Case 235: House of Horrors (Part 2/3)
By 1992, Fred and Rose West were raising their children at their Cromwell Street home. At first glance, the Wests appeared to be a model family. Neighbours viewed Fred as a modest, kind and soft-spoken man. Rose was a dedicated mother and housewife.
But in August, a local teenager approached the police with the harrowing accusation that Fred and Rose were severely abusing one of their daughters. The couple vehemently denied such allegations. Detective Constable Hazel Savage was tasked with interviewing members of the West family. She managed to track down each of Fred and Rose’s children - except for one. Where was 23-year-old Heather West?
Team:
Anonymous Host - narration
Mike Migas - production, music
Andrew D.B. Joslyn - music
Milly Raso - creative direction, research, writing
Comments (17)
Did the direct .mp3 link stop showing up? That was the best way to listen.
Do CD CD a x e a ko everything
I both need a week off from listening to this and desperately want part 3 immediately. I’ve always been so fascinated by this story, for better or worse
One of the hardest stories to listen! Thank you for all your work!
But why did you say that Shirley Robinson, as an underaged 16 year old girl, she "performed sex work" and was being groomed by Fred West, but you say that she "began a consensual three-way relationship with Fred and Rose West" ... Whattt? A victim who is extremely vulnerable to exploitation, like Shirley, would probably not "begin" a consensual relationship like that with two older adults.
100% this. There’s an argument for people in these positions not being able to give consent because the power imbalance is too great. This should be changed, I think
Truly horrific but most notable is the fact all this broke because Constable Savage was intent on finding Heather. It's heartbreaking to think this could have been missed for many more years (I think they'd always be caught) if Constable Savage just accepted Heather was missing. I have no words for how much that impacts me.
This case is absolutely repulsive, and honestly I was disappointed that this was the first case after the break. Some of the episodes that are the most interesting are cases that aren’t as publicized or a strange clue leads to the arrest. I understand not all can be like that but the extreme graphic details of this case are unbearable and feel unnecessary. I couldn’t get through Part 2 and will probably skip Part 3 unfortunately.
I disagree. I think the victims’ story deserves to be told. Familial abuse is unfortunately more common than many would think. It’s important for awareness to be brought to the topic. In saying that, it is graphic, and not to everyone’s liking; and that’s okay.
This is such a horrific case and tough listen, but there were so many missed opportunities to help their victims. From the poor treatment of the first rape victim by police, no-one monitoring Fred while he was facing rape charges so he was able to meet up with his children and influence them not to testify, hospital and school staff not reporting concerning issues... we need to learn about these cases so other families don't go through the same.
Well done. I was able to listen to most. This family saga needs to be told. Too many have boundaries crossed as children. Abuse always violates boundaries. Fred the consummate abuser. No one allowed boundaries but Fred.
Wowie this one is BRUTAL! great job casefile team, but this story is horrible!
Harrowing. Hardest listen I think I've had here, yet every other rendition about this case seems glossed over in comparison. No one does it like the Casefile team. That's why we're all here.
It’s entertainment. And Three episodes of extreme cruelty to children is two too many imho. My perspective. Don’t gotta like it. Don’t care.
Abuse of women and children . Systemic failures of legal and social safeguards. Great big FAILURE of mental health and treatment of TBI. ( Fred and roses dad). Just one more epic FAIL for the educational system but during post war they were slammed with population boom. And then in US we have the sacred human life groups that disregard cases like this. Roses mother okay to be “nuts” but not the men. ECT while preggers and already overwhelmed traumatized. But remember it’s not “work” right. Sure. Am glad casefile covering this nightmare in casefile style. GSK was unknowable until casefile covered 98 rapes, 13 brutal murders. Only casefile is thorough without creepy.
The most unenjoyable, vile true crime story I’ve ever listened to. Hope there’s a more lighthearted episode coming after this. Too much darkness.
You understand your listening to a true crime podcast right ?