True crime podcast promises to shed new light on Michael Dunahee's disappearance
A 10-episode podcast, called "Missing Michael," promises to dive deep into the disappearance of the then four-year-old boy who went missing in Victoria.
Michael Dunahee went missing from a playground at the former Blanshard Elementary School in Victoria, on March 14, 1991.
His disapperance sparked one of the largest investigations in Canadian history.
"The entire season is focused on his disappearance, the impact on his family, the community and also on the investigation itself," said Laura Palmer, producer and host of the podcast Island Crime.
The producer and host says virtually everything in the podcast will bring new information to listeners.
"Most of the people I’ve talked to have not been interviewed before," said Palmer.
She says she talked to many people that, she feels, will move the 30-year-old open case forward.
"Anything that can help us move the needle forward in this investigation is a positive thing,” said Const. Cam MacIntyre of the Victoria Police Department.
PODCAST POPULARITY
True crime podcasts have become very popular over the years.
The Victoria Police Department says these podcasts are introducing historical, unsolved cases to a new generation. They are also creating renewed interest from those that have been familiar with the files.
"It generates a tremendous amount of public awareness and it generates tips," said MacIntyre.
Jeff Buziak is the father of Lindsay Buziak, a woman who was murdered on Feb. 2, 2008 in Saanich, B.C.
"Certainly, right now podcasts have the time to get into things in-depth," said Buziak.
Lindsay was working as a realtor and showing a home to two prospective clients at the time of her death. That case has never been solved and is still open.
Jeff has been involved in many podcasts involving his daughter’s unsolved murder. He says the long format of podcasts allows for more research and investigative reporting and that has led to many tips relating to his daughter's file.
"I am hopeful that with the focus and the attention on the podcast and the extent to which I have talked to people, that maybe there will be enough there to push the investigation forward," said Palmer. "Get them focused in the right direction, to kind of push things over the edge."
The first episode of Missing Michael is out now. The remaining nine will be released weekly.
If you have information that you want to share with Victoria police you are asked to report tips online or call the Michael Dunahee tip line at 250-995-7444.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Russia puts Ukrainian President Zelenskyy on its wanted list
Russia has put Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on its wanted list, Russian state media reported Saturday, citing the interior ministry’s database.
No proof man lied to brother about number of kittens born in litter, B.C. tribunal rules
A man was denied a $5,000 payout from his brother after a B.C. tribunal dismissed his claim disputing how many kittens were born in a litter.
A Chinese driver is praised for helping reduce casualties in a highway collapse that killed 48
A Chinese truck driver was praised in local media Saturday for parking his vehicle across a highway and preventing more cars from tumbling down a slope after a section of the road in the country's mountainous south collapsed and killed at least 48 people.
'I just can't believe that it took so long': Body found in wreckage 3 months after deadly fire
A man accused of arson in a January Old Strathcona apartment fire is expected to be charged with manslaughter after a body was discovered in the burned building late last month.
Two killed after collision with truck on Hwy. 417 near Limoges, Ont.
Ontario Provincial Police say two people were killed after a car and a transport truck collided in the westbound lanes of Highway 417 near Limoges, Ont. on Tuesday afternoon.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Explosion at train station leads to discovery of stolen car on Montreal's South Shore: police
Police are investigating after a BMW exploded in the St-Lambert Exo train station parking lot on Montreal's South Shore.
The pros and cons of discussing mental health issues in the workplace
A group of lawyers has written what they call a groundbreaking book about how mental health is perceived in the legal profession.
Quebec police hand out hundreds of tickets to Hells Angels and other bikers before 'first run' meeting
Quebec provincial police handed out hundreds of fines to Hells Angels members and other supporting motorcycle clubs who met for their 'first run' in a small town near Sherbrooke, Que.