Who Killed Emma?

The naked body of a young woman is found in isolated woods. Police never catch her killer. Journalist Sam Poling's investigation takes her into a dark and unsettling world of sex, rape, lies and murder. And it leads her to confront the man she believes is the prime suspect. From BBC Scotland, Who Killed Emma? Is an eight-part podcast that forensically takes apart the police investigation into Emma's murder and unravels the impact of a series of coincidences and missed opportunities until a clear suspect starts to emerge. CREDITSReporter: Samantha PolingProducer: Mona McAlindenAudio Editor: Jennifer TraceyStory Editor: Kirsty WilliamsAudio editing and mixing: Fraser Jackson and Kris McConnachieExecutive Producers: Jennifer Tracey and Shelley JofreCommissioning Editors: Louise Thornton and Gareth HydesThanks to Matt Roper Special thanks to Eamon O Connor and all those who trusted us to tell their stories. Who Killed Emma? is created and made by BBC Scotland on BBC Sounds.

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Recent Reviews

Taidie Bumps

Claire

Sam and team / what an incredible podcast / wonderfully investigated and presented also revealing your emotions when it was all a little overwhelming 🥲 Sam your voice is also quite special which is so important when considering podcasts / brilliant job / thank you 🙏🏼
Nanu.W

Wow.

Incredible podcast. It’s two sides of the same coin. The misogyny & perpetual violence these women who were sex workers at the time experienced and the misogyny and devaluation coming from law enforcement. It’s what has created the environment for rapes and murder to occur. For millennia. Look at the Yorkshire Ripper. And ironic, that all these “low life” women, deemed not worthy by society to be protected or their rapes & murders to even be believed, were the ones who bravely came forward in the name of Emma. (As well as this incredible journalist and some persistent investigators) They overcame so many odds. So much abuse. From all sectors. And are still the most decent, honorable and inspiring humans. In fact, putting to shame the judgemental society that wanted to put them in to throw away boxes. Shame on you Iain. But in the end, their grace and decency is shining through, and you Iain, will be forgotten
DPM72

Nice work!!!

Helluva job Sam!
JoycieAnne

Heartbreaking story

Thank you Sam for doggedly chasing this story. Meticulously reported. Heartfelt and brilliant.
HistoryPeg

Emma

Once again the BBC hits it out of the park. Some of the best podcasts available. In depth, empathetic, informative reporting. Great job to everyone! Thank you
Maggles979

So many lessons here

Just want to say a huge thanks to Sam. This story was told with such grace, empathy and intelligence. The light has been shown, and there’s so many lessons to take away from this. I’ve never cried this much listening to any podcast. This was so amazingly well done.
MissSR13

It’s so many stories in one.

It starts with Emma’s story and expertly moves through several unbelievable, adjacent stories. Incredible investigative journalism. You’ll feel disheartened, angry, relieved, hopeful, surprised …. It’s a ride worth taking for sure.
EMM1968

An incredible story of resilience in the face of terrible violence and corruption

You need to listen to this podcast if you care about gender based violence and the power of investigative journalism but mostly to appreciate the power of good people to overcome the worst of humanity.
Avonmomof4

Absolutely Amazing

What a beautiful, powerful, and necessary story you’ve told for Emma, and really all women and girls. Thank you.
indigo_sam

Truly Compelling.

The story is devastating. The reporting is top notch. I never leave reviews but this podcast is so worthwhile.
Bubsgoodman

Stunning

A masterpiece. Thank you for telling Emma’s story.
wickerparkwears

I’m in awe of these women

I’m in awe of their strength and determination to be heard. No matter how long it takes keep speaking your truth.
Skwilcox65

OUTSTANDING PODCAST

This was such a special podcast - so heartfelt and sincere. Fabulous!!!
287496

Wow

Wow. As a former US city prosecutor I am enthralled by this case. Both the justice and the “issues” sound familiar to me.
Herrow herrow how low

Not Available in the US

Why was this region blocked from American listeners? All episodes are gone, says “not available in your region.” I’ll change rating when you unblock this content. You make plenty on Ads over here.
kookoo3000

Wow!

Sam is so brave and bold. Thorough investigation of such a tragic story. Prayers for all the victims.
gc scam

Good journalism but…

At least 20 percent of this podcast is useless because of the bad Scottish accents.
LLB413

Excellent reporting

Very well done!!! Top notch journalism!!
Ellen0779

Who Killed Emma

Samantha Poling was professional, courteous, and one amazing reporter!! All the facts were right on, and she has great foresight and bravery. I loved it! US listener
Fire  kill

Great show

Loving it, a bit hard to hear with heavy accents as a dumb american, but the narrator repeats back the important parts
Maude The Third

Uncomfortable to Farcical

I had to stop listening right after the “Clear My Name” episode. The writer/narrator’s voice becomes even more breathy when she describes Iain Packer. Her credulity and descriptions of personalizing a connection with him are so distasteful and also ridiculous. Cringeworthy, truly. Apparently she would have been content to continue to just chat with Iain and his probably terrified girlfriend. It’s not until a more experienced reporter gives her the entirety of the important information she needs to actually *get it right* that she changes course, but not until she goes on about how angry she is that her friend Iain actually lied to her. So. Bad. I couldn’t listen to any more - no credibility.
GrrrArg

The Best Podcast I’ve ever listened to.

The storytelling, the interviews, the editing are all impeccable. I couldn’t stop listening, and listening to the whole thing in one day. Fascinating, engaging, and so emotional.