Case 165: Nicholas Barclay

[@russell_fry]

You are the best storyteller on KZbin.

[@sabbey-]

I agree. It's hard to listen to other 'lesser' narrators.

[@Whippenburg]

Thank you , I hang out all week waiting for a new case , I fall asleep listening, no sirens, loud noises, gun fire or death metal music, and so many interesting cases

[@LukeMcGuireoides]

This podcast is amazing. I'm so happy to see it here since I no longer do podcasts. The case file series on the ear/ons/golden state killer is the best there is. It's about 6hrs or so on every victim and crime, and that's A LOT. This is a truly great true crime program!

[@Jimmytheman1]

This is your best work yet...a truly chilling and harrowing case...kept me guessing until the very end...

[@petesorensenguitar]

that uneasy feeling you get when things are going well for Nicholas and you're only 22 minutes in

[@klientproby]

In 3 years, a person's face doesn't change that much! Nicholas's family knew he wasn't who he was. Either they just wanted their son/brother back that baadly, or he'd been killed by either Jason or the mother, and having this man come forward as the son was a godsend.

[@ah-sh9dw]

It can when you're going from 13 to 16

[@jda58tex]

A few years ago, I watched the documentary. What a sad and tragic story. Most tragic is the not knowing what happened to poor Nicolas.

[@White-Michael935]

The con artist overshadows Barclay.

[@ilkkarautio2449]

His family was involved in his death, they wouldnt gone along with that theatre otherwise. THE FIRST THING HIS "BROTHER" SAID TO HIM WAS: "GOOD LUCK!". They know.

[@ilkkarautio2449]

Ugh, i should have listened further! But ive seen & heard tapes + i have insider knowledge of "a severe offender" so i can truly tell: id bet my life on his family being involved somehow.

[@ashleyking1146]

@@ilkkarautio2449 you have insider information meaning you saw the documentary

[@ilkkarautio2449]

@@ashleyking1146 Yeah, among other things, but thats not the insider part. Ive grown around substance abuse and violence, and i know many mothers who would sell their child to get drugs or kill their child in a fit of rage because they ruined the parents fix. And he truly was a difficult child by any standard, so it becomes even more likely that something happened. And not even people from x are that stupid that they would buy all of that, even denial wears off pretty fast.

[@amandadean3948]

I believe the family had something to do with the death of Nicholas. How is it possible that not ONE family member didn’t realize he was an imposter? It’s not like Nicholas was abducted as a baby. He would not have changed that much in 3 years and the only reason to fake embrace him would be because they already knew he was dead. Let’s face it, this family had a history of substance abuse and domestic issues.

[@thegunshowguy]

I was thinking that too! Like obviously if they said "it can't be him!" That would look really suspicious so they acted like it was him smh

[@thegunshowguy]

And if you look up pictures of him arriving,.you can see the mother looks sooooo nervous and guilty as if she knows that's not her son smh I was on the edge till I saw her face, her face does not say "I'm seeing my son for the 1st time in 3 years"

[@klientproby]

I think the family knew he was an imposter.

[@jacquelineoutlaw3252]

@@thegunshowguy Unless she thought he was coming back from the dead! Take enough drugs and one may believe anything. Either way, what a bad mother all the way around. Sending that known stranger to stay at her daughter's house around her little grandchildren instead of taking him home with her. I would never send a known stranger home to be in the house with my loved ones because I'm afraid for my own safety. She knew one hundred percent thaf he was some type of criminal posing as an impostor and yet she sent him home with innocent people she should have loved and deeply cared about. Ugh.

[@KS-PNW]

The human brain does some weird things to protect itself. I think the mother may have been so desperate to find him that she was willing to ignore the evidence. However, in my opinion, and that's all it is. I think his brother killed him, or at least was present for it . I think he got rid of the body and hasn't had the heart to tell his mom.

[@LukeMcGuireoides]

Looongtime casefile listener here. This episode really is that good. I just cant believe I havent heard of this case before. I'm going to suggest that dr todd grande do a yt video on it for some psychological analysis

[@janepellegrino8144]

Love Dr. Grande!

[@janepellegrino8144]

@Joan of Snark thank you!

[@janepellegrino8144]

@Joan of Snark lol

[@tiaramesias4064]

This podcast is definitely underrated

[@papapossum9909]

You’re telling me I listen to it every night as background noise for bedtime

[@marseycat1821]

One of the creepiest and most unsettling episodes I have listened to, especially the theory that the family might have been involved in Barclays disappearance and had known Bourdin was an imposter from the start. It probably wasn't a good idea to put this on before going to bed LOL

[@KS-PNW]

I think there's a good chance that his brother may have been involved. I think the mom was just desperate to have child back and was willing to believe anything that would make that happen.

[@patedwards8844]

​@@KS-PNWoh, I think mom knows somethings up with Jason &/or covering for him.

[@KS-PNW]

@@patedwards8844 that's certainly possible. I don't know either of them personally, my gut says the mom wasn't involved but that's not based on anything concrete. I might be biased here (my own parents had issues with addiction) so take that gut feeling for what it's worth.

[@matchalatte5415]

Of all the twist episodes i've watched from this podcasts, this was the most perplexing twists I've ever heard

[@mattwayne9128]

What I was expecting the plot to be swerved hard so many times. From expecting Nicholas to kill someone, to a missing person's case, to a search for a global pedophile ring, then going back to Nicholas' shady ass, then to finding out if he's a fake or not, to a flipping murder conspiracy. This is an S-class episode.

[@Jolenesmart1980]

You mean this HAD the most perplexing twists

[@deborabowlin8950]

i found your podcast tonight. i subscribed right away ty for being here great job

[@jenniferlever5843]

I am here because Stephanie Harlowe A True crime Podcaster in the states recommend your channel. Also she said you have a sexy voice, which I happened to agree. I am a new subscriber and binge-watching Thank you for amazing content 🤗

[@kizzymin2900]

Perfect for falling asleep right now 🥰

[@beckbeck5110]

Yes!!! Love falling asleep to Casefile & Trace Evidence. 😁😁

[@CupcakeMcGregor]

Her second thought was "how could she be so fucking stupid" made me laugh, just wasn't expecting it lol

[@malovela]

I'd heard the story before (on The Dollop, I believe), but it's fascinating enough to warrant many retellings. An absolutely incredible tale.

[@naomiledger1374]

I'm amazed at how easily the imposter seemed to slip through the cracks, especially in deceiving authorities! I just took a look at a photo of Nicholas and a photo of the imposter with his blond hair posing as the missing boy, and I have no idea what planet any of them were on believing they were one in the same person. As others mentioned in the comments, Nicholas was missing for 3 years and was a young teen, not missing for 13 years and could have returned as a developed man!! That part alone is ludicrous.

[@ashleyking1146]

I remember seeing a documentary about this. Truth is stranger than fiction. What a strange yet sad story. If the family isn’t involved than I hope they find out what really happened to Nicholas.

[@Amy-hp9nz]

Perfect, settling down for the evening playing Fallout and looking for something to listen to and this is just released! Thank you!!

[@petesorensenguitar]

One of my favourite pastimes. Wandering around Far Harbour while listening to shit like this is creepy.

[@ritasturgill8144]

Love your stories

[@D-Rizzle653]

Best true crime podcast..so much detail!

[@danrobinson572]

Just woke up here in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania in America 🇺🇸. A week is to long for a video but this made my day already.

[@jacquelineoutlaw3252]

I think Jason, the older half brother was involved in the younger half brother's death and disposal of the body. I'm not sure how much involvement, if any the mother had in the murder physically but for certain she was either aware, involved directly, or strongly suspected something was going on and Jason was responsible. She knew in any case that Jason was involved in her younger son's disappearance and death. It's very possible that Jason killed him while the mother slept and she awakened to the bad deed after it had already occured. Or she somehow knew about it because she heard or saw something going on at the house while she was there. She could have been present when it occured first hand. I don't believe they plotted together to kill him in a premeditated way, I think it happened more accidentally and most likely Jason acted alone. I think Jason lost his temper and killed him in a rage. Less likely but possible is that the younger son was fighting with the mother again and Jason took him out accidentally. The mother didn't want to throw Jason under the bus to get justice for her deceased son because she would lose two sons. She also realized she brought Jason back home in the first place so there was that guilt to contend with as he may have stayed away, if not for her beckoning him home. She knew the stranger from Spain wasn't her child before he arrived. She played along out of guilt to appease her daughter and further help cover up and conceal the crime of her young son being murdered by her older son. What a messed up family they proved themselves to be. How could the sister actually believe the grown man was her brother in the first place. I would forced him to remove the glasses, the scarves and caps, wraps, etc., before bringing him home. He was dark skinned, dark eyes, totally different texture of hair and she's crazy too. At least the guy picked the most dysfunctional family in America to lass himself off to at their homes. Whatever happened, I ninety percent blame the mother. They needed serious counseling long before the family sh*t came apart and hit the fans. As far as that stranger coming into their orbit after the fact, it's what happens when we live to deceive. KARMA.

[@TheGameHHH2000]

Great job once again

[@Maligroot]

Thank you Mate 👍

[@tifashepard5327]

It's a sad world we live in that an grown adult has to pretend to be missing boys and hurt people because his mother didnt love him

[@paulmcmahon6875]

What an extraordinary, spooky and ultimately sad clusterfuck. I only came acrss your clips yesterday, looks like I have a lot of catching up to do. Great work.

[@ItsaHutchy]

Loving these podcasts, they are so good! I still can’t get over the fact that American police use polygraph tests though, that needs to be binned

[@Quarky.me719]

They’re not admissible as evidence in court.. so it’s mainly just an interrogation tactic.

[@jayabaldwin6522]

Best episode by far!

[@Jolenesmart1980]

19:50 there is no “solution” you can just put in your eyes to change your eye colour so he was lying Edit yup 👍🏻 knew it was bs

[@1GreatPlan]

Fascinating! I love your voice too.

[@ilkkarautio2449]

Ive been waiting for this like a lunatic waits the full moon! 😳❤️👍

[@loredanadincu4300]

The brother behavior when he came to see him. Observing him and refusing to hug him. Maybe he realized it wasn't Nicolas. But didn't wanted to said that to his mother

[@aliveli-hq6zk]

wtf is that supposed to mean?

[@loredanadincu4300]

@@aliveli-hq6zk you have a problem, go resolved it then came back and comment

[@aliveli-hq6zk]

@@loredanadincu4300 that was asked before listening.

[@douae5857]

Absolutely! His mother wanted him to be Nicholas so bad that she never questioned it. His brother probably wasn’t as emotional and could tell the difference.

[@neweden8755]

Of course he knew, b/c he probably killed Nicolas. Giving him the cross? Saying good luck? Jason probably thought this was some godly intervention. God getting back at him. He died of overdose soon after. Pretty strange

[@Muirmaiden]

The family definitely knows more than they will admit. While they don't seem to be well-educated, their willingness to insist that Frederic Bourdin was Nicholas when it was obvious that he wasn't, is enough to raise eyebrows. Jason seems the most likely suspect in Nicholas's disappearance, and his behavior was a major red flag.

[@XxWoOkiExX1]

this is the craziest episode yet

[@LukeMcGuireoides]

Why are so many people saying best episode ever? Have all those people listened to all 160ish episodes? My favorite was the golden state killer series of 3 episodes. That's the one that comes to mind. There are others. Point it it's hard to pick just one

[@LukeMcGuireoides]

Nm, this really is the best one ever lol no lie

[@petesorensenguitar]

Haven't finished the podcast, but I imagine the cross Jason gave to "Nicholas" was the one he "used" to wear. (Sorry, tried to word that as to not spoil it)

[@neweden8755]

This podcast was fire

[@quickchris10]

Was it not investigated, I wonder. How about a record of the incoming phone call from Nicholas the brother said came from the courthouse. Did he really call from there, wanting a ride home, and then wander around, eventually winding up in a park, playing basketball? Where did he get a basketball? And then, random strangers appeared, with pockets full of chloroform-soaked rags? This Frederick has got to be the greatest actor ever known to man; what movies has he made in the last 25 years, I wonder. Also why are comments turned off, on some of these episodes.

[@thegunshowguy]

So I thought it was unlikely for the mom to have been involved, but after listening to this and looking up the pictures of her seeing him for the 1st time in 3 years, there's nothing but guilt and fear allll over her face! Her face does not say "I'm reunited with my child after 3 and 1/2 years" no fucking way. Listen to this and then Google "the imposter and find the pics of them at the airport, her face says it all

[@datwoopthing6167]

He’s back

[@JordanHowellMusic]

Charlie Parker: plays a super melodic saxophone solo, then puts his sax down. goes out and becomes a private investigator. (Charlie Parker was a famous, yet troubled by addiction and such, but amazing, jazz alto saxophone player. I know his grandchildren, who are adopted, but around my age 28-30 and doing well outside Philadelphia)… Anywayssss…. I knew about this story but, thank you for the video in the style you chose to tell the story in. This guy is probably abused, but also has become lazy, and or stuck in never being able to grow (mentally) past 17-18 years old….crazy. Probably sad, because there’s no history of this guy killing or hurting people? So….he probably an interesting case study for psychologists… 1:11:38 AAhhhhh gotcha!

[@VladRadu-tq1pg]

the policecouldn t tell that a freacking 23 years old grown ass man, wasn t a 14 years old kid ?

[@dougstyles]

Good stuff

[@edwardiiiofengland9337]

Odd, Bourdain’s YT channel has been blanked since you put this up or..?

[@loredanadincu4300]

Yeah the channel videos where made private or deleted, because it appears he didn't post anything.

[@theheroine177]

Wild

[@josephineamadi1629]

good video

[@KF-cx8bm]

Why would a Spanish man be speaking perfect french???

[@the1truebeliever]

I have heard this story elsewhere. Probably more recent. His brother killed him.

[@briannab9007]

I mean... that was impressive!

[@Raventooth]

I learned not to research the case before I listen. Prolly shouldnt be in the comments either haha

[@lenafranklin7262]

I'd say he knew Nicholas and thought he could impersonate him

[@lenafranklin7262]

Thank you for highlighting my comment who ever you are🙏

[@dougstyles]

He was a slick con artist

[@JoshD4271]

Holy shit the adds

[@aquatarot4694]

This is fucked right up like fucked up

[@mscekennedy]

Not true, Nicolas remains were found.

[@latriceharris3671]

When and where

[@pain-killeryates5448]

What? When? I've googled his name and nothing about him being found came out

[@brendajstevens3719]

👏👏👏

[@EllenLeah-pv2yw]

I just watched another youtube video about this case that was filled with half-truths and intentional omissions in order to paint Nicholas’ mother in the worst possible light. I was grossed out but completely unsurprised by this because just about every true crime channel on youtube besides casefile constantly panders to the many, _many_ misogynists in the youtube true crime audience. Videos that feature either female murderers, conspirators/accomplices, or other women in the story upon whom watchers can heap blame and contempt and disapproval always get way, way more clicks and generate way, way more comments (full of moral condemnation), so these channels give the people what they want, even if they have to twist the truth in order to do so. The few exceptions have relatively tiny audiences. Casefile is by far the best and most honest true crime channel on youtube.

[@GradKat]

“Nicholas’s” story sounds so ridiculous, but I suppose a desperate family will clutch at straws. Plus US citizens are very gullible.

[@fryarsandy2200]

The family or at least some of the family knew. End of. LUFC MOT

[@michellelammi787]

Probably denial. Because the worse thing is the child is dead.

[@SHurd-rc2go]

Nancy Fisher, FBI? Uhhh

[@TimNurTV]

sussy imposter

[@Jolenesmart1980]

I think he’s dead

[@sherrywebster1675]

He got his dream to be in america :) Seems a waste of a lot of intelligence.. misdirected , like so many.

[@brucegoose1984]

First

[@SafetyData477]

second

[@Jolenesmart1980]

Pronouncing like JISS LANE ghelaine- really?? After the Epstein thing it’s bloody guh-lane smfh

[@sallylou6556]

storys good . but good gosh that voice telling it is worst i have ever heard' no emotion just melatoni ugh stopped after 10 mins. your comments think it's good, poor you you never heard good. each your on