Very Scary People: Season 2, Episode 3 - Kristen French

Host: Donnie Wahlberg
Release Date: October 30, 2023

Introduction

In the third episode of Season 2, titled "Kristen French," host Donnie Wahlberg delves deep into a harrowing case that shook the Canadian community. The episode examines the disappearance and tragic death of 15-year-old Kristen French, intertwining her story with the notorious Ken and Barbie killers, Paul Bernardo and Carla Homolka. Through exclusive interviews, firsthand accounts, and investigative narration, Wahlberg paints a vivid picture of obsession, fear, and the relentless pursuit of justice.

Kristen French: A Life Cut Short

Kristen French was a vibrant and beloved member of the St. Catharines community. Known for her academic excellence and active participation in extracurricular activities such as swimming and rowing, Kristen appeared to have a bright future ahead. Her charm and beauty, described by friend Kathy Kenzorov as a "gorgeous girl, long dark hair" (00:19), made her a popular figure among her peers.

On a gloomy spring afternoon, Kristen failed to return home from school, raising immediate concerns among her family. By 4:00 PM, her mother realized Kristen was missing when she couldn't return to complete her usual after-school chores (03:58).

The Disappearance

Kristen was last seen on Thursday, walking home from Holy Cross Secondary School in her green plaid Catholic uniform. Her abduction occurred in broad daylight at a church parking lot, a scene that was both shocking and uncharacteristic for the typically peaceful town (04:34). Witnesses reported seeing Kristen struggle as she was forcibly pulled into a car, indicating a violent confrontation just moments before her disappearance.

Notable Quote:

"Kristen isn't the type to not call her mom or dad when her plans change. And nine times out of ten she heads straight home to get her chores and homework done."
– Donnie Wahlberg (04:04)

Massive Search Efforts

Following Kristen's disappearance, an overwhelming search effort ensued. Approximately 2,000 volunteers, including police officers from the region, organized extensive searches across fields, parks, and wooded areas. The community's unity was palpable as people from various backgrounds came together, symbolized by the green ribbons they wore (06:19).

Notable Quote:

"It was a community event. People from all walks of life, poor and rich, all different ethnicities pulled together and came together to search for her."
– Kathy Kenzorov (07:58)

Despite the relentless search, the key lead hinged on eyewitnesses who identified the make and model of the abductor's vehicle as a Camaro or Firebird, black or similar in color. However, this tip led nowhere, dampening the volunteers' morale and shifting the focus of the search from hope to despair (10:30).

Connection to Previous Crimes

As days turned into weeks without any significant leads, Kristen's case bore eerie similarities to that of Leslie Mahaffey, another young girl whose remains were found in Lake Gibson a year prior. Both cases involved young female victims from different cities in Ontario, yet their bodies were discovered in close proximity, suggesting the presence of a serial predator (23:01).

Notable Quote:

"You have to be kidding. Like, who? Who does this? This is not Canada."
– Kathy Kenzorov (23:47)

Discovery and Aftermath

Fifteen days after her disappearance, Kristen French's body was tragically discovered in a ditch in north Burlington, approximately 35 miles from St. Catharines. The revelation provided closure for the frantic searchers but left the community grappling with the horrifying reality of a serial killer at large.

Notable Quote:

"It was shocking, like you were expecting it, but to hear it made it real."
– Mike McCready (18:34)

Impact on the Community and Media

The discovery of Kristen's body not only intensified fears about the presence of a serial killer but also highlighted the community's vulnerability. The emotional toll on Kristen’s family was profound, as seen in their public appeals and the lasting grief portrayed in media specials like the 90-minute CHCH TV documentary "The Abduction of Kristen French."

Notable Quote:

"What really gets tough is if you think of the things that will never come. She thinks of Kristen never falling in love, never being a mother."
– Donnie Wahlberg (22:19)

Breakthrough in the Investigation

The investigation took a pivotal turn when Paul Bernardo, already under suspicion for other crimes, was connected to Carla Homolka's severe abuse and her hospitalization. This connection led police to recognize Bernardo as the Scarborough Rapist, finally fitting him into the puzzle of the ongoing crimes.

Notable Quote:

"This is all like, there is something wrong here."
– Kathy Kenzorov (24:09)

Conclusion

The episode "Kristen French" masterfully intertwines personal narratives with broader criminal investigations, showcasing the devastating impact of serial crimes on individuals and communities. Donnie Wahlberg's poignant storytelling ensures that Kristen French's story is remembered not just as another statistic, but as a real-life tragedy that underscores the darkest facets of human obsession.

Speaker Attribution and Timestamps

• Donnie Wahlberg: Host and narrator, provides context and connections between events.
• Kathy Kenzorov: Friend of Kristen and former reporter, offers firsthand insights and emotional reflections.
• Mike McCready: Volunteer searcher, shares experiences and the emotional impact of the search.
• Craig McCrary: FBI agent involved in the investigation, discusses procedural breakthroughs.

Selected Quotes with Timestamps:

• Donnie Wahlberg (04:04): "Kristen isn't the type to not call her mom or dad when her plans change."
• Kathy Kenzorov (07:58): "It was a community event. People from all walks of life... came together to search for her."
• Kathy Kenzorov (23:47): "This is not Canada."
• Mike McCready (18:34): "It was shocking, like you were expecting it, but to hear it made it real."
• Donnie Wahlberg (22:19): "She thinks of Kristen never falling in love, never being a mother."

Note: This summary excludes advertisement segments and non-relevant content to focus solely on the core narrative of Kristen French's case.