Halloween night massacre in Whiskey Creek focus of new true crime podcast

On Halloween night 2020, neighbours in the Vancouver Island community of Whiskey Creek recall hearing loud noises.

It could be fireworks. It could be gunshots. There is recreational target shooting and hunting in the area.

On Nov. 1, at about 2 p.m., a dirt bike rider stumbles across a scene that will later be described as something out of ‘Breaking Bad’; burned-out trailers, three dead bodies, four dead dogs, and, incredibly, a survivor.

Now, two and a half years later, Island Crime host Laura Palmer is delving into a story some would prefer just goes away.

“It is disturbing to me that a mass murder could happen here and no one seems to give a damn,” she said.  “As a result, ‘Whiskey Creek’ is one of the most challenging stories I’ve ever encountered.”

Season 5 ‘Whiskey Creek’ is a seven-episode examination of the events leading up to the murders and an exploration of possible motivations for the killings.

Frequency Podcast Senior Producer Stefanie Phillips believes the series could make a difference.

“This season of Island Crime is ultimately about driving the Whiskey Creek case forward and bringing closure for the victims’ families,” she said.

“While working on this story, I couldn’t help but wonder if there would be more movement on the case if the crime scene was a fancy house on the beach instead of a bush camp. If we can’t find justice for society’s most vulnerable, then I think we’re all in trouble.”

The series features accounts from people who knew the victims well, including family members and friends. In some cases, their voices have been altered to protect them.

“Those who have knowledge about what happened are too scared to speak publicly for fear of retribution,” Palmer said.

The Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit is in charge of the investigation, while the BC Coroners Service is conducting its own fact-finding investigation. Both declined requests for an update on the case.

Should you have any information, you’re asked to call the tip and information line at 250-380-6211.

‘Whiskey Creek’ is a series for Rogers Frequency Network. You can listen to this series and other Island Crime episodes on all podcast platforms.

Rogers is the parent company of this station and the Frequency Podcast Network.