The 1987 case of Angelique Lavallee provides a roadmap for the “battered woman defence.” Canada’s first female Supreme Court justice, Bertha Wilson, attempts to expose systemic sexism in the justice system. Helen is charged with first-degree murder, and has to decide whether to accept a plea deal or go to trial.

Elizabeth Sheehy’s book is Defending Battered Women on Trial: Lessons from the Transcripts.

Theme song, “The Fighter,” by Jenn Grant.

Learn more about this podcast and domestic violence in Canada, or sign up for our newsletter at tgam.ca/inherdefence

E-mail the reporter at jpruden@globeandmail.com

If you’re experiencing intimate partner violence and want to talk to someone, you can find resources and your nearest shelter at sheltersafe.ca

New subscribers to The Globe and Mail get a deal at globeandmail.com/podcastdeal

Episode 5: The Battered Woman Defence

Amber Tuccaro was 20 years old when she left her infant son with a friend at a motel on the outskirts of Edmonton, and got into a vehicle with an unknown man.

She was never seen alive again.

But Amber left an important clue: A chilling recording of what appear to be the final moments of her life, and the voice of the man who may be her killer. Days after police released that recording to the public, Amber’s remains were found in a field outside the city. She would be one of five women whose bodies were discovered in that area, and one of dozens more found in rural areas around Edmonton, the victims of a suspected serial killer – or killers.

Following the success of the hit first season, In Her Defence: 50th Street takes listeners to Amber’s home in the Indigenous community of Fort Chipewyan, Alberta, retracing the final days of Amber’s life, and revealing suspects and information that have never before been made public.
In Her Defence: 50th Street explores the flawed police investigation into Amber’s disappearance and death, and asks serious questions about her unsolved murder.

Was Amber’s case compromised by what her family alleges was a racist and biased police investigation?

And does it mean a serial killer is still out there?

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True crime

Do you recognize this man’s voice?
Coming this fall, In Her Defence: 50th Street investigates the unsolved murder of Amber Tuccaro, who disappeared from the Edmonton area in 2010. Amber left an important clue: A haunting recording of what appear to be the final moments of her life – and the voice of the man who may be her killer.
Do you have information about Amber’s murder? Contact reporter Jana Pruden at jpruden@globeandmail.com or by phone/ text at 780-265-5262
The portrait of Amber is by Lauren Crazybull. The show’s theme song is “No Surrender” by Ms.PAN!K

Introducing In Her Defence: 50th Street

In this special bonus episode, our host Jana Pruden sits down with Crime Story’s Kathleen Goldhar to discuss the question, “How should we deal with women who kill their abusers?” 

You can listen to more incredible tales of true crime every week on Crime Story. Find them in your podcast app, or here: https://link.chtbl.com/DreYfAFB 

Plus, details of In Her Defence season 2 are coming soon!

Crime Story: An in-depth interview with Jana Pruden

Did Helen really kill Miles? A burning question remains. As Helen works toward release from prison, we think about what made Miles who he was, and consider the legacy of his violence.

Theme song, “The Fighter,” by Jenn Grant.

Learn more about this podcast and domestic violence in Canada, or sign up for our newsletter at tgam.ca/inherdefence

E-mail the reporter at jpruden@globeandmail.com

If you’re experiencing intimate partner violence and want to talk to someone, you can find resources and your nearest shelter at sheltersafe.ca

New subscribers to The Globe and Mail get a deal at globeandmail.com/podcastdeal

Episode 8: Freedom

Appealing a plea deal is a long-shot, but defence lawyer Mona Duckett wants to take it on. The Crown says justice has been served. The Court of Appeal considers Helen’s future.

Theme song, “The Fighter,” by Jenn Grant.

Learn more about this podcast and domestic violence in Canada, or sign up for our newsletter at tgam.ca/inherdefence

E-mail the reporter at jpruden@globeandmail.com

If you’re experiencing intimate partner violence and want to talk to someone, you can find resources and your nearest shelter at sheltersafe.ca

New subscribers to The Globe and Mail get a deal at globeandmail.com/podcastdeal

Episode 7: Seemed Like a Loser

Helen is sent to prison for the death of her husband. Around the country, people object to her sentence and the way she’s treated in court. In the isolation of prison, Helen wonders whether she’s done something wrong by accepting the deal, and has to consider what to do next.

Theme song, “The Fighter,” by Jenn Grant.

Learn more about this podcast and domestic violence in Canada, or sign up for our newsletter at tgam.ca/inherdefence

Email the reporter at jpruden@globeandmail.com

If you’re experiencing intimate partner violence and want to talk to someone, you can find resources and your nearest shelter at sheltersafe.ca

New subscribers to The Globe and Mail get a deal at globeandmail.com/podcastdeal

Episode 5: The Battered Woman Defence

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