This week on True Criminals, Sky News Crime Correspondent Martin Brunt and journalist Helen Fospero investigate a tragic case of mistaken identity. In this episode, they delve into the story of Muriel Mackay—a harrowing account of kidnapping, murder, and a family’s relentless, 50+ year search for her remains.

Martin and Helen speak with Muriel’s grandson, Mark Dyer, who describes in detail how his family has even worked with Muriel’s killer in an effort to locate her burial site. Mark recounts how he and Martin recently returned to the farm for a second dig, hoping to finally recover his grandmother’s remains.

Together, they discuss the lasting impact of this tragedy on the family and the profound trauma that endures.

Welcome to the chilling conclusion of our debut double episode on Fred and Rose West. In this riveting installment of True Criminals, hosts Martin and Helen are joined by Howard Sounes, the journalist and author of Fred & Rose: The Full Story of Fred and Rose West and the Gloucester House of Horrors.

Sounes, who was the first to bring this shocking case to the national press, provides an insider’s perspective on the harrowing excavation at 25 Cromwell Street, where unsettling evidence was unearthed, revealing the true extent of the Wests' crimes.

Join Martin and Helen as they engage with Sounes in a candid discussion about the far-reaching implications of this case on policing, the media, and public perception—covering aspects that many other true crime podcasts overlook.

With a keen eye for detail, Sounes traces the unusual childhoods of Fred and Rose West and meticulously chronicles their criminal activities. Tune in for a compelling exploration of one of Britain’s most notorious criminal couples and the shocking story that continues to captivate audiences today.

If you would like to read Howards book you can follow this link:

Fred & Rose: The Full Story of Fred and Rose West and the Gloucester House of Horrors

For Howards podcast on the Wests and the House of Horrors, listen here.

Unheard: The Fred and Rose West Tapes

Share your thoughts and questions by emailing contact@audiobleachglobal.com.

Connect with us:

• Instagram

• YouTube

• TikTok

• Twitter: @skymartinbrunt

• Discover more about Martin’s career and the cases he’s covered by reading his book: No One Got Cracked Over the Head for No Reason: Dispatches from a Crime Reporter – Available here.

• Instagram: @helenfospero

• Check out Helen’s podcast, The Convex Conversation: Listen here.

• Hear Helen’s interview with Martin: Listen here.

Credits:

True Criminals is produced by Audio Bleach Global.

Visit audiobleachglobal.com/truecriminals for more.

Executive Producer: Lee Mann

Producer: Russell Barnes

Audio Production: Andrew Chappell

Music Composition: Chap Mannequin

Artwork: Bleached

True Criminals launches with an intense double episode that revisits the horrifying story of the infamous married serial killers, Fred and Rose West. In this opening installment, Sky News Crime Correspondent Martin Brunt and journalist Helen Fospero recount how they first crossed paths while covering the case for Sky News.

Martin Brunt shares his unique experience of gaining rare access to the infamous Cromwell Street "House of Horrors." He delves into often overlooked aspects of the investigation, recounting chilling first-hand encounters, including interviews with the surviving victims. Brunt also reveals the systemic failures that allowed the Wests to evade capture for so long, highlighting how crucial connections were missed before the puzzle pieces finally came together, leading to a comprehensive forensic investigation and their eventual arrest.

Helen Fospero also offers her perspective on the case, providing journalistic insight into the challenges of covering such a high-profile story. She reveals the dedication and extraordinary lengths reporters often go to in order to capture and convey these harrowing events accurately.

Share your thoughts and questions by emailing contact@audiobleachglobal.com.

Connect with us:

• Instagram

• YouTube

• TikTok

• Twitter: @skymartinbrunt

• Discover more about Martin’s career and the cases he’s covered by reading his book: No One Got Cracked Over the Head for No Reason: Dispatches from a Crime Reporter – Available here.

• Instagram: @helenfospero

• Check out Helen’s podcast, The Convex Conversation: Listen here.

• Hear Helen’s interview with Martin: Listen here.

Credits:

True Criminals is produced by Audio Bleach Global.

Visit audiobleachglobal.com/truecriminals for more information.

Executive Producer: Lee Mann

Producer: Russell Barnes

Audio Production: Andrew Chappell

Music Composition: Chap Mannequin

Artwork: Bleached