Blood, Sweat, and Fear: The Story of Inspector Vance

I’m a reporter and author based in Vancouver, British Columbia. For the past several years I’ve been investigating cold cases – murders and missing persons that have been mostly forgotten except by family and friends.I’m convinced that many of these cases can still be solved.    

On August 25, 1947 Walter Pavlukoff stepped out of his hotel room with a luger automatic pistol in his pocket. He joined over 100,000 people who were watching the PNE parade—the first one in six years because of the war. After the parade, Walter held up the CIBC bank and murdered the manager. It was the largest manhunt in Vancouver's history. So, why did it take five years to catch him? This episode is based on original research from a chapter in my book Blood, Sweat, and Fear: The Story of Inspector Vance. Cover Logo: Vancouver Sun July 9, 1953 For more photos, show credits, sources, and information about my true crime books, blog or podcast, please visit evelazarus.com   

On March 9, 1947 Inspector Vance of the Vancouver Police Department was called to an apartment in Kitsilano, Vancouver to check out a suspicious death. Seventeen-year-old Ruth Cooperman was found naked and lying dead across her husband’s unconscious body. This podcast is based on original research from a chapter in my book Blood, Sweat, and Fear: The Story of Inspector Vance. Cover Image: Ruth Cooperman. Vancouver Sun photo. For show credits, sources, and information about my true crime books, blog or podcast, please visit evelazarus.com   

On February 26, 1947, Vancouver police officers Charles Boyes and Oliver Ledingham were murdered in a shootout at False Creek Flats. Inspector Vance was called in to handle the ballistics and ultimately determine whether a 17- year-old would live or die. This podcast is based on original research from a chapter in my book Blood, Sweat, and Fear: The Story of Inspector Vance. Between 1912 and 1987, 16 Vancouver police officers have been killed in the line of duty. Cover Image: False Creek Flats, 1954. Vancouver Sun photo For show credits, sources, and information about my true crime books, blog or podcast, please visit evelazarus.com   

In the early hours of May 2, 1945 Olga Hawryluk, 23 was found beaten to death and dumped in the waters of English Bay. A soldier was charged with her murder and defended by scrappy East End lawyer Angelo Branca. Inspector Vance handled the forensics. This podcast is based on original research from a chapter in my book Blood, Sweat, and Fear: The Story of Inspector Vance. Cover Image: Jack Shadbolt's 1940s painting of Granville Street, Vancouver  For show credits, sources, and information about my true crime books, blog or podcast, please visit evelazarus.com