How did Paul Bernardo—Canada’s infamous “Scarborough Rapist”—and Karla Homolka present themselves as a picture‑perfect young couple while committing some of the most disturbing crimes in Canadian true crime history? And how did a controversial plea deal, a publication ban, and hidden videotape evidence turn the “Ken and Barbie Killers” case into a decades‑long national outrage in Canada? In this episode, hosts Adrienne Barker and Joseph Lobosco, joined by guest host Angiesworld, revisit the Paul Bernardo and Karla Homolka case—from the late‑1980s Scarborough Rapist attacks in Scarborough (Toronto), to the deaths of Tammy Homolka, Leslie Mahaffy, and Kristen French, to the “deal with the devil” plea bargain that still fuels debate about justice, accountability, and public safety. This true crime podcast discussion breaks down the Ontario timeline, the DNA breakthrough, the discovery of hidden videotapes, Bernardo’s first‑degree murder convictions and “dangerous offender” designation, Homolka’s release and reentry into society, and the parole and prison‑transfer controversies that continue to reignite anger across Canada. Tune in to hear: 1987–1990 – The Scarborough Rapist spree in Scarborough, Toronto: An unknown assailant stalks and sexually assaults over a dozen women while police struggle for leads—unaware the attacker is 23‑year‑old Paul Bernardo, who outwardly appears clean‑cut, educated, and “normal.” October 1987–1989 – A romance begins behind the façade: Bernardo meets 17‑year‑old Karla Homolka in Scarborough, and their “perfect couple” image takes shape—an engagement by Christmas 1989—masking a violent, predatory double life. December 23, 1990 – Tammy Homolka’s death: Karla’s 15‑year‑old sister Tammy dies after being drugged with sedatives stolen from Karla’s workplace during a “sinister experiment” orchestrated by the couple—an event initially treated as an accident. June 15–29, 1991 – Leslie Mahaffy abducted and murdered: Fourteen‑year‑old Leslie Mahaffy disappears from Burlington, Ontario after missing her curfew; she is held captive for roughly 24 hours, sexually assaulted and tortured, then killed—her body dismembered, encased in concrete, and dumped in Lake Gibson as Bernardo and Homolka marry in a lavish June 29 ceremony. April 16–30, 1992 – Kristen French abducted and killed: Fifteen‑year‑old Kristen French is taken in broad daylight from a church parking lot in St. Catharines, Ontario; she is held for days, brutalized, and ultimately strangled—her body discovered later that month, shocking Canada and triggering a massive investigation. January 5–February 17, 1993 – The partnership implodes and police close in: After years of domestic violence, Homolka leaves Bernardo following a severe beating as investigators finally match Bernardo’s DNA to multiple Scarborough Rapist cases—leading to his arrest at their Port Dalhousie home and an exhaustive search for evidence tied to the murders. May–July 6, 1993 – The plea deal that changed everything: Prosecutors strike a controversial bargain with Homolka—two counts of manslaughter for her role in the deaths of Leslie Mahaffy and Kristen French—resulting in a 12‑year sentence and a promise of immunity, while the deal remains under a publication ban. September 22, 1994 – Hidden videotapes surface: Investigators recover videotapes Bernardo recorded and concealed inside the home—graphic evidence that includes crimes against Tammy, Leslie, Kristen, and another teen victim, and shows Homolka actively participating—sparking outrage and the belief the plea bargain was a gross miscarriage of justice. May–September 1, 1995 – Trial of Paul Bernardo: With Homolka’s testimony and the videos, the Crown prosecutes Bernardo; despite defense claims attempting to shift blame, he is found guilty of first‑degree murder and sentenced to life
