Uncover: Calls From a Killer – Episode S33 E7: The Escape

Introduction

In the gripping final episode of CBC’s Uncover series, titled "The Escape," host Arlene Bynon delves deep into the harrowing story of Clifford Olson, one of Canada’s most infamous serial killers. This episode chronicles Bynon’s clandestine interactions with Olson, the intricate details of his numerous escape attempts, and the profound impact his crimes and actions had on the victims' families and the Canadian justice system.

Arlene Bynon's Relationship with Clifford Olson

For nearly three years, Arlene Bynon, alongside esteemed journalist Peter Worthington, maintained secret jailhouse calls with Clifford Olson. Despite Olson’s prohibition from communicating with the media, Bynon’s determination to understand his motives and provide solace to the grieving families kept their exchanges ongoing.

[00:36] Arlene Bynon: "By the autumn of 1992, I'd been talking to Clifford Olson for nearly three years... I had this unprecedented access to Canada's most notorious criminal. I had to try, but my patience was wearing thin."

Olson often deflected responsibility for his heinous acts, attributing his violence to his years in prison without genuine remorse. Bynon, however, remained skeptical of his justifications.

[01:42] Arlene Bynon: "I didn't buy it and I told Olson as much. Even after all these times in prison, there's some things that you still won't tell people."

Olson's Escape Attempts

Olson's penchant for escaping custody was a recurring theme in his interactions with Bynon. His pride in these escapes underscored his manipulative and defiant nature. In a revealing conversation from November 1992, Olson disclosed his latest escape plan:

[03:39] Clifford Olson: "I stole a handcuff key that was left on the desk about five months ago."

Bynon recounts how this was not Olson’s first escape attempt. With at least seven prior escapes dating back to 1957, Olson was exceptionally adept at evading authorities. His strategy involved meticulous planning, often feigning medical conditions to create opportunities for escape.

[09:53] Clifford Olson: "It's the same thing that I escaped back there in British Columbia from the Shaughnessy hospital there in 1965. I'd done the same thing down there, so I'm no dummy to when it comes to escaping."

Despite his expertise, not all his plans succeeded. In this instance, Olson’s attempt was thwarted when staff discovered the hidden key through an X-ray.

[10:47] Arlene Bynon: "They came in and showed me the X ray and says, 'He has a key.' I could hear him. They're talking right there. We're only 10ft away."

The Decision to Break the Story

Realizing the gravity of Olson's escape plans and the potential threat he posed, Bynon felt compelled to expose the lax security conditions that allowed him such opportunities. This decision was fraught with personal and professional dilemmas, especially considering the potential loss of access to Olson and the retraumatization of the victims' families.

[11:31] Arlene Bynon: "As a journalist, I couldn't ignore. I had an obligation, both moral and professional, to make his attempted escape and lax security conditions public."

The revelation of Olson's escape attempts not only embarrassed the authorities but also highlighted systemic failures within the Canadian prison system. This breakthrough marked the end of Bynon's direct communication with Olson.

Impact on Victims' Families

The episode poignantly captures the anguish and continued suffering of the victims' families. Bynon's interactions with them reveal the lingering pain and the complexities of confronting the man responsible for their loss.

[21:19] Arlene Bynon: "When Nat first reached out to me, we had to decide whether or not to open these boxes again, to open up this story once again."

Families like Sharon Rosenfeld, mother of Darren Johnsrud, expressed deep concerns about giving Olson a platform, fearing it would retraumatize them and glorify their son's murderer.

[15:20] Arlene Bynon: "You took the life from people... It's someone's brother, sister, child."

The emotional toll on both the families and Bynon herself underscores the profound human impact of Olson's crimes.

Post-Olson Legacy and Policy Changes

Following the exposure of Olson's escape attempts, significant changes were implemented within the Canadian justice system. One notable outcome was the Eliminating Entitlements for Prisoners Act (Bill C31), which stripped pension benefits from federal inmates, including Olson.

[19:40] Nathaniel Frum: "Because of Peter's reporting, Olson and hundreds of other federal inmates had their pension benefits stripped by then Prime Minister Stephen Harper and his government."

Olson continued to exert influence from behind bars, leveraging the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms to challenge prison conditions and policies. His relentless legal battles culminated in the amendment of the criminal code to prevent serial killers from seeking early parole.

Reflections and Conclusions

In the concluding segments, both Arlene Bynon and Nathaniel Frum reflect on the enduring scars left by Olson's actions. Bynon grapples with the ethical complexities of her journalistic pursuits and the personal toll it took on her life.

[29:01] Arlene Bynon: "I think in this story, in a lot of ways, we shut it down and put it in a box and it seems like just such a disgrace and a tragedy. It really was a dark mark and we have to learn something from it."

Nathaniel Frum shares his journey from viewing the story as a mere narrative to a deeply personal tragedy, especially following the loss of his sister.

[27:01] Nathaniel Frum: "I incurred my own personal tragedy. With my sister unexpectedly passing this year, my ability to distance myself from the story suddenly evaporated."

The episode poignantly closes with reflections from the victims' families, emphasizing the perpetual search for closure and the indelible mark left by Olson's crimes.

[25:55] Arlene Bynon: "The stain of Olson will never truly be gone, but it may fade with time and with light."

Conclusion

"The Escape" serves as a somber reminder of the enduring impact of serial crimes on individuals, families, and society. Through meticulous storytelling and firsthand accounts, Arlene Bynon and Nathaniel Frum illuminate the complexities of seeking truth, the ethical dilemmas inherent in journalism, and the relentless pursuit of justice and healing by those left behind.