Crime Beat

Curiouscast

About

People know their hometowns by streets, a favourite restaurant or the local mall. Crime Reporter Nancy Hixt knows hers by the crime scenes she's been to over the past 20 years. Journey deep inside some of Canada’s most high-profile criminal cases. Each episode will take you inside the story to give you details you didn't hear on the news.
Winner of the 2020 & 2023 Edward R. Murrow Award (RTDNA).

Available on

Community

99 episodes

The Deadly Contract - Part 1 | 5

On January 16th, 2006 financier Jack Beauchamp grabbed a coffee and went to work in his downtown Calgary office. Minutes later he was fighting for his life. He had been shot six times and left for dead on his office floor. Senior crime reporter Nancy Hixt shares the story of how grieving co-workers helped police identify a suspect. And how the case took an unexpected turn when evidence pointed to someone else. Contact: Instagram: @nancy.hixt Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NancyHixtCrimeBeat/ Email: nancy.hixt@globalnews.ca Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

27m
Apr 23
Update: The Brentwood five massacre | 4

It’s been ten years since one of the darkest days in Calgary’s history- On the anniversary of the biggest mass killing to ever happen in the city, Global News senior crime reporter Nancy Hixt shares the frustration the families of the five victims are feeling and why they’re pushing for changes in current legislation. Learn where the man found not criminally responsible in the case is living now, the freedoms he’s pushing for and how Canada’s top court is involved in it all. Contact: Instagram: @nancy.hixt Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NancyHixtCrimeBeat/ Email: nancy.hixt@globalnews.ca Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1h 17m
Apr 09
Out of the dark | 3

In the summer of 2006, a young Calgary woman was on top of the world. She had a supportive family, amazing friends and a great job. But life as she knew it came to an abrupt stop in the middle of the night on August 6, 2006. In this episode, Global News senior crime reporter Nancy Hixt shares details of a violent attack- a story that’s every woman’s worst fear. www.calgarycrimestoppers.org - reference case # 06274598 https://newsroom.calgary.ca/sexual-assault-case-from-2006-has-new-lead/ Contact: Instagram: @nancy.hixt Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NancyHixtCrimeBeat/ Email: nancy.hixt@globalnews.ca Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

40m
Mar 26
The Hunt For A Predator - Part 2 | 2

In the late 1970s and early ‘80s a sexual predator stalked Calgarians. At the same time, homicide detectives used cutting edge strategies to track a child killer. What no one realized, was that the two cases were connected. Global News Senior Crime Reporter Nancy Hixt shares how a tip from one brave little girl changed the direction of the entire investigation and the unexpected twist the case took years later. Contact: Instagram: @nancy.hixt Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NancyHixtCrimeBeat/ Email: nancy.hixt@globalnews.ca Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

38m
Mar 12
The Hunt For A Predator - Part 1 | 1

In late 1970’s and early 80’s a sexual predator was on the loose. Two little girls had heard about the man dubbed the “Southwest Calgary Rapist” but they never imagined they would cross paths with him while riding their bikes one hot sunny day. At the same time, homicide detectives were investigating the death of a five-year old girl who disappeared on her way to kindergarten. Learn the unprecedented steps officers took and the haunting connection between the two cases as Global News' Senior Crime Reporter Nancy Hixt shares “The hunt for a predator.” Contact: Instagram: @nancy.hixt Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NancyHixtCrimeBeat/ Email: nancy.hixt@globalnews.ca Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

27m
Feb 27
Season 6 is coming, February 27th

For most of us, crime is something we see on the news…in movies…or hear about on a podcast. We never think it could happen to us…Until it does.  Loved ones are gone…and for the survivors…the scars will never heal. Nancy Hixt has been a crime reporter for Global News for nearly 30 years and on Season 6 of her podcast, Crime Beat she'll give you exclusive access to the cases she's worked– on from the interview room to the courtroom.   Join her for Season 6 of Crime Beat coming February 27th. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2m
Feb 13
Introducing... Global News' What Happened To...? The Thai Cave Rescue

The 2018 Thai cave rescue quickly became an international spectacle that captured the attention of people all around the world. Twelve boys and their soccer coach were exploring the Tham Luang cave in Chiang Rai when the cave suddenly flooded, trapping the team. Monsoon season came early that year, and the cave became blocked by heavy rainwater. On this episode of What happened to…? Erica Vella revisits the incredible Thai Cave rescue mission. She speaks with diver Rick Stanton about the wins, the challenges and ultimately, how it was pulled off. She also speaks to water management expert Thanet Natisri to find out how the cave was made safe enough for divers to enter. Find out more at https://globalnews.ca/news/9733417/what-happened-to-thai-cave-rescue-part-1/ Contact: Email: erica.vella@globalnews.ca Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

25m
Sep 22, 2023
Gone In An Instant Part 2 | 15

In the spring of 2022, chaos erupted in southeast Calgary. There were reports of two erratic drivers, followed by a shooting. Moments later, a violent collision. Angela McKenzie, a mother of five, died at the scene. Join Nancy Hixt, senior crime reporter for Global News as she explains what led to the senseless crash and the hunt for the person believed to be responsible.  Talal Amer is wanted on a Canada warrant for manslaughter, attempted murder and several firearms offences. He is 30 years old, 5 foot 11, 230lbs with brown eyes. He was last seen with black hair and is known to change his appearance by growing a beard or changing up his facial hair. You can see Amer’s photo at https://boloprogram.org/ If you have any information that could lead to the arrest of Talal Amer you can call Crimestoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477 there’s a reward of up to 50 thousand dollars which can also be collected anonymously.  If you’re inclined and able to help the Mckenzie family there is a gofundme set up for her children.  https://www.gofundme.com/f/in-memory-of-angela-mckenzie Contact: Twitter: @nancyhixt Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NancyHixtCrimeBeat/ Email: nancy.hixt@globalnews.ca Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

27m
Aug 08, 2023
Gone In An Instant Part 1 | 14

On a cool spring evening in 2022, chaos erupted as police received reports of two erratic drivers and then gunfire. One of the vehicles fled the shooting scene at high speed and moments later was involved in a violent and deadly crash. Senior crime reporter Nancy Hixt shares the story of a mother of five whose life was senselessly taken and the hunt for the man responsible. Contact: Twitter: @nancyhixt Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NancyHixtCrimeBeat/ Email: nancy.hixt@globalnews.ca Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

23m
Jul 25, 2023
Caught in the Crossfire | 13

The widespread impact of a deadly gang war continues to be felt to this day. On this episode of Crime Beat, Global News senior crime reporter Nancy Hixt shares the story of one casualty of a war he wasn’t involved in Contact: Twitter: @nancyhixt Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NancyHixtCrimeBeat/ Email: nancy.hixt@globalnews.ca Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

26m
Jul 11, 2023
1:41 of Terror | 12

A Central Alberta family arrived home from a long weekend away and noticed something was suspicious as they pulled into their driveway. Upon entering the home, there was a shocking discovery. Join Global News senior crime reporter Nancy Hixt as she shares the story of one man’s harrowing brush with death. Contact: Twitter: @nancyhixt Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NancyHixtCrimeBeat/ Email: nancy.hixt@globalnews.ca Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

47m
Jun 27, 2023
The Horror That Still Lurks | 11

In the middle of the night two officers knock on a young woman’s door, they were there to alert her – that the man who raped her more than twenty years earlier was AWOL. Join Global News senior crime reporter Nancy Hixt…as she shares how a surviver of a violent sexual assault –continues to be victimized more than two decades later. Contact: Twitter: @nancyhixt Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NancyHixtCrimeBeat/ Email: nancy.hixt@globalnews.ca Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

19m
Jun 13, 2023
A Deadly Betrayal | 10

On a cold, snowy day in January of 2006, a man scouring for bottles in downtown Calgary dumpsters made a grisly discovery marking the starting point of a true whodunnit. Police followed a trail of forensic evidence uncovering a web of deceit created by the criminal to cover his tracks. Join Global News senior crime reporter as she shares details of a deadly betrayal and the unsettling truth that’s left the victim’s family devastated. Contact: Twitter: @nancyhixt Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NancyHixtCrimeBeat/ Email: nancy.hixt@globalnews.ca Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

52m
May 30, 2023
Going Undercover | 9

On this special behind-the-scenes episode of Crime Beat, Global news senior crime reporter Nancy Hixt gives you an exclusive look at specialized investigative tactics often used to push cases forward – from someone who knows what it’s like to lead a double life. Contact: Twitter: @nancyhixt Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NancyHixtCrimeBeat/ Email: nancy.hixt@globalnews.ca Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

26m
May 16, 2023
The Second Shift part 2 | 8

A young waitress mysteriously disappeared on her way home from her second shift. Police along with her family and friends search tirelessly for clues. On this episode of Crime Beat, Global News senior crime reporter Nancy Hixt shares the devastating discovery that was made and the shocking details police uncovered. Contact: Twitter: @nancyhixt Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NancyHixtCrimeBeat/ Email: nancy.hixt@globalnews.ca Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

39m
May 02, 2023
The Second Shift Part 1 | 7

In 1992, Dilleen Hempel had just married the love of her life, moved into a new home and started a new job. But on her way home from her second-shift, the 26-year-old vanished. On this episode of Crime Beat as Global News senior crime reporter Nancy Hixt shares the panic and confusion her family faced and the painstaking efforts taken to find her. Contact: Twitter: @nancyhixt Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NancyHixtCrimeBeat/ Email: nancy.hixt@globalnews.ca Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

38m
Apr 18, 2023
Beyond a Reasonable Doubt | 6

Terrie Ann Dauphinais, a young Metis woman, is found dead in her home. Her three children are discovered locked inside two bedrooms and a closet. Her death was deemed a homicide but no charges were ever laid and the case went cold. On this episode of Crime Beat, Global News senior crime reporter shares how decades later, new developments in the investigation led to a dramatic turn of events. But would it be enough to prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt? Contact: Twitter: @nancyhixt Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NancyHixtCrimeBeat/ Email: nancy.hixt@globalnews.ca Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

49m
Apr 04, 2023
The Crossfire Part 2 | 5

A war between two rival gangs in Calgary left 25 dead in less than a decade. Deep seeded hatred for their rivals fueled the deadly battle. Over a decade the animosity between the “FK’s and FOB’s” gangs grew– as did their illicit activity. On this episode of Crime Beat, Global News senior crime reporter Nancy Hixt shares the unique strategies police implemented to try and quell the violence. Contact: Twitter: @nancyhixt Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NancyHixtCrimeBeat/ Email: nancy.hixt@globalnews.ca Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

45m
Mar 21, 2023
The Crossfire Part 1 | 4

What started as a petty falling out between a group of high school friends led to a deadly feud between two rival gangs.. Over the course of a decade dozens were killed across the city. On this episode of Crime Beat, Global News senior crime reporter Nancy Hixt shares details of one of the worst gang wars in Canadian history, including the day police feared–when an innocent person was caught in the crossfire. Contact: Twitter: @nancyhixt Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NancyHixtCrimeBeat/ Email: nancy.hixt@globalnews.ca Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

29m
Mar 07, 2023
The Story is Never Finished | 3

On this episode of Crime Beat, senior crime reporter Nancy Hixt brings you updates on a few stories she’s previously covered. Join her for the early 2023 edition of “the story is never finished” as she shares several significant developments– including new admissions of further sexual abuse by a disgraced doctor, and a major decision made by the Supreme Court of Canada that’s impacted multiple murder cases across the country. Contact: Twitter: @nancyhixt Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NancyHixtCrimeBeat/ Email: nancy.hixt@globalnews.ca Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

20m
Feb 21, 2023
Hunted on Hemlock Crescent | 2

In the late 1980’s and early 90’s, a serial rapist ravaged women who lived in an- inner city Calgary neighbourhood, leaving an entire city on edge. On this episode of Crime Beat, Global News senior crime reporter Nancy Hixt shares the physical and emotional impact of the devastating attacks, and details what led to a break in the case more than a decade later. Contact: Twitter: @nancyhixt Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NancyHixtCrimeBeat/ Email: nancy.hixt@globalnews.ca Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

40m
Feb 07, 2023
Against All Odds | 1

A German tourist travels across the world with his family to witness the splendor of the Canadian Rockies. Without warning, a chance encounter and a single bullet interrupts their trip and changes their lives forever. Follow along to learn how the offender's path t intersects with this family as they continue to fight against all odds. Contact: Twitter: @nancyhixt Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NancyHixtCrimeBeat/ Email: nancy.hixt@globalnews.ca Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

49m
Jan 24, 2023
Season 5 - Trailer

To understand the impact of a serious crime, you need to sit across from a victim and their loved ones…and listen.   To uncover the truth for the cases I report on…I knock on offenders doors…I ask the tough questions…and I give a voice to the voiceless. Nancy Hixt has been a crime reporter for Global News for nearly 30 years and on Season 5 of her podcast, Crime Beat she'll give you exclusive access to the cases she's worked– on from the interview room to the courtroom.   Join her for Season 5 of Crime Beat coming January 24th. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2m
Jan 03, 2023
Your Questions Answered

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

33m
May 31, 2022
Hope in the darkness | 14

On a beautiful September night in 2008, a young couple went out for dinner in downtown Calgary. They walked through a park on their way home and sat down on a bench to soak in the warm, late summer air. Around them, the trees were changing colours . Never once did it cross their mind that it would be the last time, as a couple, they would see those vibrant fall colours again. Moments later, the sound of screaming filled the air followed by sirens as police and EMS rushed to the scene. Find out what happened next on the latest episode of Crime Beat. Global News senior crime reporter Nancy Hixt shares one man’s story of survival and inspiration in ‘Hope in the darkness.’ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

48m
May 17, 2022
If I Can't Have You... (REMASTERED)

A story of deadly infatuation. Join Nancy Hixt as she explains how a young woman was targeted — simply because she spurned a young man’s advances. Nadia El-Dib’s family said Nadia had broken things off with Adam Bettahar, and her body was found in a Calgary woman’s backyard March 25, 2018. She was stabbed dozens of times and shot twice. Police called her death an “execution.” Anyone needing help with violence or abuse in an intimate relationship is encouraged to reach out for help by calling Connect Family & Sexual Abuse Network at 403 -237-5888 (Toll Free: 1-877-237-5888), the 24-hour Family Violence Helpline at 403-234-SAFE (7233), or 211. Nadia El-Dib's Foundation - https://www.nadiashopefoundation.com Contact: Twitter: @nancyhixt Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NancyHixtCrimeBeat/ Email: nancy.hixt@globalnews.ca See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

35m
May 05, 2022
The scars that don't heal | 13

On April 14, 2022, two senior police officers– Sgt. Brian Topham and Cpl. Brandon Tobin received the highest honour that’s bestowed by the RCMP. The commissioner’s commendation for bravery recognizes outstanding courage in the face of dangerous circumstances… But the award came at a cost.  Join Nancy Hixt, a senior crime reporter for Global News as she shares how two officers, both diagnosed with PTSD, are working to heal and raise awareness about the trauma they’re living with in ‘The scars that don’t heal.’ Nadia El-Dib's Foundation - https://www.nadiashopefoundation.com Contact: Twitter: @nancyhixt Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NancyHixtCrimeBeat/ Email: nancy.hixt@globalnews.ca See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

28m
May 03, 2022
Introducing What Happened to the Beirut explosion?

Elias Tarabay remembers Aug. 4, 2020, clearly. He arrived home after having a late lunch with a friend. He was living in Beirut, the capital city of Lebanon. His house had a balcony that looked out at the city’s ports. Just as he settled in, he heard a loud explosion. Tarabay was working as an editor for a local newspaper at the time and he thought he would take the video to send back to his office. Then a second large explosion rocked the Beirut port. The explosion killed at least 214 people, according to official records. Thousands were injured. It was one of the largest non-nuclear explosions in history — the result of hundreds of tons of ammonium nitrate igniting after a fire broke out. The explosion tore through the city with such force that it caused a tremor across the entire country that was heard and felt as far away as the Mediterranean island of Cyprus, more than 200 kilometres away. It would soon emerge in documents that the highly combustible nitrates had been haphazardly stored at a port warehouse alongside other flammable material since 2014 — and that multiple high-level officials over the years knew of its presence and did nothing. The event galvanized people to demonstrate in the streets, asking for government accountability and in the days following the explosion, several cabinet members announced their resignation. On Aug. 10, 2020, Beirut’s prime minister, Hassan Diab, announced he would be stepping down from his position. On this episode of What happened to …? Erica Vella revisits the days that followed the deadly blast and finds out if anyone has been held accountable. She also learns how Lebanon’s economic crisis has made it difficult for the country to rebuild. Contact: Email: erica.vella@globalnews.ca  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

39m
Apr 19, 2022
Mr. Gregory's dark secret

In the summer of 2020, a listener reached out and asked how Crime Beat stories are selected. She said she was seeking justice for something that happened to her decades earlier when she was a teenager. That was the starting point of this episode. Join Global News senior crime reporter Nancy Hixt as she shares how one woman’s bravery cracked open one of the most high profile sex assault cases in Calgary’s history.  Learn exclusive new details of the police investigation in ‘Mr. Gregory’s dark secret.’  Contact: Twitter: @nancyhixt Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NancyHixtCrimeBeat/ Email: nancy.hixt@globalnews.ca See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

54m
Apr 05, 2022
The data tells a story | 11

On this special episode of Crime Beat, Global News senior crime reporter Nancy Hixt  takes you behind the scenes with a crime analyst. Learn how she uses data and technology to help solve cases as she works alongside homicide detectives. Contact: Twitter: @nancyhixt Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NancyHixtCrimeBeat/ Email: nancy.hixt@globalnews.ca See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

21m
Mar 22, 2022