Going West: True Crime
Episode 543 – Joanna Simpson
Air Date: October 3, 2025
Hosts: Daphne Woolsoncroft & Heath Merryman
Episode Overview
In this harrowing episode, Daphne and Heath delve into the chilling case of Joanna Simpson, a much-loved English woman whose life was brutally cut short by her estranged husband, Robert Brown, in 2010. The episode details not just the murder, but the years of psychological abuse, legal battles, and the shocking failures of the justice system that followed. As always, the hosts balance detailed storytelling with empathy and candid commentary, providing important context about domestic violence and coercive control.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Joanna Simpson’s Early Life and Achievements
[03:22-08:47]
- Joanna was born in Yorkshire, England in 1964, into an affluent, loving family.
- Her family moved to the Isle of Man after her father sold his successful business.
- Joanna enjoyed a privileged upbringing but was also described as self-motivated and vibrant.
- She later attended the University of Bath for business, moved to Ascot, and operated a flourishing bed & breakfast.
Daphne: “She was always up for a new and exciting experience... It truly seemed like Joanna had it all.” [06:38]
2. A Fateful Meeting with Robert Brown
[08:47-13:11]
- Joanna and Robert met on a British Airways flight in 1998.
- Robert, a pilot from Scotland, swept Joanna into a whirlwind romance.
- Early warnings: Joanna’s parents found Robert “rude and even arrogant,” but Joanna was smitten.
Heath: “Let's dive more into this guy, this massive piece of shite.” [08:47]
3. A Rapidly Moving Relationship and Early Red Flags
[11:02-16:46]
- The couple moved in together, got engaged after six months, and married soon after.
- Joanna’s parents remain wary, prompting a prenuptial agreement; Robert agreed but was unhappy.
- Robert’s negative traits became evident on their honeymoon—he became rude and snappy.
Daphne: “Right then during the honeymoon, Robert’s charming facade already started to fade, almost like a mask came off.” [15:13]
4. Toxic Marriage and Escalating Abuse
[17:01-25:17]
- The marriage quickly deteriorated: Robert was absent, emotionally distant, and falsely accused Joanna of affairs.
- Emotional and verbal abuse escalated to dangerous levels:
- Robert confessed dark and violent thoughts to Joanna, including fantasies of killing her and their children with an axe.
- He exhibited suicidal ideation, threatening to crash planes he piloted.
Daphne: “Imagine your spouse telling you that… what a terrifying moment to be in.” [22:12]
Heath: “You’re obviously made the right decision, you know, going towards this divorce filing because this guy’s a psycho.” [22:37]
- The abuse became physical: Robert choked Joanna and threatened her with a knife in front of their children.
5. The Divorce and Robert’s Obsession
[26:38-29:54]
- Joanna pursued divorce, further angering Robert, especially over his efforts to void the prenup due to her inheritance (over $25 million).
- Robert stalked and spied on Joanna using trackers and tampered with her home’s surveillance system.
- Despite the abuse, divorce proceedings dragged on for years, with Robert refusing to move on—even as he started a relationship with a new partner.
6. Halloween 2010: The Murder of Joanna Simpson
The Fatal Day
[35:05-47:01]
- On October 31, 2010, Robert dropped off the children at Joanna’s house for a custody exchange, but instead of leaving, he entered and an argument ensued.
- He murdered Joanna with a claw hammer—premeditating the crime by placing the murder weapon in his daughter’s backpack, bludgeoning her at least 14 times.
- Both children were in the home, heard the attack, and witnessed Robert carrying Joanna’s body.
- Robert forced the children into his car (containing their mother’s body), dropped them at his girlfriend’s (who was pregnant), and drove to Windsor Great Park. He buried Joanna in a garden box in a pre-dug grave.
Heath: “Robert then proceeded to strike Joanna several times in the head with the claw hammer until she was no longer moving.” [46:24]
Daphne: “The fact that the weapon that murdered her mother was in her own backpack is so sick.” [46:47]
7. The Aftermath: Investigation, Trial, and Outrage
[37:03-55:56]
The 999 Call
- The following morning, Robert called emergency services in a bizarre, cagey manner, admitting a “serious domestic incident” but refusing details.
Robert Brown (actual call):
"Well, I've spoken to my lawyer and he said not to say anything." [38:23]
- Police found blood at Joanna’s home; Robert remained evasive under police questioning.
- After being shown crime scene photos, he finally confessed to killing Joanna and led investigators to her grave.
The Trial: Manipulation and “Diminished Responsibility”
- Robert attempted to minimize his crime at every stage, initially claiming he only “pushed” Joanna and denying premeditation.
- At trial, he was diagnosed with a “stress-related adjustment disorder” and pleaded guilty to manslaughter, not murder, on grounds of diminished responsibility.
- He received only 26 years in prison, with eligibility for parole after 13 years.
Daphne: “But like, as if someone like him who has some sort of mental illness that would cause him to act like this should be free sooner…” [53:59]
Heath: “As you can imagine, Joanna’s family, friends and the community as a whole were disturbed by this verdict. And her family called the lack of murder conviction a, quote, miscarriage of justice.” [54:16]
- In 2023 Robert was up for parole but, thanks to advocacy from Joanna’s family, he was denied; nonetheless, he could be released by 2035.
8. Impact and Legacy: The Joanna Simpson Foundation
[55:56-57:06]
- Joanna’s mother and best friend established The Joanna Simpson Foundation to support children affected by domestic abuse and homicide in her memory.
Daphne (reading foundation’s statement):
“Joe had strong moral values and believed it important that all children should have a safe, safe, secure and loving environment. The Joanna Simpson Foundation has been set up in her memory and our work is based on her beliefs, values and the love of her children.” [55:56]
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On Robert’s behavior:
Heath: "Let's dive more into this guy, this massive piece of shite." [08:47]
Daphne: "Imagine your spouse telling you that, the insanity." [22:12] -
Re: Legal failures:
Daphne: “Justice system, what are you doing?” [53:59]
-
Regarding the burden on the children:
Daphne: “…the weapon that murdered her mother was in her own backpack is so sick.” [46:47]
Important Timestamps
- 03:22 – Introduction to Joanna’s childhood and family background.
- 08:47 – Joanna meets Robert Brown; whirlwind romance.
- 13:34 – Rushed engagement and marriage; early red flags emerge.
- 15:13 – Robert’s behavior darkens during the honeymoon.
- 22:12 – Robert admits violent fantasies and suicidal ideations.
- 24:56 – First physical attack: Robert threatens Joanna with a knife.
- 26:38 – Divorce proceedings and stalking behavior.
- 35:05 – Halloween 2010: details of the murder and events leading up to it.
- 37:03 – Robert’s cryptic 999 call to emergency services (audio played).
- 46:24 – Robert’s confession and the discovery of Joanna’s body; details of the brutal crime.
- 51:11 – Court proceedings: Robert’s plea, the “diminished responsibility” defense.
- 54:16 – Family and community reactions to the verdict and sentencing.
- 55:56 – Creation of The Joanna Simpson Foundation.
Language & Tone
- The episode maintains a conversational, passionate, and empathetic tone.
- Daphne and Heath don’t shy away from strong language or calling out injustice (“massive piece of shite,” “psycho”).
- They intersperse moments of levity (banter about British place names and customs) but always return to the gravity of the case.
Conclusion
This episode is a powerful exploration of a devastating and preventable tragedy. Daphne and Heath expose the insidiousness of coercive control and the systemic failures that too often allow dangerous individuals to evade true justice. Listeners are reminded of the real-world impact these crimes have on families and communities, and the podcast encourages advocacy, vigilance, and support for charities like The Joanna Simpson Foundation.
For direct action or further information:
For bonus content:
- Find Going West on Patreon or Apple Podcasts for their upcoming Halloween "True Horror Stories" episode.