a quiet, close-knit Vancouver Island community where doors were left unlocked, and everyone knew everyone's business. On the night of June 26th, Curly heads to the local store to watch a world heavyweight championship fight. Lizzie walks home alone. It's the last time they see each other alive. Was this a robbery gone wrong or something far more personal? Note: This season's theme song is 'The Sunny Side of the Street.' You can listen to the full original recording here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEd7g_gc6No Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 15 · 2 min
S9 Trailer: The Dead File
Island Crime Season 9: The Dead File — In 1959, Curly and Lizzie Kostyniuk were stabbed to death in their rural home near Nanaimo, BC — a double murder that was never solved and virtually forgotten for over six decades. Now, host Laura Palmer is reopening the case, chasing paper trails and reexamining evidence with the help of the victims' descendants, who have long suspected the truth is darker than the official robbery theory. This is her oldest cold case yet. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S7 · E7
January 9 · 37 min
S7 E7 A Bug in Pitch
Jeff Ingram discusses his experiences with dissociative amnesia, where memory loss leads him to wander, unable to recall past events. Dr. David Spiegel provides insights into the disorder's link to trauma. Gloria, whose husband Ian Indridson is missing, wonders if Ian may have experienced this kind of episode on the morning he disappeared. She shares her ongoing hope and emotional struggle as the episode marks 4 years since Ian vanished in January 2022. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S8 · E7
Dec 12, 2025 · 37 min
S8 E7 Darkness & Light
The aftermath of Bree’s murder reveals more than just the tragedy of her death; it speaks volumes about the life she led. And may also reveal something about the circumstances surrounding her murder. Thank you to Bree's musical collaborators, Willem Weiss and Don Vaillancourt, for allowing me to use songs they created with Bree in the series. 'Shake it for me, Baby' is the theme song for Season 8. You can hear the song in its entirety on Willem's SoundCloud account. Bree's vocals on 'Wash Me Away' appear in this episode. You can hear the full song on Don's Soundcloud account 'Fields of Presence', Jorge Lozano's film about his daughter, can be found here on Vimeo. Bree's closest friends shared messages and texts she had sent them in the years leading up to her death. The messages help inform Bree's victimology and allow Bree herself to play a more direct role in the series. I've included Bree's words at the start of episodes 2-7. Episode 4 includes a voicemail her friend Don saved. I used a cloned voice created by ElevenLabs for the other messages. This was a decision made in consultation with Bree's former partner, Steve and his daughter, Meleya. If you have information, please get in touch with the Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit at 250-380-6211. If that's not an option for you, contact me at Laura@laurapalmer.ca Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S8 · E6
Dec 5, 2025 · 48 min
S8 E6 Hot Shot
On her final night alive, Bree was with her friend Sara. In this episode, you’ll hear Sara’s account of what happened the night of the murder and why I now believe I know how Bree died. Plus, an expert reveals her chilling take on what she calls “the perfect weapon.” 'Shake it for me, Baby' is the theme song for Season 8. You can hear the song in its entirety on Willem's SoundCloud account. Bree's closest friends shared messages and texts she sent them in the years leading up to her death. The messages help inform Bree's victimology and also allow Bree herself to play a more direct role in the series. I've included Bree's words at the start of episodes 2-7. Episode 4 includes a voicemail her friend Don saved. I used a cloned voice created by ElevenLabs for the other messages. This decision was made in consultation with Bree's former partner, Steve and his daughter, Meleya. If you have information, please get in touch with the Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit at 250-380-6211. If that's not an option for you, contact me at Laura@laurapalmer.ca Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S8 · E5
Nov 28, 2025 · 31 min
S8 E5 Soul Mate?
This episode contains mature themes and content related to domestic abuse, which some listeners may find disturbing or triggering. Please take care while listening. Three weeks after Bree’s murder, police descended on the home she once shared with her boyfriend, Darren. TV news cameras rolled as Darren appeared outside in handcuffs, his knees pressed to the pavement. To friends, Bree had once described Darren as her soul mate. Their relationship had stretched over years; tumultuous, breaking apart, then coming back together again. Several friends and relatives told me Bree had confided in them about abuse behind closed doors. There is no public record of any formal charges, and Darren did not respond to repeated requests for comment. The allegations have not been tested in court, and no one has been charged in connection with Bree’s death. Thank you to Chek TV Reporter Kori Sidaway for appearing in the series. 'Shake it for me, Baby' is the theme song for Season 8. You can hear the song in its entirety on Willem's SoundCloud account. Bree's closest friends shared messages and texts she sent them in the years leading up to her death. The messages help inform Bree's victimology and also allow Bree herself to play a more direct role in the series. I've included Bree's words at the start of episodes 2-7. Episode 4 includes a voicemail her friend Don saved. I used a cloned voice created by ElevenLabs for the other messages. This decision was made in consultation with Bree's former partner, Steve and his daughter, Meleya. If you have information, please get in touch with the Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit at 250-380-6211. If that's not an option for you, contact me at Laura@laurapalmer.ca Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S8 · E4
Nov 21, 2025 · 34 min
S8 E4 Chicas
Bree's friendships were deep and profound. She sometimes called her girlfriends her 'Chicas'. In this episode, some of Bree's closest 'gal pals' reflect on the good times, even as they wrestle with the side of Bree she kept hidden from them and why. Thank you to Bree's musical collaborators, Willem Weiss and Don Vaillancourt, for allowing me to use songs they created with Bree in the series. 'Shake it for me, Baby' is the theme song for Season 8. You can hear the song in its entirety on Willem's SoundCloud account. If you have information, please get in touch with the Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit at 250-380-6211. If that's not an option for you, contact me at Laura@laurapalmer.ca Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S8 · E3
Nov 14, 2025 · 29 min
S8 E3 An Open Heart
“After the pain of this disappointment, her heart once more stood empty, and the succession of identical days began again.” ― Gustave Flaubert, Madame Bovary How does a restless, hard-partying city girl end up on Vancouver Island? And how does her fiery temperament shape her most profound relationships? Through the eyes of Bree’s former partner, we see a woman yearning for something deeper, an ache for connection that may ultimately hint at her tragic fate. 'Shake it for me, Baby' is the theme song for Season 8. You can hear the song in its entirety on Willem's SoundCloud account. Bree's closest friends shared messages and texts she had sent them in the years leading up to her death. The messages help inform Bree's victimology and also allow Bree herself to play a more direct role in the series. I've included Bree's words at the start of episodes 2-7. Episode 4 includes a voicemail her friend Don saved. I used a cloned voice created by ElevenLabs for the other messages. This was a decision made in consultation with Bree's former partner, Steve and his daughter, Meleya. If you have information, please get in touch with the Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit at 250-380-6211. If that's not an option for you, contact me at Laura@laurapalmer.ca Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S8 · E2
Nov 7, 2025 · 34 min
S8 E2 Rumbero
Bree Gamble was known for her passion, fearlessness, and vibrant energy—a woman who seemed to live life in full colour until her tragic murder in 2021. The daughter of acclaimed Colombian filmmaker Jorge Lozano, Bree carried her Latin roots and artistic identity through everything she did. Central to her story is the rumbero spirit—a distinctly Colombian way of embracing joy and music even amid hardship. In this episode, I explore how that spirit shaped Bree — and how her early experiences and her culture influenced the choices she made in the time leading up to her murder. Thank you to Bree's father, Jorge Lozano, for permitting the use of the sound from his film 'The Tampon Thieves' in this episode. Jorge's films can be viewed here: https://vimeo.com/jorgelozano Thank you to Bree's musical collaborators, Willem Weiss and Don Vaillancourt, for allowing me to use songs they created with Bree in the series. 'Shake it for me, Baby' is the theme song for Season 8. You can hear the song in its entirety on Willem's SoundCloud account. Bree's vocals on 'Wash Me Away' appear in this episode. You can hear the full song on Don's Soundcloud account Bree's closest friends shared messages and texts she had sent them in the years leading up to her death. The messages help inform Bree's victimology and allow Bree herself to play a more direct role in the series. I've included Bree's words at the start of episodes 2-7. Episode 4 includes a voicemail her friend Don saved. I used a cloned voice created by ElevenLabs for the other messages. This was a decision made in consultation with Bree's former partner, Steve and his daughter, Meleya. If you have information, please get in touch with the Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit at 250-380-6211. If that's not an option for you, contact me at Laura@laurapalmer.ca Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S8 · E1
Oct 31, 2025 · 39 min
S8 E1 Peacocks
How does a woman described as exotic, vibrant, and passionate end up murdered—her body abandoned near an oceanside park? What secrets does the crime scene hold about who killed Bree Gamble, and why? This season of Island Crime opens at Beacon Hill Park, the crown jewel of Victoria’s parks—and home to dozens of peacocks. When I first visited the scene, they were everywhere: striking, untamed, impossible to ignore. In her too-short life, Bree Gamble seemed to share their restless beauty. Those who knew her say she was searching—for something, or someone—always just out of reach. The peacock, long seen as a symbol of immortality and the soul’s quest for enlightenment, becomes both metaphor and wish in this story. Thank you to Bree's musical collaborators, Willem Weiss and Don Vaillancourt, for allowing me to use songs they created with Bree in the series. 'Shake it for me, Baby' is the theme song for Season 8. You can hear the song in its entirety on Willem's SoundCloud account. Thank you to Chek News Reporter Kori Sidaway, who appears in the series. If you have information, please get in touch with the Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit at 250-380-6211. If that's not an option for you, contact me at Laura@laurapalmer.ca Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Oct 17, 2025 · 2 min
S8 Trailer My Best Friend Bree
In the early hours of March 3rd, 2021, a woman named Bree Gamble (Lozano) is found unresponsive on the grass near Dallas Road in Victoria. Despite CPR attempts, she is pronounced dead. Police describe the scene as 'oddly clean,' but at first, no foul play is suspected. But then, less than a week later, her death is ruled a homicide. Bree is a mum, a singer and an artist. She is a waiter at high-end resorts and restaurants. She is striking, vibrant and unforgettable. Bree's murder remains unsolved, and four years later, her loved ones still seek answers. Island Crime Season 8 delves into the life, legacy, and unresolved questions surrounding Bree's murder. The first full episode drops on Friday, October 31st. Thank you to Bree's musical collaborators, Willem Weiss and Don Vaillancourt, for allowing me to use songs they created with Bree in the series. 'Shake it for me, Baby' is the theme song for Season 8. You can hear the song in its entirety on Willem's SoundCloud account. If you have information, please contact the Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit at 250-380-6211. If that's not an option for you, contact me at Laura@laurapalmer.ca Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Aug 8, 2025 · 9 min
Update Summer of 2025
Between seasons of Island Crime, I update earlier stories and begin research on the season ahead. I wanted to take a quick moment to let you know what's been going on behind the scenes since the last season of Island Crime. As you know, the show doesn’t just end with the last episode—it’s a continuous journey, and there’s always something going on... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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