Case 172: Michael Gregsten & Valerie Storie

DESCRIPTION
In August 1961, a couple by the name of Michael Gregsten and Valerie Storie were sitting in their Morris Minor car in Dorney Reach, UK, when an intruder forced his way into the back seat brandishing a gun and took them for a drive all over the English countryside...
CREDITS
Narration - Anonymous Host
Research & writing - Jessica Forsayeth
Creative direction - Milly Raso
Production and music - Mike Migas
Music - Andrew D.B. Joslyn
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[@sarahl88]

This reminds me of the case of Roger Keith Coleman. Executed for the rape and murder of his sister in law, his last words were: "an innocent man is going to be murdered tonight." People protested and tried to prove his innocence for years until a decade later his guilt was proven by DNA. It really struck me that even with his last words when he had nothing left to lose, he still wouldn't grant the family peace. I felt the same about James Hanratty telling his family to fight to overturn his conviction, knowing they'd waste their lives for nothing and make the surviving victim question her recollection. I mean, claiming innocence to avoid execution isn't right but it's understandable. But then even when they knew they were going to die no matter what, their last wish was to make innocent people, even their own family, suffer forever. It's incomprehensible.

[@brandyjean7015]

James let his Dad quit his job, & give up his pension, to start a business to help his son. At the 1st opportunity, this easily bored & selfish young man, threw that sacrifice away. James used everyone.

[@margaretwhittaker2291]

he was a true Psychopath!

[@Rowe_Ti]

Same with the serial killer John Wayne Gacy, didn't confess to the very end. Even verbally abused the family of victims who came to see his execution. These sick fucks don't operate like regular people...

[@phulanadethal]

This case is reminiscent of a case in Florida in the 1980s. A man was found guilty of killing a woman, and despite the Pope John Paul II intervention, the man was sent to die in the electric chair, *old sparky* in Fla slang, he died a terrible death, due to the malfunction of the apparatus, news paper and TV reporters needed psychological counseling after witnessing the torturous death. Years later, the real murdered was found to be the woman's boyfriend. The poor man who was executed was a homeless man who had found the murder weapon, a gun, and had being trying to sell it for food. When he approached an undercover cop with the intention of selling the gun, he was arrested and later convicted an executed. A sad and unfortunate case, not even the Pope in Rome was able to save him from the electric chair. The difference to this case is he was really not guilty. Really sad

[@ninedaysjane2466]

So it's nothing like this case.

[@lisasteel6817]

@@ninedaysjane2466”Hey Siri, define reminiscent.”

[@michellesartori6695]

Gosh, this story was a real page turner. Im glad that Hanrattie's guilt was put to bed but it is sad that his family will not accept it. Im sorry for Michael and Im sorry for Valerie and the years of disability she endured at the hands of James. Simply a stunning conclusion. They should make a movie about it. Thanks CF for more excellent work!

[@shelleybuckingham733]

There is a documentary. We drive up dead man's hill all the time. Although it's changed from the 60's. Very sad story, very sad😐

[@VisionPoet]

Everytime I thought I knew what was happening, thr writing and narration proved me wrong. Well done. This was brilliantly done.

[@everyelse3271]

In the beginning, it seemed like an ordinary story, but how wrong I was to judge it so quickly. It's gripping and full of twists. Twist after the twist. Certainly one of the best from Casefile. Not to mention: stranger than fiction.

[@MegaDublinguy]

A gripping story that keeps you guessing to the end told with the usual incomparable skill of Casefile!

[@malovela]

That ending was overwhelming, even if not wholly unexpected.

[@grimtt]

I highly recommend this one, don’t read comments until after you listen unless you are already familiar with the case!

[@texastea5686]

Damn! What a great episode! When I heard the part where the dad gave up his pension to help his son to open a window washing business... and then, for James to just abandon it? I knew he was a heartless, bastard with no conscience whatsoever and that his family were enablers.

[@marktrezise7312]

Valerie is such a strong woman.

[@zedezio278]

I’ve listened to every single case now. I keep wondering why this channel only has 40,000 subscribers 🤦🏻

[@outlawJosieFox]

He doesn't do make up 😂

[@TimTimAg]

It's crazy how many views each video has but only has 67k subs, only a quarter of viewers subscribe

[@stephanieguthrie2338]

I have loved this podcast for years. The narrator has the most soothing and compassionate voice when speaking of the victims. I too am very surprised there are not more subscribers. Yet feel like we get to keep him within our little community. ❤️❤️

[@thecatatemyhomework]

Too many ads. If I didn't have KZbin premium, I wouldn't be here.

[@madisonmorell4336]

As a die hard Beatles fan, I had ABSOLUTELY NO IDEA that John and Yoko had participated in advocacy for this case. That’s incredible.

[@stevenmcghee6649]

Yep, Lennon financed a documentary.

[@amyclare5377]

Such sad story and I CANT BELIEVE housewife Audry opened the door to a random knock AFTER the man was there the first time... no fear or no sense 😢

[@noriwilliams4637]

no sense

[@zhouse2472]

Stellar presentation. You might be the best of this genre....so many times I'm surprised by how much more I learn about a case....or even hear about a new case that sends me looking for more information because you've made me curious. I've seen how countries seem to elicit different types of MO's and justice systems are different. So interesting in context. I think this time the UK, after much investment....got it right.

[@Holktube]

This was one of your best!

[@TNcatlover33]

Wow that was a twist. I was thinking gosh they murdered the wrong man. And BOOM! Valerie was such a strong woman. Wow. Great job. The family is in denial. Shame on them.

[@RowieSundog]

This story is so wild, thanks for the wonderful coverage

[@kellishostall2583]

Wow 😳..one crazy case! Well told..all the way through!

[@danrobinson572]

Getting ready for work so what a great way to start a Saturday morning.

[@actuallynotsteve]

This is one of the best episodes and stories, and I've been here since like episode 3. Every year or so I come back and listen to dozens of these in a row and this one has some of the best twists.

[@tarajh]

This one was a wild ride!

[@SHurd-rc2go]

Michael and Valerie - I navigated in a '59 TR3 at car rallies. And owned a Morris Minor of that era. RIP- Michael and Valerie. A couple of my era.

[@rachelsill79]

I feel bad for the Hanratty family but I don't doubt James Hanratty was guilty

[@johng7410]

Really? I have exactly that, doubt. As in I don't know if it's guilty or innocence. Given everything I consider that enough to be doubt. That's just the way I see it myself.

[@user-mt4ku7jw1y]

No way jose

[@garrethgoodworth2494]

Fascinating Case. I love the older ones.

[@lisetteeliseparis7070]

Thank you so much for your story telling skills; and the way you do your commercials is awesome also.

[@salomehart8833]

Absolutely fantastic storytelling. Well done!

[@srahhh]

God damn! The twists and turns!!!

[@jMci726]

Just started cleaning. Perfect timing!

[@amandasiddle6571]

Perfect timing casefile just about to start painting ♥️thanku

[@tillymynt9054]

Case file......... you are the best

[@AMYV3]

Thank you. I’ve looked. Trust me. No one is at your level of excellence ❤️❤️🇨🇦

[@cynthiagibson3069]

Don't put that onus on your children. Just let it be.

[@LilDitBit]

Thank you!

[@Maligroot]

Thanks, Mate 🙏🏻 never disappoint 🇦🇺

[@hmscldtrs]

And this is why the death penalty, although needed in certain situations, cannot be supported in its current state.

[@ellentronicmistress4969]

The death penalty was abolished in 1964 thankfully. In the UK that is.

[@rogerpattube]

Er, did you listen to the end? DNA proved he was the murderer, case if anything supports the death penalty. If Hanratty had only been imprisoned he would have been released in the 80s or before, free to kill again.

[@ellentronicmistress4969]

@@rogerpattube I don't believe in the death penalty so no case supports it for me.

[@shirleythompson2068]

👏👏👏 very well produced. I was captivated 👍

[@MR-pv7qg]

Fascinating story!

[@colinjennings3661]

The coincidences in this case are incredible and at the time there surely be reasonable doubt to Hanrattys guilt but with the DNA that seems conclusive to his guilt. Amazing story.

[@VladRadu-tq1pg]

I think you re a deluded muppet. They took dna from his teeth jackass, wast that also stored near valerie s dna ?@user-kz4ke8mg4r

[@jamiemichael7074]

Concidering they took the DNA sample from the semen on her clothing..are you trying to say he ejaculated on his clothes and it somehow rubbed off onto hers through cross contamination? If so, wouldn't there be 2 separate DNA profiles?

[@huntlife]

I will have to listen to this again, very good

[@harpandblooz7733]

Crazy af John and yoko got involvee

[@paras5435]

How freaky too the date the initial meeting was... Dec 9th 1969... 11 years later to the day John was shot.

[@jenniferbailey5914]

DNA doesn’t lie. What an amazing scientific breakthrough.

[@coletrain3178]

I’ve listened to every one. Binged. My absolute favourite is Alcatraz Secrets. Number 67. Thank you for all your hard word that all of you do to bring us this immense enjoyment.

[@thechloechronicles9688]

Have you been to Alcatraz? Do they talk about more things than you hear on the tour?

[@suzbay8932]

Addictive channel love it

[@dfgiuy22]

This is why the death penalty may be just... not appropriate. While we have humans in charge of figuring this shit out, it'll be be faulty. You can always keep someone in a cage until they get proved innocent.... fucking hard when they are dead

[@kristalefler3312]

I completely agree. In cases where there's absolutely no doubt ....alright, I could possibly get on board with being more open minded to it. Unfortunately the reality is a very broken & biased system which we are seeing more of all the time with the vast exonerations. Plus, keeping an inmate on death row for years & years is more financially taxing than a life sentence.

[@ilkkarautio2449]

Awesome & wholesome podcast! 😳👍🇦🇫 I love it, and this was a very interesting case.

[@kristynnye1286]

Happy 420😁

[@mycologyqueer]

this one REALLY got me what the fuck, this was such a rollercoaster

[@Jimmytheman1]

Another casefile...count me in!

[@feurigerStern]

Far better that a guilty person is aquitted than an innocent person executed for a crime he did not commit.

[@ilkkarautio2449]

^ I agree! I was falsely accused of rape, but my alibi was literally on video so it was as solid as one can be.

[@rogerpattube]

Luckily Hanratty was convicted by brave jury which prevented him killing again.

[@RightsForZombies]

I hadn’t heard of this case before, but I suspected from the start what the outcome would be. It goes to show that guilty people can be railroaded just like innocent people can, which is both how innocent people are falsely convicted and guilty ones have verdicts overturned. There’s no doubt the investigation was a disaster and a miscarriage of justice, but I was also certain he actually was guilty. I hate throwing out the term ‘sociopath’ because it’s overused and not an actual diagnosis, but it’s still what comes to mind with James. His reported actions during the crime and his superficially charming nature seemed utterly calculated, and he was clearly extremely self-centred and callous given how he treated his family. I feel devastated for all his victims, including his family and his friend who killed himself. What a waste of skin.

[@peregrinemccauley5010]

This Case File format is a great idea. Otherwise with the traditional format, one has to sit through watching clips of American film scenes that try to identify with the story outline. Crass.

[@lindasue8719]

It occurs to me that was videos like this and other channels, it's no wonder cities and governments find it so easy to make people distrust everyone and outright hate some.

[@Leepal1969]

I grew up a couple of miles from where the car hi jack began. I always wondered what Hanratty was doing there, it's an obscure area even to local yokels like me. Hanratty was from up London with no connection to the area (as far as I know).

[@davidellis485]

A very good point. If he had driven and parked nearby then his abandoned car would have been discovered ( given he drove to EastLondon in Gregson’s vehicle. The fact it wasn’t suggests he could have been driven there by someone who was intent on breaking up the relationship ( the motive Alphon gave)

[@KathleenCalhoun-em6ys]

Lady who answered her door to a random stranger and told him that her husband wasn't around was both dumb and lucky.

[@MsHburnett]

imagine if john lennon put his wealth and celebrity to put wheelchair access lifts into public transport Instesd of supporting a ctiminal

[@Jay-qm8cx]

Shout out to Slough!

[@rogerpattube]

This and The Office really putting you on the map! And the Jam song.

[@mcashw]

How does KZbin have so many god damn ads 18 ad breaks some with multiple - wtf

[@rogerpattube]

Get Premium

[@ninedaysjane2466]

AdBlockers have been around forever. They even block KZbin ads.

[@MinuMat]

you should make some ancient criminal podcast... I think the/your well is running dry of some truly scary things

[@treesha3427]

...Not sure, though.....

[@jordanstinson5791]

There was evidence linking Peter Alphon to the A6 attacks that was uncovered by the A6 Committee: 1. Alphon bore a strong resemblance to the first identikit picture in a description given by Valerie Storie. 2. Alphon was a poor driver as witnesses saw Gregsten's Morris Minor driving erratically towards the Redbridge Tube Station where the car was dumped in the hours after the attacks. 3. When Alphon was angry or stressed, his speech would lapse into a Cockney dialect. 4. In Alphon's confession given in 1967, Alphon stated that he was paid £5,000 in cash by a unknown man to end the affair between Gregsten and Storie while a second unknown man provided Alphon the gun used in the attack, Alphon's bank account had shown that he received cash payments totalling £7,569 dated after the attacks sometime between October 1961 and June 1962. 5. Alphon never produced a water-tight alibi. 6. Alphon had a stronger motive than James Hanratty did.

[@LL-jt1xt]

7) Alphon's DNA completely ruled him out.

[@VladRadu-tq1pg]

yes so true bruh ,you and your deluded brainwashed commity are so much more trustworthy than fking DNA that confirm that it wasn t him

[@carolann3249]

What a psychopath he was , lying to everyone

[@timkirkman3679]

About time yeah

[@jeffjones3040]

I would not put it past Scotland Yard to just SAY the DNA was as such, for appearances and reputation.

[@loriegosnell9355]

Way to go John and Yoko. Stupid famous people need to stay in their lane.

[@quickchris10]

This case makes me think Britain in the '60's was more chock full o'nuts than the U.S. I think the problem was, asking the oublic to repirt beoghbor acting "suspicious in that they never go out.". Wow, so qe all javw to report a neighbor, then. And, a lot of people probably judged married Michael an Valerie for having an extra-marital affair. And anti-death-penalty sentiment was expanding.

[@stevenmcghee6649]

The DNA tests appear to incriminate Hanratty - but there's a good chance of contamination in what was tested. I still don't think he did it.

[@NIN1]

lol what a crazy case

[@claireobrien9348]

So many adds!!

[@brendajstevens3719]

👏👏👏

[@marktrezise7312]

Hi not known man

[@carolinebrennan3864]

And the moral of the story is....

[@carolinebrennan3864]

1. Get a room.

[@rogerpattube]

Do not murder.

[@1888.cfc.]

Ads are outrageous. Had to turn it off.

[@user-wo2sk1qm6m]

Way too many adds annoying

[@LanceBeckman]

Your voice lol

[@seanmacmillan782]

Bull rap how now you just can’t lay down and listen to your voice and be hands free sleep. Now cour commercials are mainstream like all the othah ones. Now u don’t stand out. Good day

[@KS-PNW]

What ??

[@scorpiontail2561]

Too long winded..must make them shorter ..or we get bored.although other than that,reasonably well presented.

[@Jolenesmart1980]

Your still putting A in randomly - 45:46 saying assessed A James .... you do it a lot it’s a weird a I a don’t a get a it

[@rogerpattube]

Jolene yes I hear it too. It’s a verbal tick associated with his accent. Same with pronouncing ‘th’ as ‘d’ eg ‘da police said da man...’

[@kristalefler3312]

Wow, that was unnecessary. Believe it or not.....we don't all speak the same. Some people have speech impediments, lisps, nervous ticks, & so on. There's nothing "weird" about how he speaks.

[@pooky1972]

Dont be so rude!

[@kristalefler3312]

@@pooky1972 KZbin has some of the rudest comments I've ever seen. They need a system like Reddit...where nasty comments get downvoted & eventually deleted.

[@pooky1972]

@@kristalefler3312 yes. I don't understand some people. They hide behind a profile and just say what eva they want with no thought to others