Canadian True Crime – The Huenemann / Leatherbarrow Murders [Part 2]

Host: Kristi Lee
Release Date: December 23, 2024

Episode Overview

In the conclusion of this two-part series, host Kristi Lee unravels the aftermath of the shocking double homicide of Sharon Huenemann and Doris Leatherbarrow. The episode follows the investigation, intricate court proceedings, and complex aftermath, emphasizing the manipulations of the mastermind, Darren Huenemann, the roles played by his friends, and the far-reaching legacy of trauma, denial, and justice. Kristi maintains a trauma-informed, respectful storytelling tone as she details testimonies, the impact on families, and the fates of those involved.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Crown's Theory and Amanda's Testimony

• Darren Huenemann's Motive and Manipulations
  • Darren, characterized as charming and manipulative, allegedly orchestrated the murder of his mother and grandmother for early inheritance (01:27).
  • The prosecution portrayed him as "already, quote, spoiled to death by his grandmother. But he was greedy and wanted more." (01:27)
• Amanda's Role as Star Witness
  • Amanda (Darren’s former girlfriend), under immunity, described being manipulated as Darrin's "alibi" and being privy to numerous murder plans over dozens of phone calls (03:15).
  • She insisted, “With hindsight she realized that his intent was strategic more than romantic.” (04:08)
• Execution of the Crime
  • Amanda recounted the plan in chilling detail: Darren provided logistics, and his friends Derek Lord and David Muir ambushed the victims, covered faces with cloths, and staged a robbery (12:18).
  • Amanda testified that, on the drive home, Derek Lord said:

    "What do you mean, we just killed two people?" (10:35)

  • Afterward, Darren threatened Amanda:

    "He'd kill her if she told anyone" and joked about “having Amanda stuffed and mounted.” (17:51)

Forensic and Witness Evidence

• Physical Evidence
  • No forensic evidence tied the accused to the scene; the murder weapons were never found—matching Amanda's version about discarding them into the ocean (13:58).
• Alibis and Contradictions
  • Several witnesses, including a taxi driver and ferry passenger, placed Derek Lord and David Muir at the crime scene, discrediting their alibi (16:12).

Odd Behaviors and the Police Investigation

• Darren's Post-Crime Conduct
  • Darren questioned relatives about his inheritance days after the murders and behaved cheerfully at the funeral—a fact “struck by how excited he seemed.” (22:14)
• Wiretaps and Jailhouse Plots
  • Police wiretaps revealed attempts to firm up alibis and, later, schemes to kill witnesses, notably offers to inmates to murder Amanda and break Darren out of jail (28:00, 29:38).
• Darren's Testimony
  • Darren alternated between emotional outbursts and calm during his testimony, proposing an alternative explanation: the trips were to rent a P.O. box for ordering pornography, not to commit murder (30:19).

    “I owed it to my mum and gran. Do you know how hard it is to look into this courtroom and not see Mum and Gran sitting there?” (34:36)

• Derek Lord’s Testimony
  • Denied involvement, claiming he was shopping in Victoria—an alibi only supported by his mother, who offered inconsistent testimony (38:35).

The Trials, Verdict, and Immediate Aftermath

• Trial Strategy
  • Each defense claimed their clients were framed or the victims of mistaken identity. There was no physical evidence, only testimonial accounts, especially Amanda’s (44:09).
• Jury Decisions
  • All three (Darren Huenemann, Derek Lord, David Muir) found guilty of first-degree murder. Sentenced to life imprisonment with varying parole eligibility (47:09).

    “There was nothing whatsoever that could have explained or justified what they chose to do on Darren’s behalf.” (47:50)

• Family Reactions
  • David Muir’s family remained silent; Derek Lord’s parents crusaded to clear his name, spending enormous sums and accusing the justice system and police of misconduct (50:07).
  • Darren’s stepfather, Ralph, initially supportive, ultimately cut ties after Darren allegedly tried to arrange a hit on him from prison (54:37).

Long-Term Fallout and Parole Processes

• Darren’s Dramatic Legacy
  • From prison lawsuits to stories of imaginary cults, Darren continued manipulative theatrics until eventually accepting responsibility and expressing remorse, which, along with psychiatric assessments, led to day parole after 32 years (54:37; 76:00).
• Derek Lord’s Persistent Denial
  • Maintained innocence for decades, consistently denied parole until finally receiving full parole in 2024 after 34 years, with the board noting lingering lack of remorse (78:18).

    “It makes me feel agitated. I'm not happy about it. I'm listening to people badmouth me.” – Derek Lord on victim statements (79:37)

• David Muir’s Confession and Rehabilitation
  • Ultimately confessed fully to the Parole Board in 2002, recounting the murders with remorse. He was granted full parole in 2003, credited with rehabilitation (73:56).

Notable Psychological, Familial, and Societal Impact

• The episode explores how intergenerational wealth, parenting styles, and feelings of control and entitlement contributed to motive and vulnerability.
• Amanda’s reflections:

  "I think they all wanted to be something that reality wouldn’t allow them to be." (67:48)

• Emotional aftermath weighed heavily on families and survivors, with Amanda suffering lasting trauma and guilt, and the Lord family devastated both emotionally and financially in their campaign for Derek’s exoneration (51:10; 79:37).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Darren wanted his inheritance early and did not want to split it with his mother, Sharon.” – Kristi Lee (01:37)
• "He described him as a 48-year-old man in an 18-year-old’s body. He had perfect manners and was a real diplomat." – Amanda’s mother on Darren (04:47)
• “We just killed two people.” – Derek Lord, as recalled by Amanda (10:35)
• “He'd kill her if she told anyone … joked about how neat it would be if Dave or Derek shot me with a crossbow.” – Amanda on Darren’s threats (17:51)
• "There was nothing whatsoever that could have explained or justified what they chose to do..." – Sentencing judge (47:50)
• “They were simply motivated by greed to share in his anticipated inheritance.” – Kristi Lee (47:55)
• "He was just a manipulative person – con man." – Police conclusion about Darren (55:45)
• “All I feel is the hurt that this jury should think I could do such a thing.” – Darren Huenemann’s statement, sentencing (48:33)
• "After 34 years in prison, 51 year old Derek Lord was granted full parole." – Kristi Lee (80:20)

Timeline – Important Segments

• [01:27] Recap of the case, character overviews, and prosecution’s theory laid out.
• [03:15] Amanda’s testimony begins: her relationship with Darren, grooming, and growing manipulation.
• [10:35] Amanda describes the murder night and chilling confession of Derek and David.
• [12:18] Step-by-step walkthrough of the crime, forensic evidence, and aftermath.
• [17:51] Darren threatens Amanda, detailing psychological manipulation.
• [22:14] Darren’s odd post-crime behavior, wiretap evidence, and prison schemes.
• [30:19] Darren’s testimony and alternative explanations in court.
• [38:35] Derek Lord's alibi and contradictions in testimonies.
• [47:09] Guilty verdicts, sentences, and victim impact statements.
• [51:10] Family reactions, Amanda’s guilt and trauma, and lingering questions.
• [54:37] Darren’s various post-conviction antics, lawsuits, and attempts to manipulate.
• [73:56] David Muir’s full confession to the parole board.
• [78:18] Derek Lord’s eventual day and full parole.
• [80:20] Final parole decisions and episode wrap-up.

Tone & Conclusion

Kristi Lee maintains a meticulous and compassionate storytelling approach, highlighting the nuances and tragedies behind the headlines. She pays respect to victims, cautiously covers perpetuators’ psychology and manipulation, and gives voice to the long-lasting repercussions for all families.

The episode finishes with updates on parole outcomes for each participant and reflections on generational trauma and the capacity for both rehabilitation and denial.

For further exploration: See clippings, photos, and resources at Canadian True Crime’s [Facebook and Instagram pages] and canadiantruecrime.ca.

Compiled by: [Podcast Summarizer AI – 2024]