Crime and Coffee Couple – True Crime Podcast
Episode 218: Fred and Rose West Are Disgusting Humans
November 2, 2025
Hosts: Allison and Mike

Episode Overview

In this episode, Allison and Mike, the married hosts of Crime and Coffee Couple, delve into the horrifying crimes of Fred and Rose West, a British husband-and-wife serial killer duo responsible for at least 12 murders—mostly of young women and girls, including some of their own children, over two decades. This case is particularly chilling both for the violence committed behind the facade of a "typical" family and for the couple's ability to evade suspicion for so long while living in a crowded neighborhood. The discussion is informed, empathetic to victims, and occasionally interspersed with the duo's trademark banter and relatable tangents.

Content Warning: This episode contains detailed discussion of child abuse, sexual assault, torture, and murder.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Introduction and Podcast Tone

• Mike and Allison welcome new listeners, setting a cozy but dark tone pairing true crime with light, humorous personal exchanges (02:03).
• Mike compares the podcast to a "local coffee shop" rather than a big chain, emphasizing their intimate approach (02:12).
• They share a glimpse into their own lives, such as quitting alcohol and becoming coffee connoisseurs, before Allison transitions to the case (05:11).

Case Introduction: Who Were Fred & Rose West?

• Listener suggestion from Jenna.
• Publicly, Fred and Rose West appeared to be a standard couple living on Cromwell Street, Gloucester, England. Secretly, their house was a scene of horrific torture and murder (08:40).
• Fred's macabre threat/joke to his children: “If you misbehave, you'll end up under the patio, just like your sister Heather.” (09:00)

"It's incredible to me that such a sick person could not only exist but find their perfect sick mate and come together to wreak such havoc."
— Allison (10:48)

Timeline & Background

• Fred’s crimes began before meeting Rose:

  • Started his abusive, criminal behavior before marrying Rose (dates back to 1967).
  • Rose was 15 when she met Fred (he was 27); he quickly manipulated her into his sphere of abuse (11:43).

• Fred's marriage to Rena:

  • Abusive relationship; Rena had two daughters, Charmaine (not Fred's biologically) and Anne Marie (12:33).
  • After Rena left, Fred kept the girls; Rena, tragically, left them with him despite the abuse.

"You can't leave your two innocent children in the hands of someone you know is terribly abusive."
— Allison (15:37)

• Entry of Rose:
  • Rose moved in as a nanny for Fred’s daughters and swiftly became abusive herself (14:50, 15:05).

Abuse Escalates: Murder of Charmaine and Rena

• Charmaine, Fred's stepdaughter, was murdered while Fred was in prison, most likely by Rose, who hid her body until Fred could dispose of it (22:35).
• Rena (Fred’s first wife) later went missing—likely murdered by Fred after seeking her daughters (44:03).

The "House of Horrors": 25 Cromwell Street

• With Rose’s involvement, abuse became systematic and sadistic.
• Anne Marie’s account:
  • Repeatedly raped by Fred, with Rose’s encouragement; forced into sex work at 13, instructed to claim she was 16 (23:16, 28:18).
• Multiple children:
  • The Wests had at least seven additional children, some fathered by Fred, others likely by clients due to Rose’s sex work (28:19).
• Despite the abuse, the Wests presented a façade of normalcy—family vacations, celebrations, and public smiles (29:51).
• Tenants and victims:
  • The couple rented rooms to vulnerable young women—many of whom vanished after staying there (31:35).

"You never know what's lying beneath the surface. I always want to be a trusting person, but when you host a true crime podcast, you basically think everyone's a sick murderer."
— Allison (32:05)

Escalation and Cover-up: Murder of Heather

• Heather West (eldest daughter):
  • Tried to escape and expose the abuse but was murdered in 1987. Fred repeatedly joked to the children that she was “under the patio” (33:09).
• Siblings were initially told she moved for work, but the lack of contact raised their suspicions (33:43).

Breaking the Case: Police Investigation

• 1992: Louise (another daughter) confided in a friend about ongoing rape; friend’s mother tipped off police (34:26).
• Abuse and lack of records for Heather came to light; all younger children were placed into foster care (34:52).
• Anne Marie (escaped daughter) came forward with her story, though was understandably hesitant to testify (35:56).
• Fear and trauma among surviving victims undermined the first prosecution (38:06), but persistent investigation into Heather’s disappearance led authorities to re-examine Fred’s jokes and excavate the property (38:38).

Discovery and Confession

• Fred confessed to Heather’s murder when police prepared to excavate (40:37).
• During the search, police found multiple bodies, including Shirley Robinson, another pregnant victim (42:07).
• Fred eventually confessed to 12 murders, but tried to shield Rose (43:16).

“He was so matter-of-fact about talking, as if he was discussing the weather.”
— Allison, on Fred’s confession regarding Heather (41:53)

• The investigation revealed unimaginable cruelty—victims were bound, sexually tortured, and dismembered. The Wests’ children often heard threats and witnessed abuse.

Rose's Involvement and Trial

• Despite Fred’s attempts to absolve her, evidence and witness testimony pointed to Rose’s active participation in sexual violence, torture, and murder (49:19).
• Caroline Owens, a former nanny who nearly escaped becoming another murder victim, testified against them (50:38).
• In late 1995, Rose was convicted on all counts and sentenced to life imprisonment without parole (54:18).

"She became the UK’s second woman in modern times to be given life in prison without the possibility of parole. And she is still in prison."
— Allison (54:31)

Aftermath and Legacy

• Fred hanged himself in prison in 1995 before trial could conclude (52:32).
• Rose remains in prison, reportedly enjoying various privileges, while the West children are estranged and still struggle with trauma (63:02).
• Police believe there may have been more victims never identified.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “It’s just mind-blowing to me that a sick person can exist, and then find their perfect sick mate and come together and wreak such havoc.” — Allison (10:48)
• “If you misbehave, you’ll end up under the patio like Heather.” — Fred’s repeated “joke” relayed by Allison (09:00)
• “There’s nothing more innocent than a child, because they are born, and they see the world as nothing but kindness and beauty.” — Allison (22:47)
• “Good. I mean, that’s fantastic.” — Mike, reacting to Fred’s suicide in prison (52:32)
• “My heart goes out to the victims and families … after all this time, forever, they’re going to feel the pain.” — Allison (65:14)
• “It is fascinating that humans are so interested in these, like, because we can’t wrap our heads around what would possess people to do what they do.” — Allison, on true crime curiosity (66:09)

Important Timestamps

• [08:40] — Allison gives content warning and introduces Fred & Rose West.
• [11:43] — Fred and Rose’s relationship and abuse background.
• [15:00] — Rose begins abusing the children.
• [22:35] — Murder and concealment of Charmaine.
• [24:12] — Sexual abuse of Anne Marie.
• [28:18] — Anne Marie forced into sex work, runs away at 15.
• [31:35] — Ex-tenants describe the strange atmosphere at Cromwell Street.
• [33:09] — Heather tries to escape, goes missing.
• [34:26] — Louise’s disclosure leads to child welfare investigation.
• [38:38] — Police excavate Cromwell Street property; Fred confesses.
• [41:33] — Fred’s calm demeanor in confessions with social worker.
• [54:18] — Rose found guilty on all charges.
• [63:02] — Aftermath for surviving West children.

Final Thoughts

Mike and Allison present the Fred and Rose West case with a balance of compassion for victims and horror at the perpetrators’ actions. The couple’s candid banter provides moments of humanity amid chilling material. The episode is both informative and respectful, delving into both the psychology of how such evil hides in plain sight and the tragic long-term effects on survivors.

Further Reading/Resources:

• Netflix’s “Fred and Rose West: A British Horror Story” (2025) referenced for additional insights (63:53).
• Memoirs and interviews from surviving West children, particularly Mae West, are discussed as sources.

If you or someone you know is affected by abuse, please seek support from a trusted resource or helpline.