Ep 6. Bristol

In this episode of Murdertown season 2, viewers are taken to Bristol, a bustling city in the west of England. Known for its vibrant street art scene and historic harbor, Bristol has also been the site of some grisly murders over the years.

The episode begins with narrator Katherine Kelly providing some context for the crimes that will be explored. She explains that Bristol has a long history of violence, dating back to the days when pirates roamed its waters. In the 20th century, the city became a hotbed for organized crime, with gang activity often spilling over into the streets.

The first case we learn about is the murder of teenager Becky Godden-Edwards. The discovery of her body in 2011 set off a chain of events that would lead to one of the most sensational trials in recent British history. The case centered around taxi driver Christopher Halliwell, who was eventually convicted of Becky's murder as well as that of another young woman, Sian O'Callaghan.

Through interviews with detectives who worked on the case, as well as family members of the victims, we get a sense of the horror that gripped the city during the investigation. Halliwell's cold-bloodedness and lack of remorse are particularly chilling, and viewers are left wondering if there are more victims who have yet to be found.

From there, the episode takes us to another case from the early 2000s, when a young man named Richard Gayle was brutally murdered in broad daylight on a busy street. Gayle, who was just 21 at the time of his death, was known for his love of fashion and his outgoing personality. His parents and friends are interviewed, and their memories of him paint a vivid picture of a promising young man taken too soon.

The investigation into Gayle's murder was lengthy and complicated, with police eventually zeroing in on a group of young men with links to a notorious gang. Despite numerous witnesses to the crime, however, no one was willing to come forward to provide evidence, and the case went cold. But thanks to the tireless efforts of detectives and a breakthrough in forensics, the killers were eventually brought to justice.

The final segment of the episode focuses on the murder of Philip Jones, an elderly man who was attacked in his own home in 2015. Jones, who was known as a kind and generous neighbor, had no enemies and no apparent motive for his killing. The investigation into his death was particularly difficult, as there were few clues and little physical evidence.

Through interviews with Jones' family and friends, as well as the detectives who worked on the case, viewers get a sense of the impact that his death had on the community. Despite the challenges involved, police eventually identified a suspect, and he was brought to trial in 2018. The verdict was a relief for Jones' loved ones, who finally had some closure after years of uncertainty.

Overall, the Bristol episode of Murdertown season 2 offers a fascinating and often harrowing look at the darker side of a vibrant and beloved city. From cold-blooded serial killers to violent gang members, the stories told here are a sobering reminder of the many dangers that lurk just beneath the surface of everyday life.