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SEASON 1: SIX AND COUNTING

Chris Young/Canadian Press/AP

Season One explores the case of alleged Canadian serial killer Bruce McArthur. This season explores background information on the ongoing investigation as well as examining criminological theories, and a variety of different lenses on the cases. Some topics will include the media coverage of the case, how police conduct forensic investigations, and speaking with LGBTQA+ community advocacy members on details regarding the case. This season containing six episodes will thrill and educate simultaneously.

Written and edited by: Sukhman Jassal, Jacksis Kodia, Ayman Mobin, Gresha Shah, and Manroop Virk.

This episode explores the background of the life of alleged serial killer Bruce McArthur as well as giving an in-depth analysis of the ongoing investigation which at the time was six missing persons from Toronto’s LGBQT community over a 5-year period. Project Houston and Project Prism become focal points of the police investigation. Not to be forgotten are all of alleged serial murder McArthur’s victims: MAJEED KAYHAN, SOROUSH MAHMUDI, DEAN LISOWICK, SELIM ESEN, ANDREW KINSMAN, SKANDARAJ NAVARATNAM


Citations

  • Adrian C, Natasha M, Kate M, Shanifa N. (Jan 23, 2018). Man missing since 2010 was romantically involved with accused killer Bruce McArthur, says friend. CBC News. Retrieved May 10 2018 from: http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/bruce-mcarthur-press-conference-1.4547969
  • Andrew, R. (March 6, 2018). Bruce McArthur had me in a ‘kill position,’ says Toronto man haunted by date with alleged serial killer. Global News. Retrieved May 12 2018 from https://globalnews.ca/news/4063145/bruce-mcarthur-sean-cribbin-date-with-alleged-serial-killer/
  • Arshy, M. (Aug 09, 2017). Toronto man Selim Esen was getting his life on track before he went missing. Daily Xtra. Retrieved May 12 2018 from https://www.dailyxtra.com/toronto-man-selim-esen-was-getting-his-life-on-track-before-he-went-missing-77274
  • Canadian Press. (April 11, 2018 ). A look at Bruce McArthur's alleged victims. CP24 News. Retrieved May 10 2018 from https://www.cp24.com/news/a-look-at-bruce-mcarthur-s-alleged-victims-1.3880979.
  • CBC News. (Apr 17, 2018). Police 'always had that feeling' a killer lurked in the Gay Village, McArthur investigator says. CBC News. Retrieved May 28 2018 from: http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/hank-idsinga-bruce-mcarthur-project-houston-prism-1.4622869
  • CBC News. (Feb 08, 2018). Remains of Andrew Kinsman found on property where Bruce McArthur worked. CBC News. Retrieved May 10 2018 from http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/mcarthur-mallory-excavation-1.4526240
  • Codi, W. (January 30 2018). Man found tied to McArthur's bed when police made arrest: source.
  • CP24 News. Retrieved May 21 2018 from https://www.cp24.com/news/man-found-tied-to-mcarthur-s-bed-when-police-made-arrest-source-1.3781338Gallant, J., Hunter, P., and Isai, V. (16 March 2018). How alleged serial killer Bruce McArthur hid in plain sight for years. The Star. Retrieved 18 May 2018 from https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2018/03/16/how-alleged-serial-killer-bruce-mcarthur-hid-in-plain-sight-for-years.html
  • Geoffrey, V. (February 12, 2018) Sketching serial killers: PhD student creates database to help understand why people kill. University of Toronto. Retrieved March 13 2018 from https://www.utoronto.ca/news/sketching-serial-killers-phd-student-creates-database-help-understand-why-people-kill
  • Jacques, G. (Feb. 23, 2018). Bruce McArthur in 2003 assault case: ‘I’m sorry for all the pain and anger I’ve caused’. Toronto Star. Retrieved June 2 2018 from https://www.thestar.com/news/crime/2018/02/23/bruce-mcarthur-in-2003-assault-case-im-sorry-for-all-the-pain-and-anger-ive-caused.html
  • Jeff, L. (February 26, 2018). Researcher says she tried to warn Toronto police about a serial killer. CTV News. Retrieved April 26 2018 from https://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/researcher-says-she-tried-to-warn-toronto-police-about-a-serial-killer-1.3819658
  • Justin, L., Tu Thanh, H. (January 26, 2018). Suspect in killings of gay men had history of violence. The Globe and Mail. Retrieved May 10 2018 from https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/toronto/suspect-in-killings-of-toronto-gay-men-had-history-ofviolence/article37759243/
  • Kate, M. (Feb 20, 2018). Head of Bruce McArthur investigation hints at evidence that led to arrest of alleged serial killer. CBC News. Retrieved April 26 2018 from http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/hank-idsinga-interview-1.4544098
  • Mark G, Melissa M. (Mar 16, 2018). Man who disappeared from Toronto's Gay Village 'led double life,' wife learned. CBC News. Retrieved May 12 2018 from http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/abdulbasir-faizi-project-houston-missing-bruce-mcarthur-1.4579635
  • Nicole, B. (April 17, 2018). Family of Bruce McArthur's latest alleged victim thought he was in hiding, after refugee status rejected. CBC News. Retrieved May 20 2018 from http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/family-of-bruce-mcarthur-s-latest-alleged-victim-thought-he-was-in-hiding-after-refugee-status-rejected-1.4623195
  • Rob, G. (Feb 26, 2018). Andrew Kinsman’s death may have led police to alleged Toronto serial killer Bruce McArthur: friend. Global News. Retrieved May 10 from https://globalnews.ca/news/4047193/bruce-mcarthur-serial-killer-andrew-kinsman/
  • Tamar, H. (Jan. 22, 2018). Friend remembers Selim Esen as a kind, loving man. Toronto Star.Retrieved May 10 2018 from https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2018/01/22/friend-remembers-selim-esen-as-a-kind-loving-man.html
  • Victoria, G. (Feb. 23, 2018). Murder victim’s wife tells of love story turned wrenching tragedy.
  • Toronto Star. Retrieved May 12 2018 from https://www.thestar.com/news/crime/2018/02/23/in-the-apartment-they-once-shared-soroush-mahmudis-wife-fareena-is-surrounded-by-memories-of-a-man-with-a-good-heart.html
  • Victoria, G. (April 11, 2018). Charge in Abdulbasir Faizi killing brings sorrow, new questions. Toronto Star. Retrieved May 12 2018 from https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2018/04/11/charge-in-abdulbasir-faizi-killing-brings-sorrow-new-questions.html
  • Vjosa, I. (Feb 27, 2018). Ph.D candidate profiled potential serial killer in gay village in July 2017. Toronto Star. Retrieved April 24 2018 from https://www.thestar.com/news/crime/2018/02/27/police-chief-isnt-blaming-victims-of-alleged-serial-killer-mayor-john-tory-says.html
  • Vjosa, I. (January 26 2018). Missing men from Toronto’s Gay Village led ‘double lives,’ friends say. Toronto Star. Retrieved May 10 2018 from https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2018/01/26/missing-men-from-torontos-gay-village-led-double-lives-friends-say.html
  • Warnica, R., and Edmiston, J. (2 February 2018). How Bruce McArthur went from small-town sock salesmen to accused serial killer. National Post. Retrieved 18 May 2018 from http://nationalpost.com/feature/bruce-mcarthur-small-town-sock-salesman-to-accused-serial-killer

Written and edited by: Noni Brown, Thurkka Jeyassanthan, Aarthi Nathan, Rani Panchal, and Lily Wight

Interviews are conducted with members of Toronto Police Service regarding some details of the McArthur case, but the episode delves more into the specific detailed process of conducting forensics during a crime event. Lead Detective Hank Idsinga from the Bruce McArthur case as well as Detective Thomas Greer provide a fascinating view into how police use forensics.


Citations

  • CBC. (2018). Alleged serial killer Bruce McArthur charged with 8th murder count | CBC News. [online] Available at: http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/toronto-police-release-identity-of-8th-alleged-bruce-mcarthur-victim-1.4620848 [Accessed 18 Apr. 2018].
  • CBC. (2018). Investigators begin piecing together 'puzzle' in Toronto serial killer case | CBC News. [online] Available at: http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/bruce-mcarthur-forensic-investigators-search-1.4510889 [Accessed 15 May. 2018].
  • Kassam, A. (2018). Bruce McArthur: Toronto police review decades of cold cases after seventh murder charge. [online] the Guardian. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/apr/11/bruce-mcarthur-toronto-serial-killer-allegations-charges [Accessed 20 May. 2018].
  • The Government of Ontario. (2018). [online] Available at: https://www.attorneygeneral.jus.gov.on.ca/inquiries/cornwall/en/hearings/exhibits/OPC/pdf/56_MCM_Manual.pdf [Accessed 10 April. 2018].
  • The Toronto Star. (2018). 1,800 exhibits and 18,000 photos: Toronto police complete intensive search of Bruce McArthur’s apartment.[online] Available at: https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2018/05/15/police-end-forensic-investigation-into-bruce-mcarthurs-apartment.html [Accessed 2 Jun. 2018].

Written and edited by: Sara Acosta, Elizabeth Acquino, Maria Butt, Nathaniel Browne-Walker, Victoria Moniz

Comparisons are made between historical Canadian serial killers such as Robert Pikton and Paul Bernardo to alleged serial killer Bruce McArthur. An extensive interview with James Dubrow provides understanding of how the allegations against Bruce McArthur made be true and how he was able to stay under the radar of the police


Citations

  • Baum K. B., & McClearn, M. (2015). The Taken: Who qualifies as a serial killer and more on the data behind the project. The Globe and Mail. Retrieved from https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/the-taken-who-qualifies-as-a-serial-killer-and-more-on-the-data-behind-the-project/article27443307/
  • Brockbank, N. (2018). From Project Houston to Bruce McArthur’s arrest: a timeline of what we know so far. CBC News. Retrieved from http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/mcarthur-investigation-timeline-1.4697727
  • Brown, B. (1996). Sex killer case probe faults police. United Press International. Retrieved from https://www.upi.com/Archives/1996/07/11/Sex-killer-case-probe-faults-police/4476837057600/
  • Butts, E. (2016). Paul Bernardo and Karla Homolka Case. In The Canadian Encyclopedia. Retrieved from http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/paul-bernardo-and-karla-homolka-case/
  • CBC News. (2010). Key events in the Bernardo/Homolka case. CBC News. Retrieved from http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/key-events-in-the-bernardo-homolka-case-1.933128
  • Gallant, J., Hunter, P., Isai, V. (2018). How alleged serial killer Bruce McArthur hid in plain sight for years. The Star. Retrieved from https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2018/03/16/how-alleged-serial-killer-bruce-mcarthur-hid-in-plain-sight-for-years.html
  • Global News. (2009). Backgrounder: the “faint hope clause”. Global News. Retrieved from https://globalnews.ca/news/66435/backgrounder-the-faint-hope-clause/
  • Gollom, M. (2018). How the Robert Pickton case sparked changes to B.C. missing persons investigations. CBC News. Retrieved from http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/bruce-mcarthur-robert-pickton-missing-persons-1.4517472
  • Hall, N. (2012). Failures of Pickton investigation similar to Bernardo probe, inquiry told.
  • Vancouver Sun. Retrieved from http://www.vancouversun.com/sunrun/event/Failures+Pickton+investigation+similar+Bernardo+probe+inquiry+told/6003237/story.html
  • Jones, R. (2014). Allan Legere, notorious serial killer, captured 25 years ago. CBC News. Retrieved from http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/allan-legere-notorious-serial-killer-captured-25-years-ago-1.2844917
  • Larue, J. (2009). Gilbert Paul Jordan: The Boozing Barber. First Nations Drum. Retrieved from http://www.firstnationsdrum.com/2009/04/gilbert-paul-jordan-the-boozing-barber/
  • Martin, S. (2011). The life and death of Clifford Olson. The Globe and Mail. Retrieved from https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/the-life-and-death-of-clifford-olson/article4197011/
  • Theodore, T. (2010). Changes needed to prevent another B.C. serial killer: profiler. CTV News Vancouver. Retrieved from https://bc.ctvnews.ca/changes-needed-to-prevent-another-b-c-serial-killer-profiler-1.544998
  • Snagy. (2014). Human remains from Pickton farm may have reached food supply. The Globe and Mail. Retrieved from https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/human-remains-from-pickton-farm-may-have-reached-food-supply/article1129161/

Written and edited by: Alisha Ilyas, Taylor McIntyre, Noor Mubashir, and Urvi Patel

Toronto’s LGBQT community has felt a lack of effort of the Toronto Police Service and inefficient investigations led to six community members disappearing and eventually been found murdered by alleged serial killer Bruce McArthur. Interviews are conducted with Haran Vijayanathan and Monica Forrester who represent LGBQT advocacy groups in the Greater Toronto Area, give opinions on the McArthur investigation and provides insight into the community’s relationship with Toronto Police.


Citations

  • Canadian encyclopedia. Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Rights In Canada. (2014). Retrieved March 28 2018 from www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/lesbian-gay-bisexual-and-transgender-rights-in-canada/
  • Maggie’s Toronto Sex Worker Action Project (2011). Retrieved June 9 2018 from http://maggiestoronto.ca

Written and edited by: Najat Ahmed, Arnavi Patel, Srushti Patel, and Humera Syed

Toronto media outlets are one the largest and most extensive in the world, let alone in the Canadian landscape. “The medium is the message” by Marshall McLuhan is the theme for this episode as a panel discussion of journalists explore how stories become news items and once a story become news, why and how does it stay in the public discourse. Commentary on their entry into journalism and the ongoing Bruce McArthur investigation is also provided. Interviews are conducted with Jeff Gray, Kenyon Wallace, and Vjosa Isai. This episode is dedicated to Najat Ahmed who lost her life in a tragic bus accident during the summer of 2018.


Citations

    • Gallant, J., Hunter, P., and Isai, V. (2018). How alleged serial killer Bruce McArthur hid in plain sight for years. The Star. Retrieved May 2, 2018 from: https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2018/03/16/how-alleged-serial-killer-bruce-mcarthur-hid-in-plain-sight-for-years.html
    • Isai, V. (2018). Who is Bruce McArthur, the man charged with the murders of two missing men? Toronto Star. Retrieved May 2, 2018 from: https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2018/01/18/who-is-bruce-mcarthur.html
    • Kassam, A. (2018). Bruce McArthur: Toronto police review decades of cold cases after seventh murder charge. The Guardian. Retrieved May 9, 2018 from: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/apr/11/bruce-mcarthur-toronto-serial-killer-allegations-charges
    • Ling, J., and Gray,. (2018). Toronto police drop bid to join Pride march amid push to improve LGBTQ relations. The Globe and Mail. Retrieved May 9, 2018 from: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/toronto/article-toronto-police-agree-not-to-march-in-pride-parade/
    • McGillivray, K. (2018). What we know about the life of accused serial killer Bruce McArthur. Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved May 9, 2018 from: http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/bruce-mcarthur-what-we-know-1.4509436
    • Shum, D. (2018). Toronto’s LGBTQ community calling for public inquiry into missing persons, murder cases. Global News. Retrieved May 2, 2018 from: https://globalnews.ca/news/4098627/lgbtq-bruce-mcarthur-independent-inquiry/
    • Shum, D. (2018). Toronto police identify John Doe, alleged victim of Bruce McArthur. Global News.Retrieved May 9, 2018 from: https://globalnews.ca/news/4142460/bruce-mcarthur-john-doe-identified/
    • Szklarski, C. (2018). Alleged serial killer Bruce McArthur ‘likely a psychopath’: expert. Global News. Retrieved May 2, 2018 from: https://globalnews.ca/news/3998432/alleged-serial-killer-bruce-mcarthur-psychopath/
    • Wallace, K. (2018). The red tape behind the Bruce Mcarthur tapes. Toronto Star. Retrieved May 2, 2018 from: https://www.thestar.com/trust/2018/03/02/the-red-tape-behind-the-bruce-mcarthur-tapes.html
    • Warnica, R., and Edmiston, J. (2018). HOW BRUCE MCARTHUR WENT FROM SMALL-TOWN
    • SOCK SALESMAN TO ACCUSED SERIAL KILLER. National Post. Retrieved May 2, 2018 from: http://nationalpost.com/feature/bruce-mcarthur-small-town-sock-salesman-to-accuse d-serial-killer
    • Winter, J., Hayes, M., and Gray, J. (2018). Accused in murder of Toronto gay men was on police radar since last fall, businessman says. The Globe and Mail. Retrieved May 9, 2018 from: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/toronto/suspect-in-murder-of-toronto-gay-men-was-on-police-radar-since-last-fall-businessman-says/article37679202/

Written and edited by: Navneel Agnhotri, Austin Barreiro, Jacob Coulson, and Kiratpal Hothi

For over a hundred years, criminologists are always trying to determine why people commit crime, especially of the most horrendous nature. There is no one tell-all answer, but several theories are explored in this episode. Interviews are conducted with current law school and justice student Ally Lawrence and educator Justin Schikschneit, both who offer opinions on why/how alleged serial killer Bruce McArthur committed these horrible crimes.


Citations

  • Brockbank, N. (2018). “From Project Houston to Bruce McArthur's arrest: a timeline of what we know so far”. CBC. Retrieved from: http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/mcarthur-investigation-timeline-1.4697727
  • CTV News. (2018). “Police investigated alleged serial killer for months before arrest”. Retrieved from: https://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/police-investigated-alleged-serial-killer-for-months-before-arrest-1.3959649

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