Uncover: Calls From a Killer

Episode: S33 E2: Something Monstrous
Release Date: May 26, 2025
Host/Author: CBC
Reporter: Arlene Bynon
Featuring: Peter Worthington, Nathaniel Frum

Introduction

Uncover: Calls From a Killer delves into the harrowing true story of Clifford Olson, one of Canada's most notorious serial killers from the 1980s. The episode, titled "Something Monstrous," explores how reporter Arlene Bynon and legendary journalist Peter Worthington secretly recorded jailhouse calls with Olson, uncovering buried secrets about his crimes, police failures, and the tragic impact on victims' families.

The Assault on Kim Werbecki

The episode opens with a chilling recount of Kim Werbecki’s harrowing experience. At 16, Kim was abducted by Clifford Olson while hitchhiking, leading to a brutal 10-hour assault.

• Hannah Gardner (Interviewing Kim):
  "He raped me, yes. One thing I'll never forget, and that's his eyes, the way his eyes changed. They were just so evil." [03:00]

Kim courageously reported Olga to the RCMP, identifying him from numerous photographs. However, the prosecution questioned her credibility, labeling her as a "child prostitute," a term now recognized as flawed and harmful.

• Kim Werbecki:
  "I think rape is rape. Would it make a difference if I was a straight A student in school?" [05:01]

Despite her consistent account, Olson was released on bail after two months, during which he committed at least ten more murders.

Clifford Olson’s Criminal Spree

Olson's ability to evade police capture was marked by missed opportunities and systemic failures within law enforcement.

• Sharon Rosenfeld (Mother of Darren):
  "They don't pick me up. They don't even put a tail on me. They let me go. Isn't that something?" [38:48]

Olson's manipulation and transient appearances allowed him to continue his killing spree, eventually murdering at least eleven children. His calm demeanor and deceptive charm made him a formidable predator.

The Disappearances and Public Fear

The Lower Mainland of British Columbia, once a peaceful region, became gripped by fear as children began disappearing under mysterious circumstances.

• John Daley (Reporter):
  "And the whole British Columbia was basically seized with this fear and dread." [08:21]

Notable cases included Christine Weller and Colleen Dagno, whose disappearances initially sparked confusion and inadequate police responses. The media coverage intensified with Simon Partington’s case, galvanizing public outcry and pressure on authorities.

• John Daley:
  "When we got down to the point where you got a missing 9-year-old kid who’s 6 blocks from his home and disappears... it was like a blowtorch on my butt." [32:47]

Sharon Rosenfeld’s Tragedy: Darren's Murder

Sharon Rosenfeld shares the traumatic story of her son Darren, whose disappearance and murder epitomize the systemic failures of the time.

• Sharon Rosenfeld:
  "Our lives as we knew them died with Darren." [21:26]

Despite urgent pleas and community efforts, police dismissed the case as a possible runaway, delaying critical intervention. Darren’s body was found, but the lack of immediate and compassionate response from law enforcement left Sharon devastated and searching for answers.

Olson’s Narrow Escapes

Olson's criminal activities continued unabated, with multiple near-misses where his involvement was either dismissed or not fully investigated.

• Dr. Hilary McBride:
  "There is no such thing as child prostitution. There is exploitation and sex trafficking." [05:06]

Despite appearing suspicious during traffic stops and presenting opportunities for more thorough scrutiny, Olson consistently slipped through the cracks, partly due to the prevailing attitudes towards victims like Kim Werbecki.

The Turning Point: Investigative Breakthrough

A breakthrough occurred when Clifford Olson was identified as a suspect in multiple cases, leading to intensified surveillance and the formation of a massive task force.

• John Daley:
  "We shot these cops going in there carrying these books, their case books, under their arms. And that was the beginning of a massive task force." [37:44]

This collaborative effort among various RCMP detachments eventually cornered Olson, but not before he had claimed more victims. The episode highlights the critical importance of persistent and coordinated investigative work in bringing such criminals to justice.

Conclusion: Reflection and Impact

Calls From a Killer not only recounts the tragic events surrounding Clifford Olson’s reign of terror but also critically examines the failures of the justice system and the enduring pain of the victims' families. Arlene Bynon’s meticulous recording of jailhouse conversations with Olson reveals deeper insights into the mind of a killer and the systemic issues that allowed his crimes to continue unchecked for so long.

• Sharon Rosenfeld:
  "All of us felt very, very sad, very, very hurting." [36:20]

The episode serves as a poignant reminder of the victims and the urgent need for vigilance and reform in law enforcement practices to prevent such tragedies in the future.

Key Quotes

• Hannah Gardner:
  "Rape is rape. Would it make a difference if I was a straight A student in school?" [05:01]

• John Daley:
  "It was like a blowtorch on my butt... it got really, really intense after that." [32:47]

• Sharon Rosenfeld:
  "Our lives as we knew them died with Darren." [21:26]

• Dr. Hilary McBride:
  "There is no such thing as child prostitution. There is exploitation and sex trafficking." [05:06]

Final Thoughts

Calls From a Killer is a meticulously crafted narrative that not only exposes the chilling details of Clifford Olson’s crimes but also serves as a critical examination of the systemic failures that allowed him to continue his heinous acts. Through personal testimonies and investigative insights, the episode underscores the profound and lasting impact of such tragedies on individuals and communities.

For more detailed explorations of true crime stories, visit CBC’s Uncover and follow their feed for the latest episodes.