The Mysterious Murder Of Joan Beddeson | Nightmare In Suburbia | Real Crime

[@elizabethmcglothlin5406]

It sounds as though she'd led a very sheltered and inward life, which may have made her a target. What a heartless man.

[@tamuz9633]

I don't think that she was sheltered. I think that uncle SA'd her when his wife died...or even before she died. Why else didn't she want her own family. Very odd, don't you think???? 😮

[@beaulieuc8910]

exactly, what a narcissist and sociopath he was, no remorse

[@thehangingparsiple5692]

​​​@@tamuz9633not at all. Not everyone wants a family, and she was from a generation where it wasn't unusual to stay unmarried in order to look after the people who'd looked after you. It was an English thing.

[@indigobunting2431]

Beautifully narrated --- such a calm, respectful account of an abused elderly lady.

[@dankadesign7462]

Agreed.Well done made.👍👍

[@KendraAndTheLaw]

When they say, "nothing bad ever happens in our town, and nobody locks their doors", you can bet something evil is afoot.

[@lolgrant]

Honestly, which normal person doesn't lock their doors?

[@tmcurly]

Plenty people don’t

[@lolgrant]

@@tmcurly Morons

[@heathermay3590]

I always check my doors before going to bed.

[@Yossiloveu]

Im a lockerup sally cos 99.9% of the time, cops say "the perp came thru the unlocked ____." And the first thing i do when i get in the car is lock the door. Still kickin rocks decades later...i credit my mom's hypervigilance, or as some might call it, paranoia- but better safe than sorry. I grew up w my head on a swivel, you have to in a city.

[@catherine59226]

She seemed to be very lovely. I’m so sorry for her and her family. May she rest in peace…

[@sylviabivens4694]

I don't believe Joan loved him. I think that was only Peter's story. I believe he was the aggressor, moving in on her, psychologically manipulating her to believe he cared about her and was helping her.

[@Lucinda_Jackson]

I think it was both. He definitely did as you said, but I can't imagine she would get involved in that sort of relationship with him if she didn't believe herself to be in love. I think she'd long dreamed of being loved and in love and was positively thrilled when she thought it had happened to her at this late date in her life. I also think it's obvious that she awakened to the fact that it wasn't real and her dream had become a nightmare. Peter saw his money train about to pull out of the station without him and the next stop possibly the police. So he acted.

[@capnobvious2718]

@sylviacortez4694 True. It bugs the hell out of me when the narrator says 'her lover'. NO, HE WASN'T! So STOP SAYING THAT! He was a criminal: a thief, predator, and murderer. THAT'S IT.

[@bonniemoerdyk9809]

@@capnobvious2718 ... I agree wholeheartedly!! They even mention that he was using the pillows out of the guest bedroom he stayed in when he came to town! Burns me up when the narrator kept saying "Lover". He is definitely a Manipulative Narcissist at the least .... very likely a Sociopath or Psychopath! They are very charming at first and put on airs of being an upstanding member of society while love-bombing others and making them feel wanted. Then, their mask slips, and you start to see them for who they really are. 👹

[@conniehanses]

​@bonniemoerdyk9809 lol drove me nuts using "Spinster"..

[@FRLN500]

@@conniehanses There is nothing wrong with the word "spinster". The only thing wrong is your choosing to be offended by its use. If I choose to be offended by the name connie, are you going to stop using it? Also, using the word "nuts" to describe a mental health issue is in very poor taste and is highly offensive. Stop doing it or I shall report you to the language police and you will be sent away for reprogramming!

[@Auntie-Sara]

I met a man earlier this year who presented well, no alarm bells, so I exchanged phone numbers. The good feeling quickly turned to a fear I'd never before experienced, I felt preyed upon by his sudden rush of affection. After many texts that left me uneasy, texts I did not respond to, I blocked him and vowed to never again give anyone a chance who expresses interest in me. It is terribly lonely but I'm alive and not robbed. Such an ugly world we have since the Internet and I wish all the satellites would blow up and force us back to life before computers.

[@kerryberman609]

Love bombing for sure.

[@fionamackie3357]

I know you've had a bad experience, and you did all the right things. There are decent people out there, though. Perhaps you might meet someone through friends? I was just about ready to throw in the towel, too, after raising my three children as a single parent. It really was quite awful, dating, and some of the horrible things some men do. I nearly cancelled meeting my now partner of 6 1/2 years because of the bad experiences. Honestly, he seemed too good to be true. Fit, loved his adult kids, loves animals, a doctor, great family..... A year ago, my son was very sick with his cystic fibrosis and my partner was my rock when we almost lost him. Went to all his clinic visits with us and spent time with him on the ward. Brought him food and gifts. My son's own father never bothered to turn up. There really are some good people out there and I hope you find one if you would like that companionship❤

[@soniaclarkstewart]

I’m glad your “spidey” senses kicked in. Sometimes I humour people since I was brought up to not be rude, but you can’t really trust people. They train men in prison to know how to charm intelligent women and take advantage of them. Most are to ashamed to admit it and warn others.

[@ShalomShalom-d5c]

Same happened to me! I actually married (2nd) someone I knew for yrs thru a club, a widower. What he learned was that a wifes death can leave uou wealthy. I kno he tried to set up an accident that surely would hav killed me. I filed for div quickly. Then met another man thru friends & he tried to get me to sell all my assets & move to France with him. This is before FB (2003)etc. Im sure his intentions were to dump my body somewhere & disappear in Europe. Men are gold diggers & murderers. A counselor told me "men are natural born predators & women are their prey. Men rarely are prey." So true.

[@Lucinda_Jackson]

@@fionamackie3357 How wonderful! I'm truly happy for you that you found so much happiness and a loving partner.

[@lauraswann5543]

That poor lady, may she rest in peace. My condolences to her remaining family.

[@bugsea54]

Greed never ends well. A bottomless pit that people seem to get worse and worse then nothing is off limits. Prayers to the family.

[@beaulieuc8910]

agreed

[@renee1961]

Joan suffered such Heartbreaking Losses! And then, she's Murdered. Rest In Peace Joan 💔💔💔🕊️🕊️🕊️🙏🙏🙏💐💐💐

[@alisong2328]

Those who prey on the elderly deserve a special place in hell.

[@mangotree2110]

Yes indeedy

[@cheetoesgal5229]

Amen!!

[@stacyjaye6350]

👍

[@cindyhorn5786]

Amen

[@legitbeans9078]

Old people don't need money it's only fair that they share

[@RoachIndited]

I brt she was traumatised by her parents death, it sounds like she kinda stayed as a teen never fully moving on with her life. It happens frequently.

[@renee1961]

I feel so bad for Joan! I can't believe he stole so much money from her! How Greedy, and Cruel! And then Murdered her!

[@despicabledavidshort3806]

I can't believe she gave him so much money

[@fionamackie3357]

​@@despicabledavidshort3806people who are nice and innocent don't think bad things about people. Horrible man.

[@poppykok5]

It's simply bone-chilling how *ANY* one could be so inherently, or intrinsically evil, to such a gentle, kind, elderly & trusting woman, AND then smugly murder her while actually believing they'd get away with it...**scot-free!!!** I hope the rest of Mr. Crittenden's life in prison is a lonely, miserable, frightening one with long sleepless nights of fear & guilt!!! My heart really hurts for Joan's cousin, Albert Beddeson, & for Sue...The police department needs special recognition for how thorough & patient they were during their long & tedious investigation!

[@manichairdo9265]

His miserable wife will be visiting him. She campaigned against him suffering in jail for a year until his trial. Said it was unfair on him and on her. The dimwit didn't realise he could have done it to another woman. Most trial take a year re preparation.

[@kevintraynor4508]

The man who killed her was a pychopath. They have no feelings or empathy

[@ThanaBrunges-mx7ji]

Ick ! 😮

[@beaulieuc8910]

financial predators, this is what they do, it why get get into money type jobs

[@laceneil4570]

@@manichairdo9265 What a stupid cow. He could have murdered her and not had a qualm, why support him? He's a psychopath, he doesn't love her so if she had any sense, she'd divorce him.

[@sionnach3104]

It should be illegal to take out a life insurance policy on someone else’s life. It seems to be a catalyst for so many murders.

[@LadyBug1967]

Sion excellent point. Why not research this & write a book on it. This is one reason I've no life insurance, better alive than dead😮

[@sionnach3104]

@@LadyBug1967 It always surprises me that someone can take out a life insurance policy on someone (even where they’re not married) I assume it involves forging your signature but, it seems too easy, One thing I said to my husband - no life insurance on me! I don’t want to be worth ££ to anyone upon my death. Long lives to us both 🙏

[@susiefoxy8130]

I think only married couples should have policies, and in my case my husband and I had to show we were married and both had to sign the documents each leaving it to each other, or the children if we both died.

[@cornishmaid9138]

@@sionnach3104- As far as I know, the signature of the the person being insured is not required.

[@sithlordhibiscus9936]

it's supposedly nearly impossible to do this. The laws are still too lax. they are better than before when you could take a million dollar policy on a child.

[@everydaykiva6377]

It hurts my heart to think of elderly people not being able to live safely & peacefully until their end.

[@aprilfisher4947]

50 something and even 60 something is not elderly .

[@thehangingparsiple5692]

​@@aprilfisher4947Joan was 71

[@sandinielsen4401]

RIP Joan. I hope you died without realising you were being killed by a man you loved. You had worked so hard at your savings and it took a crook to take advantage of your vulnerability Bless those policemen, their skills and determination saved the day.

[@loriegosnell9355]

Easy for him to do. Miracle he even got caught.

[@flej01]

R.I.P Sweet Joan, my heart goes to her family

[@CenturyHomeProject]

She seem like the type of lady who was always looking for a father figure in her life. The one thing I do gather from this is that she was a inherently good lady and a wonderful human being.

[@judedonnelly4100]

"Seemed/seems".. "An" inherently..

[@tamuz9633]

​@@judedonnelly4100You here two co-rrect peeple's spe'llings? 😅😮

[@beaulieuc8910]

@@tamuz9633 haha somee people are weally weerd aren't theyyy

[@patriciakeenan5448]

Incredibly sad tale, oft repeated unfortunately with older, more vulnerable people, especially women. No "financial advisor"..., however "well presented" would get past my front doormat. How tragic that Joan fell prey to this predator as she seemed such a lovely person. He's probably giving financial advice these days to his cellmates, so l hope THEY see through him!

[@fionamackie3357]

At least take someone trusted who is not part of the will.

[@Lucinda_Jackson]

That's a silly stance to take. There are bad people in every profession or line of work who take advantage or do evil. The hugely overwhelming majority of financial planners or advisors are perfectly fine people with the best interests of their clients foremost in their dealings. If you have any sizable amount of money or investments, you need somebody to help you manage it properly so that you can increase your funds if possible and protect yourself from excessive losses. Most people aren't knowledgeable enough to maneuver through the stock and bond markets, annuities, etc The investment world gets more and more complicated every day. And financial advisors can see you through those land mines.

[@beaulieuc8910]

well said, as older women we will be targeted, at 59 I am already learning the red flags for when I am older. I don't have kids so they won't leach me either. I was lucky in a sense as my parentss got involved as victims to a conman when I was a child so I have a head start on these types

[@Andy437]

@@Lucinda_Jackson no way! All nasty, greedy people is my experience 😏

[@Lucinda_Jackson]

@@Andy437 What a shame! My parents always had truly wonderful financial advisors protecting them and helping them with all sorts of things. When my mother died (my father was already gone then) I was well looked after by the man who had taken care of their affairs and now his daughters. They have never taken advantage in any way! I worked in banking and knew quite a few financial planners and advisors, all very reputable and above board. 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@habibrohman-cq1us]

Its aweful how someone could do this.

[@johnwightman7549]

got to give the police full marks for this one. It would have very easy to just accept that a 71 year old woman had just died of natural causes.

[@MsVanorak]

if there wasn't something to cover up they wouldn't have made a fuss about it.

[@tammycrisel8692]

They did great! ❤

[@zeldagoblin]

Yeah, this case occurred before the uk police were corrupt and ideologically captured.

[@KSwindellsMACHETEMAIDEN]

Yeah they did well for being Cheshire police, normally they are awful

[@theresamills5095]

I think that her post mitten would have shown she didn’t die of natural causes.

[@kalmangyarfas385]

It was a very effective and diligent detective work, thanks for police detectives!👍

[@susiefoxy8130]

My own thoughts are that this man’s wife must have been in on his fraudulent ongoings, I think she was with him when trying to get the bungalow valued, where did she think he was getting money from for all his flash spending, especially when he had done this to a previous elderly woman. I want to know if this man’s possession were seized due to proceeds of crime and whether his wife was ever charged for anything. Awful people!

[@smartypants7284]

I don't think she knew. He could have said he was a higher earner than he was

[@TPH250290]

Stockport and Macclesfield are literally the next town over from each other and they're acting like she moved to a different country.

[@ChronicGoblinQueen]

They're literally just 13 miles apart

[@lulassong6524]

​@@ChronicGoblinQueen😂😂😂

[@muslimahsierra177]

Idk how things are there but in america you can get a whole different environment from a block away 😂

[@1961-v9k]

@@muslimahsierra177same here in the UK. I can walk twenty minutes one way and be in a beautiful quaint little village, then twenty minutes the other way and find myself in a run down ghetto estate.

[@alisong2328]

Her cousin says she "dropped the bombshell that she was moving to Macclesfield."

[@renee1961]

This Poor Woman was robbed, and Murdered. Devastating!🥀🥀🥀🥀

[@ThanaBrunges-mx7ji]

😢

[@ShelleyBean1808]

Why do they keep calling her a spinster? It's not a choice for some women! RIP Joan, you deserved so much better 🤍🕊🪽

[@judyjudy51]

Couldn’t agree more. It has derogatory and outdated connotations.

[@thecatatemyhomework]

I believe in England they still use that word. Here in the United States it's an outdated term. But even if it was her choice never to marry, she still falls under the definition of spinster.

[@orionxtc1119]

Spinster is NOT derogatory just as batchelor for men is NOT derogatory....modern woke people see take offence at everything

[@yakacm]

The documentary is a few years old, hopefully they wouldn't use the term today. Sometimes it's easy to forget how quickly things like this have changed.

[@kathleensmith644]

Spinster is not derogatory, I personally prefer the term spinster to the hideous term ms, which seems to relate to nothing.

[@elainelessack]

I wonder if Peter Crittenden was actually a Narcissistic Sociopath? People with this diagnosis are "experts" at finding lonely, vulnerable victims, and then draining them of all financial and material usefulness! 😢

[@zzzbbbooo]

He was just a bad, opportunistic person who preyed on a trusting older woman, simple as that. No analyses required.

[@SatumainenOlento]

Yes, exactly!!! He immeaditely reminded me about my sister's ex who is a diagnosed sosiopath! Or he could be a narcissist. Anyway, they can make you believe any lie!!! Masterful manipulators of other people! It is very very hard not to be manipulated by these people! Joan had no chances against the onslaught of Peter's lies and immaculate manners. He used every opportunity to gaslight her. These are extremely dangerous people!

[@elainelessack]

​@@zzzbbbooo: Not required, but an analysis is intellectually satisfying. I am curious to understand the reasons for human behavior. Many people seek to understand the workings of the mind.

[@beaulieuc8910]

i agree with you, that was my thought, and he chose a greedy money type job

[@We_Are_All_Vultures]

Uncle Norman and Joan seem like nice people.

[@crazy_old_bat]

When they said he claimed to be at home in bed with his wife, I was like “All this and he was married!?!”

[@bowleggz1003]

He took advantage of her, I'm so mad and I'm not apart of her family.

[@titinette331]

Great job done by the police!

[@didimagnin3744]

Poor lady. She was obviously besotted by him. She didn't deserve to be murdered for her naivety.

[@lulassong6524]

She was TRUSTING... Criminals sniff their victims out immediately. 😢

[@BeamieUpScot]

This poor woman. Stop calling her ‘spinster’ 🙄 it’s so out-dated

[@SuzyQ334]

I agree. It is a horrible, archaic word and the narrator used it so frequently, like we didn't get it the first time.

[@Lil.black.dress84]

an unmarried woman, typically an older woman beyond the usual age for marriage

[@1961-v9k]

Not only that, but she was hardly elderly in her 50s 🤔

[@nikkirogers5991]

​@@Lil.black.dress84No one misunderstands the definition. We just agree that defining a woman by her marital status is archaic and stupid.

[@marshapieroni6677]

​@@1961-v9kthat sure as heck isn't old to me

[@SinaLaJuanaLewis]

Why do they keep calling her a spinster? She was a woman. A lovely human. RIP😢

[@trudylee7869]

Well said. Be a gigolo if victim was male

[@john1v6]

Spinster just means a woman who never married. Male equivalent would be a batchelor. Nothing sinister or wrong about being one.

[@JenniferSW3]

@@john1v6 It's a horrible term used only for women. Batchelor doesn't sound anywhere near as bad.

[@beaulieuc8910]

@@JenniferSW3 agreed!

[@Indusxstan]

Bachelor sounds bad too. Ask me. I am one. But it's critical information about me and if I died in mysterious circumstances, would be 100% relevant in the investigation.

[@hollyannbest2300]

That's how they do it , by looking oh so respectable.

[@forgiven5919]

Crittendon has certainly killed before and what a coward to target women. I am so proud of the work the police did for this sweet lady.

[@pamelacorbett8774]

Pity she didn’t tell him I’ll just check out this plan of yours with my family solicitor. So sad: as usual, love is blind … and deaf.

[@retromoviefan944]

she let her heart rule her head. Sad.

[@shirleybezuidenhout2724]

So sad indeed, 😢 to murder someone who is old and frail is terrible, poor woman. 😢

[@mrsbluesky8415]

My sympathies to Joan’s family. I can tell her cousins were horrified at what happened to their vulnerable, shy cousin. The murderer was not the least bit remorseful because he is a shell, barely human, with no empathy. May he rot.

[@catnbird]

Everyone wants to be loved. It doesn’t matter how old one is. Nobody wants to be lonely. I believe this is how the monsters seduce the elderly. There isn’t a hell hot enough for them.

[@carolcasey5441]

Well said. ❤

[@marykuttykuriakose6810]

Poor woman! Because of the pancreatic cancer, she may have known that she didn’t have much time left on this earth. But on the on the other side, it shows that she was a fighter who wouldn’t let her lover steal her money and leave her unhappy. But so happy to know that he was finally caught with all the evidence and will spend the rest of his life in prison.

[@joseaod15]

Ok, but why did they have to refer to her as a “spinster.” 😢

[@PatriciaWehrle-pn8tc]

Really, actually they referred to her as the "elderly spinster"👿🤬....while men are "mature bachelors".

[@GMW.artist]

It's a legal term. Until you're married, you're a spinster...

[@ChronicGoblinQueen]

​@@GMW.artisthasn't been a legal term since 2005, "single" is used instead

[@SuzyQ334]

Even worse was "elderly spinster" and the number of times the narrator used it. Disrespectful and so last century.

[@MrPotsy81]

@@GMW.artist This is true in Ireland. My grandmother was listed as "spinster" as her occupation on the marriage certificate. Why not just call these women Old Maids. Ridiculous. I am not a fan of marriage and am not married. Happily. Let's get rid of this ridiculous labeling in all areas of our lives.

[@clairelaker7153]

What a dreadful story and how dignified are Joan's family in the telling of it. I hope they with time find some peace in their own lives.

[@lorimcfarland4479]

I’m about Joan age, call me a spinster, you’d better be leaving quite quickly!

[@Shellytrifle.]

Stop focusing on her title, she fell for his bull.

[@Marcel_Audubon]

Why? perfectly good word with a very specific meaning... don't let your own insecurities cloud your judgment, granny!!!

[@KSwindellsMACHETEMAIDEN]

​@@Marcel_Audubon its a disgusting derogitive word about 100 years outdated

[@bigdflanders4567]

Spinster

[@yweiden]

I agree that the word spinster has a bad connotation Single is perfectly adequate

[@We_Are_All_Vultures]

What a monster

[@beaulieuc8910]

no such thing, he is a predatory man

[@lizmonard]

The policeman saying he’s not going to make any moral judgements on the fact that the financial adviser was married and carrying on an affair is dumbfounding to me! It’s pretty obvious to me that the man lacks moral integrity and is deceitful and not to be trusted..

[@maxiculture]

Perhaps the police should receive some basic training in psychology. The ability to spot psychopaths would be handy in their line of work, ....was my thought when I heard the description of his charming manner and moral turpitude.

[@beaulieuc8910]

agreed

[@rochelle8124]

What he meant was that it’s not in his role description as a policeman to employ moral judgement.

[@catherinefranklin9128]

That terrible man has all the traits of a true psychopath.He will never change!

[@beaulieuc8910]

exactly, even having a job in finance ie greedy mindset

[@sonaterese799]

As a retired insurance broker, I used to work with financial advisors and not only would I not join their team, I wouldn't trust tham as far as I could throw them - they were incredibly greedy where other peoples money is concerned, which is a trait that I am uncomfortable with

[@renee1961]

I'm so sorry for Joan, and her Loved Ones.🥀🥀🥀🙏🙏🙏🕊️🕊️🕊️

[@jamesl9371]

I love the closed circuit cameras and phones and technology that catches the criminals now

[@LeiaThePrincess1]

Horrible crime 😢 But I have 1 question. Where were her relatives before? She was a lonely living women, with property and money. It's always a magnet to bad people. They may not kill but can take advantage of a person’s trust. Therefore, for the sake of their loved ones, relatives should always be on alert.

[@solotraveller888]

They’re not gonna follow her on her new home and guard her 24/7! She only met the thug who fleeced her 3x!

[@minvelseskanal876]

Woman, many women

[@Marie.b]

Taking advantage of people's good nature, kindness or vulnerability to extract money from them really really makes me so angry.

[@AncoraImparoPiper]

Classic psychopath. Dominating the court, pointing at the jury, no remorse. He revealed his true self during his trial. I am so sorry for Joan that she had encountered that despicable human. Joan sounded like a beautiful person.

[@splinterbyrd]

This sort of thing has always happened and probably always will. I recall when I was a kid hearing two old ladies on a bus saying to each other; "'Tes a wicked ol' world isn't et?" "Yaas, and it don't get no bedder"

[@nonosays]

Wow. These good people remind me of a Monty Python sketch. "Morning, Mr. Mellish." "Morning, Enid." "Did those paper clips come in?" "They're over there." Of course the poor woman was smothered for her money! THREE postmortems. For heaven's sake!

[@mckavitt13]

Thank you so much for sharing this moving & informative documentary w us on YT. ❤

[@chab1rd155]

All for money. So sad.

[@Tom-sg4iv]

You should never tell anyone what you're worth

[@nickidaisydandelion4044]

Life insurance needs to be Banned world wide.

[@looloo4029]

It certainly seems to be a catalyst for murder on many occasions.

[@MrHusang23]

This guy really thought that he can get away with this?

[@marshapieroni6677]

Pretty dumb, huh

[@MsVanorak]

who doesn't know that the motorways and main roads are plastered with cameras. i broke down on a motorway slip road once and the Highways Agency got there to quiz me before the RAC arrived.

[@CammieInOz]

Hard to understand why in this day and age the word spinster is still used. There are a lot of women who remain unmarried simply because they've spent their younger years looking after family, usually an aging or disabled parent, and life has passed them by. It seems like this was the case with Joan, but it was her uncle she devoted her time to. Very sad ending.

[@sionnach3104]

Is this what you take-away from this tragedy, indignation at a term for an unmarried woman?? Give your head a good shake. Women of her generation used it and many did so with pride. It may be loaded for you - but this isn’t about you.

[@CammieInOz]

Give my head a good shake? I suggest you give yourself a good pull! It's funny you see fit to target me for my comment when so many others on this thread have said the same thing.

[@sionnach3104]

@@CammieInOz You’re clearly one of e who are easily triggered by terms you don’t understand or a history you can’t be bothered to research.

[@retromoviefan944]

yeah that word is certainly quite outdated. Although for women of her generation it was still used of course. But I do think the word should be retired and put in the past for today's older ladies, many of whom grew up in the swinging 60's when things were changing and some of them either didn't get married or never had kids.

[@KSwindellsMACHETEMAIDEN]

​@@sionnach3104 everyone knows what it means idiot, i think they are saying its a bad turn of phrase and i agree

[@zzzbbbooo]

It's a good idea for any older person on their own to have a trusted family member or friend with power of attorney status so that they can't be taken advantage of in the way this poor woman was.

[@chrislastnam6822]

Never give someone power of attorney unless you have Alzheimer's. Instead tell any men you meet how poor you are.

[@bilindalaw-morley161]

Yes and then your relatives take advantage of you, clear out all your money. You're penniless, maybe homeless, and it's all been done without your knowledge. AFAIK you don't have any legal redress either because you willingly signed a POA whilst fully sane.

[@beaulieuc8910]

@@chrislastnam6822 agreed

[@beaulieuc8910]

@@bilindalaw-morley161 exactly, greedy kids and grand kids! I don't have any fortunately but I could still be targeted. I think it is worse now as young people are poorer and can't afford a house

[@maryannanderson2213]

I am amazed at the stupidity of people who continue to commit the most heinous of crimes, apparently totally oblivious to the fact that in today's world CCTV cameras are EVERYWHERE and everyone and his cat has a phone that also acts as a camera. I don't even scratch my backside if I am outside of my house. Certainly it isn't illegal to do so but I don't want to appear on TikTok or KZbin or Facebook doing something that is a bit embarrassing. Lt. Joe Kenda, a retired police officer in Colorado Springs and also the Homicide Hunter on TV, said that criminals are stupid and he's glad they are because if they were smarter he wouldn't have been able to catch so many of them. This man merrily made his way to Joan's house and ended her life and then took his happy self back home to his family, apparently totally unaware that he had been watched pretty much every step of the way.

[@carolcasey5441]

Please don't take to crime. 😅😅❤❤❤❤

[@deniseedodson1938]

Retire the negative term "spinster". In this day and age women of 56 are often beginning new jobs or relationships. However, we are reminded to guard our safety more carefully

[@stacyjaye6350]

Bless you. Not to mention they're calling her old and elderly. Dang

[@stacyjaye6350]

One thing I've learned, it takes a really really long time to get to know someone. I don't feel like in this age group I need to be getting married. For me, I have a relationship, it's L.A.T.. Living Apart Together. I'm not moving in with anyone, no one's moving in with me, and I dang sure ain't taking a chance on a second marriage with a 75% chance of divorce!

[@retromoviefan944]

@@stacyjaye6350 you are doing it the right way! I like that, L.A.T. I had an older relative years old she was over 75 and her boyfriend was 80 and they each had their own homes, maintained their own lives , but dated back and forth and stayed independent, including their finances. They were very happy and supportive of each other and certainly never got married nor pushed for more entanglement. I think it's people who are broke or have huge money trouble who always push to "move in" with someone. Yeah, because they have nothing and use the other person for whatever they can get. Older financially comfortable people need to be very aware of pitfalls out there, especially older "lonely" women.

[@beaulieuc8910]

or granny

[@LKre-vi5oq]

Can't believe what an idiot he was. So glad they got him. Gets 275 thousand pounds and fritters it away on bullshit. Makes a complete mess of the crime scene. Arrogant and incompetent.

[@cathcook8366]

She was lonely and wanted company he is a theith and liar and murder give him death penalty he deserves it

[@mariannevontrapp1063]

O so sad, a lonely old woman, trapt in a conman web. Happens all the time sadly.,all over the world.Afcourse he did t, greedy selfish greepy narchist person

[@clairecurtis6639]

Very similar details to that recent British drama,The Sixth Commandment' . So sad, poor lady...❤

[@karenshort9367]

The sixth commanents was based on a true murder as well. All very sad

[@patrickregan3302]

RIP to such a vulnerable nice Lady! Preditors exist in all age groups! I’m 73 and am actually glad I have no such nest egg to be conned out of!

[@spursgirl5]

If they did a post mortem how did they miss petechial haemorrhaging in the eyes?!

[@partickthompson1164]

This type of crime mystifies me. Why would a person kill another person for money. Especially a senior. I just can’t understand how a person could think him paying his credit cards debt is more important than a human life. How could he look at his wife and children knowing their momentary happiness of a vacation came from you killing a kind hearted helpless old woman. This type of murderer sickens me .

[@Lucinda_Jackson]

I'm very confused about one important point. The police's theory was that he left the back slider unlocked on Tuesday so he could gain easy entrance later in the week. Then he returned on Thursday night/Friday morning and entered through this door to murder her. Much was made of how particular she was about her home. She was said to be finicky like her uncle and took great pains to make and keep everything just so. It sounds as though she would have been the sort of person who definitely had a nighttime, before bed routine of straightening and tidying then turning out lights, adjusting the thermostat and checking the door and window locks. It seems odd to me that she would have missed the fact that the door was unlocked TWO nights in a row in order for Crittenden to gain easy entry. I could MAYBE believe she could miss it ONE night, either forgetting it or thinking to herself that she hadn't used the door so it would be okay. But I would expect someone with her personality to feel compelled to double check that door on the second night. It just doesn't make sense to me. 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@retromoviefan944]

yeah that seems odd too. And how did the detectives get that information that the door had been unlocked? from him? but if he admitted that, then it would have proved that he did it, and he had been denying that he did it. But if that's the police theory, that he intentionally left the slider unlocked when he left, then it would mean that she didn't notice it had been unlocked. It's possible that she didn't notice because she was getting older, she had pancreatic cancer and maybe wasn't thinking clearly anymore on things like locking doors. Either that, or she locked the door and he was able to unlock it somehow to break in without using brute force, like maybe slipping something into the door frame to unlatch it somehow. . A guy like that probably knew how to get in if it was a flimsy lock. But good point, I had wondered about the entry point also.

[@Marcel_Audubon]

it was the same night ... he was a busy boy

[@carolcasey5441]

​@@retromoviefan944 The detectives got the report from the policeman the district nurse called that day when Joan didn't answer the door.

[@normafisher-mixon8515]

While he got a life sentence, couldn't his wife be sued to retrieve some of the funds for the family and the other woman that he had defrauded in the same manner? Obviously, I don't know anything about British law, but I'm curious.

[@sionnach3104]

I was wondering the same. I hope the family launched a civil suit. It seems so unfair that his wife and family would get any benefit from his fraud.

[@jamesl9371]

Very sad that evil people like this take advantage of vulnerable people And it’s a pity that people with extra money don’t use it for positive things

[@nadiadimartino4935]

Spinster!!! Wow what terminology is that.

[@minvelseskanal876]

How many times do we need to get reminded that she was a spinster? Saying it once is enough, thank you very much.

[@Charmainejay]

I feel Joan came to her senses in the end.

[@salmailyas7760]

Disgusting preying on vulnerable ppl makes me so angry

[@charliez4837]

Spinster? 🤔like come on which century are we in?

[@maxiculture]

This perpetrator would fit the textbook definition of a psychopath but they got through the entire docco without mentioning that once. It's a useful term and can be applied to a portion of humanity that needs to be identified for the protection of the rest of us.

[@elliewegman1846]

Poor lady.. but 56 is NOT elderly. She is an older lady.

[@debishaw9355]

They said she was 71

[@looloo4029]

@@debishaw9355still not elderly these days until you’re over 85.

[@debishaw9355]

@@looloo4029 , no not at all. I’m 70

[@Her.Serene.Feline.Cuteness.]

She was 56 when she moved to that town in 1985 and was murdered there in 2003.

[@markr.devereux3385]

Mr Crittenden is what my dad usually referred to as a " sl#meball ' when he talked about financial type agents.

[@jom9494]

If a bloke comes to me with a smart suit talking about money...my first thought would 'conman'

[@jr7845]

This lady was not worldly wise

[@renatawarec]

Like Don trumpy

[@MsVanorak]

i'd just be completely baffled as i don't have any!

[@johnniethepom7545]

​@renatawarec Donald Trump never drew his salary as President of the US and restored the country's economy during his term of office . He will almost certainly be re-elected should he stand again . Business people make better leaders than career politicians .

[@letsbereal9455]

The woman narrating the program repeatedly reference Joan as a "spinster" as if her not marrying defines Joan. Very odd narration.

[@retromoviefan944]

in her case, it sort of did define her because she had spent her entire life caring for her aunt and uncle and had no romance, no marriage, no kids, etc. That severely isolated her emotionally and made her a vulnerable target for a con man who appealed to her emotions.

[@Marcel_Audubon]

nothing wrong with that word, in fact it's been a legal term of description for generations

[@beaulieuc8910]

agreed

[@beaulieuc8910]

@@Marcel_Audubon doesn't mean it is right, language changes, maybe you are too young to know this

[@Marcel_Audubon]

@@beaulieuc8910 I'm old enough to know that words have meanings and those meanings don't change just because ignorant people like you haven't learned their meanings. Spinster is the female equivalent of bachelor. That hasn't changed.

[@martinakhaleeli8847]

Wonderfully crafted together, with empathy for everyone involved. A very sad story, he deserves everything that is coming to him

[@Dave-uf8ek]

This is why the over 65 should by law have an independent person check agreements they are making. Preventing unscrupulous individuals taking advantage of them . This happens more than people realise.

[@kathrynbillinghurst188]

It wouldn’t surprise me if he had tranquilised his wife so she would sleep 😴 through this sinister night!

[@C.E.Thomas1952]

Interesting idea. Not improbable given how cold and calculating he was.

[@kathrynbillinghurst188]

@@C.E.Thomas1952 Mmmhmmmm? 🤔 Have a joyful week Jaqueline! 🤗🇦🇺💖🌼

[@LadyBug1967]

Kathy excellent point

[@noras.9774]

Oh my God! How many proofs must find policemen to condemn a person! However sometime an innocent person is condemned!

[@derekstocker6661]

Sixteen years and eleven months Crittenden received. So dear Joan suffered at his hands, the police work was amazing as was the forensic but all let down by the so called Life Sentence of just sixteen years and eleven months. RIP Joan. You and your family deserved far better justice BUT the older the offender is, the shorter the sentence seem to be, in British so called "justice".

[@richardw3470]

And, his sound-sleeping wife snored on, unaware he had left and returned. Dressed and undressed, etc. Maybe she was driving the car and out of jealousy knocked off Joan? And what about the other older woman he convinced to move from Wales to near him? Was she living as comfortably as she had been? Did the wife know about her? Maybe one gf was ok but not two? Why was he not trying to win friends and influence people in front of the jury?

[@catherinemerrill5511]

Was he ever convicted of the first fraud and murder? I hope so! And we're his ill gotten gains. recovered for repayment of the money stolen, as it were, from the families of the murdered women? And we're his other cases investigated for evidence of fraud otherwise committed? The man is a horrible criminal.

[@LeofromFreo]

This crime used to be called capital murder and was punishable by death. They should bring it back.

[@LadyBug1967]

Leo could u explain?

[@chriscafferkey7736]

Too many were executed wrongly. That's as bad as someone being murdered. So Life inside is the best 'justice'.

[@lisbethsalander1723]

Please call her a single senior lady to show her proper dignity.

[@MsVanorak]

why mention age - implying vulnerability - at all?

[@lisbethsalander1723]

@@MsVanorak It is a caution factor for these vulnerable persons who live by themselves - just think about how she and another lady were targeted... in my humble opinion. It happens to senior single men too. This vulnerability is real to scammers and abusers.

[@retromoviefan944]

@@MsVanorak unfortunately her age is a factor. Seniors need to have a good support system and not find themselves totally isolated. Elder abuse is real and happens in a variety is situations, from financial to emotional to crime. Whether people want to acknowledge the reality of aging and how it can make people vulnerable or not, it is a real problem.

[@beaulieuc8910]

@@retromoviefan944 well said. I am 59 and already planning what personal safety things I need to look out for and needed for when I am vulnerable one day. Elder abuse is real. at home, on the street collecting money, at care homes. eldlerly women particularly childfree ones will be targetted. I gave my elderly mother a purse chain and bell when she goes out, but my mother still trusts certain people ie religious people or people with dogs. she is very naive and a bit stupid actually. I don't trust anyone. My house has security and I work with a body cam. we have better technology now and gps systems for our friends etc. i have stickers caution dogs running, no cold caller etc. I have a doorbell camera with a siren. Even people who are in their 30s always answer the doorbell despite obvious risks. They are very naive and not street wise.

[@veggigoddess]

The same type of person that would be convinced by a swindler like that are the exact same types of people who believe there is a God. Lonely, fragile, vulnerable, and almost every time, week AF

[@sheridanobrien944]

This is directed toward Joan's relatives. This killer is a professional con man. Joan was grieving. As a widow that was scammed 3 months after my husbands death. Please try to understand how sad and lonely she must have been. These scams work because they are extremely good at being deceitful and ruthless. Joan was not at fault in any way. I do hope you one day learn to live with this tragedy, because that's the best it will be.

[@tammycrisel8692]

Great job! Great care given to Joan! RIP

[@Lgaucker123]

I’d rather be referred to as a spinster then an old maid!

[@looloo4029]

Yes, but even better, single.

[@elletuppen4844]

Predictors like this man go for vulnerable people. Single or lonely women are their easiest targets. Let Joan’s tragic story be a true lesson to us all.

[@Kathy-20J-73]

I would suggest that you look for other *victims*. This seems to be well practiced by this (obviously) dodgy financial advisor....

[@beaulieuc8910]

agreed

[@jamespattenden605]

Glad to know that the police made a thorough search of the bedroom in the first search and yet missed the blood on the pillowcase, would,nt want these people to do a search for me, how many times do you hear of things being found when they do a second search, come on and do a proper job in the first place, reminds of a case when they searched a house for a missing child and did not find her only to go back at a later date and find her in the attic. How many criminals would be locked up earlier if the job was done properly in the first place, maybe the reason they don't is because it comes down to money and not enough policeman to do the job properly. Also the laws must be changed so that the police can do their jobs without being hassled by the idiotic people that keep videoing them and being rude to them, giving respect earns respect. 😢😢😢😢

[@maryannanderson2213]

I'm not familiar with the case where the child was found in the attic but the most bizarre case I can recall of a missing person was when a child disappeared and they searched and searched for her and I believe it was DAYS before they found her...wrapped up in the blankets at the foot of her own bed! HOW ON EARTH COULD THAT HAPPEN?

[@smoothmicra]

A very British case, not as gruesome or greedy as the average American homicide but nonetheless every bit as ghoulish. Glad he got caught.