Uncover: Calls From a Killer – Episode S33 E4: Cash for Bodies

Introduction

In the gripping fourth episode of CBC's Uncover series, titled Cash for Bodies, listeners delve deep into one of Canada's most harrowing true crime cases involving Clifford Olson, a serial killer responsible for the brutal murders of at least eleven children in the 1980s. Hosted by seasoned journalist Arlene Bynon and featuring insights from her grandson Nathaniel Frum, the episode uncovers the controversial and unprecedented "Cash for Bodies" deal struck between Olson and Canadian law enforcement.

The "Cash for Bodies" Deal

At the heart of the episode is the shocking revelation that Clifford Olson was offered $100,000 by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) to disclose the locations of his victims' bodies. This arrangement was facilitated in secrecy, away from the knowledge of prison guards, and was kept hidden from the general public and media until after Olson's trial and conviction.

Arlene Bynon explains the uniqueness of the deal:

"Olson received $100,000 to lead the RCMP to the bodies of his victims. And he was only too pleased to be the model of cooperation." [01:00]

John Daly, a former reporter with BCTV News Network, highlights the magnitude of the payment at the time:

"Back then, $100,000 was like a million bucks." [01:59]

Adjusted for inflation, this sum would be approximately $300,000 today, underscoring the substantial nature of the deal.

Impact on Families and Public Outrage

The episode poignantly portrays the devastating impact of Olson's crimes on the families of the victims. Bridget Kosma, sister of one of Olson's victims, Judy Kosma, shares her anguish:

"They pay a killer money. The families were kept in the dark. The families were mourning." [11:19]

Bridget further expresses the long-lasting trauma inflicted by the deal:

"The only thing we know is that she was stabbed 19 times. 19 times. I can't even cut up a chicken anymore. [...] This part of history, their mistakes. You just want to forget about it. We'll never forget." [12:48]

Sharon Rosenfeld, mother of a victim, Darren Rosenfeld, also reflects on the emotional toll, emphasizing the pain and anger that still lingers decades later.

Perspectives from Law Enforcement and the Justice System

Law enforcement officials and prosecutors involved in the case offer their perspectives on the controversial deal. Robert Kaplan, then Solicitor General of Canada, defends the decision:

"The RCMP's word is their bond. Without that assurance and understanding in Canada, the RCMP would be a lot less effective than it is." [20:10]

Crown prosecutor John Hall, who led the case against Olson, provides insight into the rationale behind accepting the deal despite its unprecedented nature:

"The quieting down of the situation, the knowledge that the parents then had about the awful things that had happened that sort of gave them a bit of closure at the time on what had happened." [24:31]

Hall maintains that the deal was a necessary measure to provide answers to the grieving families and secure convictions against Olson.

Changing Views Over Time

Over the years, perspectives on the "Cash for Bodies" deal have evolved among the victims' families and the public. Initially met with outrage and disbelief, some families have softened their stance, acknowledging the desperate need for closure. Bridget Kosma recounts her shifting viewpoint:

"My initial reaction was, that's horrible. And how can they do that? However, my position changed later on because my thinking turned to, well, if they didn't pay him, then we'd never know where our children were." [27:01]

Similarly, Sharon Rosenfeld has reflected on the complexities of the situation, recognizing the difficult choices faced by law enforcement.

Legacy and Ongoing Controversy

The deal remains a contentious topic, raising important questions about the ethics of negotiating with criminals and the impact on public trust in law enforcement. John Daly voices concerns about the precedent set by the deal:

"There's a risk in it from the other side that, to my mind, is even greater than that of the parents, harm and suffering. [...] There’s a real danger that he or others like him will conceive that this is a way to make murder profitable at the expense of Canadians." [05:19]

Despite the passage of over four decades, the controversy surrounding the "Cash for Bodies" deal continues to resonate, highlighting the delicate balance between justice, ethics, and the urgent need for answers in the wake of heinous crimes.

Conclusion

Cash for Bodies offers a profound exploration of the Clifford Olson case, shedding light on the unprecedented measures taken by Canadian authorities to bring closure to devastated families. Through firsthand accounts, expert insights, and emotional testimonies, the episode underscores the enduring impact of Olson's crimes and the ethical dilemmas faced by those tasked with ensuring justice. This detailed narrative not only chronicles a dark chapter in Canadian history but also invites listeners to reflect on the complexities of law enforcement strategies in the face of unimaginable tragedy.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Arlene Bynon: "Olson received $100,000 to lead the RCMP to the bodies of his victims." [01:00]

• John Daly: "Back then, $100,000 was like a million bucks." [01:59]

• Bridget Kosma: "They pay a killer money. The families were kept in the dark." [11:19]

• Robert Kaplan: "The RCMP's word is their bond." [20:10]

• John Hall: "The quieting down of the situation [...] gave them a bit of closure." [24:31]

• Bridget Kosma: "I can't even cut up a chicken anymore. [...] We'll never forget." [12:48]

• John Daly: "There's a real danger that he or others like him will conceive that this is a way to make murder profitable." [05:19]

This episode serves as a haunting reminder of the lengths to which authorities will go to seek justice, the profound suffering endured by victims' families, and the enduring ethical questions that arise from such unprecedented deals.