Serialously with Annie Elise - Episode 227 Summary

Title: WARNING: Canadian Version of Chris Watts | The Case of Robert Leeming
Host: Annie Elise
Release Date: December 30, 2024

In Episode 227 of "Serialously with Annie Elise," host Annie Elise explores the harrowing true-crime case of Robert Leeming, often referred to as the "Canadian Chris Watts." This detailed account traces Robert's involvement in the disappearance and subsequent murder of Jasmine Lovett and her 22-month-old daughter, Alaia.

1. Introduction to the Case

Annie Elise sets the stage by highlighting the complexities and emotional weight of the case. She issues a trigger warning, acknowledging the disturbing nature of the story.

"I also want to just kind of put out a trigger warning ahead of time. It is definitely not an easy case to hear..." ([01:25])

2. Background of Jasmine and Robbie

The story begins on June 24, 2017, in Calgary, Canada, when Jasmine Lovett and Robbie Sanderson welcomed their daughter, Alaia. Despite their young ages and unmarried status, Jasmine (23) and Robbie built a life centered around their newborn.

"Jasmine was absolutely a beautiful guy. She had this long dark hair, dark eyes, full lips..." ([01:25])

3. Relationship Struggles and Separation

As parents, Jasmine and Robbie faced relationship challenges. Robbie's increasing absence, substance use, and aggression strained their bond, culminating in a violent confrontation where Jasmine secured an emergency protection order—a measure that was later revoked as both parties attempted reconciliation.

4. Enter Robert Leeming

Post-separation, Jasmine sought stability and eventually met Robert Leeming through a dating site in September 2018. Robert, a 34-year-old mechanic from the UK with a troubled past—including allegations of emotional abuse and animal cruelty—appeared to be a supportive partner, especially towards Alaia.

"He would cook, he would clean, he would play with her. He was just a great person for Jasmine to be with because he loved her daughter so much..." ([10:00])

5. Signs of Strain in the Relationship

Despite outward appearances, subtle signs of tension emerged. During a family dinner on April 14, 2019, Jasmine's sister Genevieve noticed a distance between Jasmine and Robert. Plans for a subsequent dinner on April 19 were abruptly broken when Jasmine failed to attend, leading to growing concerns.

"Genevieve thought that maybe Robert and Jasmine seemed a little bit distant from one another, more than usual." ([14:00])

6. The Disappearance

Jasmine did not respond to calls or messages, prompting her family to conduct personal searches. By April 23, with Jasmine still missing, Genevieve filed a missing persons report. Surveillance footage showed Jasmine and Alaia shopping normally on April 15, but after April 16, their whereabouts became elusive.

"They knew that they had to do something, because this was so unlike Jasmine." ([18:00])

7. Police Investigation and Robert's Suspicious Behavior

The investigation quickly focused on Robert due to his erratic behavior and prior abusive history. Evidence from his home revealed attempts to obscure or destroy potential evidence, such as recently cleaned sneakers and barricaded windows, raising red flags.

"Robert's ex had reported him for animal abuse." ([22:00])

8. Undercover Operation and Confession

In an effort to gather incriminating evidence, undercover officers fabricated a criminal persona, gaining Robert's trust. During a staged interaction, Robert confessed to murdering Jasmine and Alaia, detailing his methods to evade detection, including the use of gasoline and mulch to mask evidence.

"I mean, it's crazy. Of course it is." ([39:43])

9. Trial and Conviction

Robert was formally charged with second-degree murder in October 2021 after pleading guilty to Jasmine's murder while denying involvement in Alaia's death. The prosecution highlighted inconsistencies in his account and presented forensic evidence contradicting his claims of accidental death.

"You didn't once say, I didn't kill the kid. It was an accident." ([51:17])

Ultimately, Robert received a life sentence with the possibility of parole in 22 years. His conviction was upheld on appeal in July 2024, solidifying his culpability in the tragic deaths of Jasmine and Alaia.

10. Aftermath and Families' Response

In the wake of the tragedy, Jasmine and Alaia's families channeled their grief into positive action. They established a memorial scholarship in Jasmine's name and donated funds to local women's shelters, aiming to support survivors of domestic violence and prevent future tragedies.

"They also started a memorial scholarship in Jasmine's name through the charity Gems for Gems..." ([50:35])

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Robert Leeming on the Accusations:

  "But to know the police are calling this a homicide, to know that someone has killed a 22 month old child, that's crazy. But you're saying that is not you?" ([39:17])

• Detective on Evidence Tampering:

  "We believe the suspect may have attempted to destroy evidence Related to the homicide by means of burning." ([35:36])

• Annie Elise on Families' Response:

  "I think it always touches me when families and loved ones channel their grief and their anger into helping victims, future victims..." ([51:17])

Conclusion

Annie Elise's comprehensive examination of Robert Leeming's case underscores the devastating impact of domestic violence and the lengths to which one individual went to conceal his crimes. Through meticulous storytelling and insightful analysis, the episode not only recounts a tragic sequence of events but also highlights the resilience of the victims' families in their pursuit of justice and healing.

Thank you for tuning into this detailed summary of "Serialously with Annie Elise" Episode 227. For more gripping true-crime stories, subscribe to the podcast and join the conversation.