Podcast Summary: True Crime Obsessed - Episode 441: "Manhunt: The Liar, The Thief, The Conman"

Release Date: July 15, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 441 of True Crime Obsessed, hosts Jillian Benzavalli and Patrick Hines delve into the harrowing tale of Christine Handy and her encounter with a manipulative conman named Alexander Darken. This episode, titled "Manhunt: The Liar, The Thief, The Conman," unpacks the intricate web of deceit spun by Alexander, leading to financial ruin and emotional trauma for Christine and her family.

Christine's Initial Encounter with Alexander

The story begins in 2003 when Christine Handy, a single mother of three undergoing a difficult divorce, meets Alexander Darken at a coffee shop in Chetlinum, Gloucestershire. Patrick reflects on the deceptive charm Alexander exuded, noting, "Alexander Darken. Darken. D apostrophe, A, R, I, K. Yeah, Alexander." ([06:27])

Christine, seeking companionship after her divorce settlement of £650,000, is drawn to Alexander's seemingly sophisticated persona. They begin a relationship that appears stable and loving, with Alexander integrating smoothly into Christine's life and gaining the affection of her children, particularly her son, Simon.

Red Flags and Financial Exploitation

As their relationship progresses, subtle red flags emerge. Alexander fabricates an impressive educational background, claiming to have attended prestigious institutions like Westminster School, Eton, and Oxford University by age 15. Jillian comments, "He tells her he comes into the city every Monday to, quote, do his banking." ([06:32])

Despite Christine's initial skepticism, Alexander's persistence leads her to lend him substantial sums of money. In August 2003, he requests £75,000 under the guise of needing it for his studies. Christine reluctantly agrees, pressuring her friend for assistance when Alexander demands more. Patrick warns, "She's been pressured to loan him money, which is a clear red flag." ([17:14])

Over the next few years, Alexander siphons off approximately £600,000 from Christine, utilizing sophisticated methods to conceal his actions. These financial manipulations leave Christine financially devastated, forcing her to sell her house and borrow additional funds to cover Alexander's fabricated expenses.

The Turning Point: Discovering the Truth

By 2008, Christine's suspicions grow when she notices a brand new BMW outside Alexander's home. Jillian highlights Christine's increasing vigilance: "She's starting to feel like there's not something's going on here." ([31:40])

To uncover the truth, Christine collaborates with Philip, a journalist and fellow victim of Alexander's cons. Together, they embark on a mission to track Alexander's financial discrepancies and past criminal activities. Their investigation reveals an article from the Daily Mail dating back to 1994, exposing Alexander's history of fraud and deceit.

Patrick notes, "With his name clarified, it's obvious Alexander was a master manipulator who had evaded justice for years." ([52:35])

The Manhunt and Arrest

Determined to bring Alexander to justice, Christine and Philip enlist the help of private investigator Gil Alba. Their concerted efforts culminate in locating Alexander in Mount Kisco, upstate New York. On [60:07], Jillian recounts the intense confrontation where Christine directly faces Alexander in a gym parking lot, leading to his immediate arrest by Gloucestershire Police officers upon his return from a flight.

Alexander is subsequently charged with multiple counts of theft, false accounting, and sexual offenses, including rape and sexual assault of a minor. Jillian emphasizes the gravity of his crimes: "He's a horrifying monster... not just scamming people financially but also being a sexual predator." ([58:50])

Aftermath and Lessons Learned

The episode concludes with Christine and Philip seeking closure and rebuilding their lives after Alexander's incarceration. They reflect on the importance of vigilance in relationships and the necessity of safeguarding personal information. Patrick imparts a critical takeaway: "Listen to your gut... don’t trust everybody right away. Keep your personal stuff to yourself as long as you can." ([57:35])

Christine's resilience and determination serve as a testament to overcoming betrayal and reclaiming one's life. The episode underscores the devastating impact of financial and emotional abuse while highlighting the power of community and perseverance in seeking justice.

Notable Quotes

• Patrick Hines ([06:27]): "Alexander Darken. Darken. D apostrophe, A, R, I, K. Yeah, Alexander."

• Patrick Hines ([17:14]): "She's been pressured to loan him money, which is a clear red flag."

• Jillian Benzavalli ([31:40]): "She's starting to feel like there's not something's going on here."

• Patrick Hines ([52:35]): "With his name clarified, it's obvious Alexander was a master manipulator who had evaded justice for years."

• Jillian Benzavalli ([58:50]): "He's a horrifying monster... not just scamming people financially but also being a sexual predator."

• Patrick Hines ([57:35]): "Listen to your gut... don’t trust everybody right away. Keep your personal stuff to yourself as long as you can."

Conclusion

Episode 441 of True Crime Obsessed meticulously unravels the complex case of Christine Handy and Alexander Darken, shedding light on the intricate strategies employed by con artists to exploit trust and manipulate victims. Through engaging storytelling and insightful commentary, Jillian and Patrick offer listeners a compelling narrative that underscores the importance of awareness and caution in personal relationships.

Note: This summary excludes segments of the transcript related to advertisements and sponsor messages to maintain focus on the core true crime narrative.