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In Her Defence: Breach of Trust

The Globe and Mail

What happens when one of the “good guys” turns out to be a bad guy?

The highly-acclaimed true crime podcast series In Her Defence returns with In Her Defence: Breach of Trust. This seven-episode season explores the case of Sgt. Robert Semenchuck, a Regina police officer who preyed on hundreds of vulnerable women using information from police databases.

Some of those women risked it all to expose him, and hold him accountable. But would the system punish one of its own?

Hosted by award-winning crime reporter Jana G. Pruden, and based on more than 50 hours of exclusive interviews with dozens of women, police officers, lawyers and legal experts, In Her Defence: Breach of Trust reveals serious gaps in the way law enforcement agencies in Canada are policing themselves, and the serious harm women are suffering as a result.

Launching September 8, 2026.
Follow In Her Defence now, so you don’t miss an episode.

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22 episodes
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English

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S3 · E3
Tuesday · 36 min
Episode 3: Witnesses to a Crime
Dozens of women receive a mysterious phone call from police in Regina, telling them they’ve been witnesses to a crime. A meeting with police investigators leaves some victims terrified, and brings old trauma painfully back to the surface. E-mail the reporter, Jana Pruden, at jpruden@globeandmail.com In Her Defence: Breach of Trust is a seven-part original podcast series from The Globe and Mail. The show is made by Kasia Mychajlowycz and Jana G. Pruden. Sound mixing is by Dave Crosbie, with addi
S3 · E2
September 15 · 29 min
Episode 2: Bob. Bob Semenchuck.
Officers at the Regina Police Service begin an internal investigation of one of their colleagues, and turn up a case larger and more complex than they could have imagined. Sgt. Alana Heiliger begins to identify patterns in an officer’s use of police databases, and a notebook filled with names and cryptic notations provides valuable clues. Email the reporter, Jana Pruden, at jpruden@globeandmail.com In Her Defence: Breach of Trust is a seven-part original podcast series from The Globe and Mail.
S3 · E1
September 8 · 38 min
Episode 1: Steve Wrong Number Boy
It was one single word that caught the attention of Kerry Benjoe, and made her question what she knew about the man she’d been seeing on-and-off for five years. What she learned would turn her life upside down, and expose a shocking web of betrayal and predation affecting hundreds of women — many of whom may not know they were victims. E-mail the reporter, Jana Pruden, at jpruden@globeandmail.com In Her Defence: Breach of Trust is a seven-part original podcast series from The Globe and Mail. I
June 22 · 3 min
Introducing In Her Defence: Breach of Trust
What happens when one of the “good guys” turns out to be a bad guy? A Regina police officer preyed on hundreds of vulnerable women using information from police databases. Some of those women risked it all to expose him and hold him accountable. But would the system punish one of its own? The acclaimed true crime series In Her Defence returns this fall with In Her Defence: Breach of Trust. First episode is out this September. Follow now, so you don’t miss an episode. This season’s theme song
Nov 18, 2024 · 23 min
The Decibel: How to make a true crime podcast
In this bonus episode, we share Jana's interview with The Decibel's Menaka Raman-Wilms. Follow The Decibel for more stories from The Globe and Mail's newsroom, delivered to you every weekday morning.
S2 · E6
Oct 28, 2024 · 39 min
Persevere, keep trying, don’t give up / âhkamêyimok
What was Amber doing when she disappeared? Police provide some new information about the rest of the phone call, and their investigation. Amber’s mother faces a serious new threat, but vows to keep fighting. Email the reporter, Jana Pruden, at jpruden@globeandmail.com Learn more about this podcast at https://www.theglobeandmail.com/podcasts/inherdefence Our cover art is a painting of Amber by Lauren Crazybull. Our theme song is No Surrender by Ms.PAN!K. Episode titles were translated into Plains
S2 · E5
Oct 21, 2024 · 32 min
The Voice / ni nisitawinawâw
The release of the voice brings out a flood of tips and suspects. Experts study the tape for clues about the voice, while police come to realize the recording doesn’t have the investigative value they once hoped. Amber’s biological brother says he knows who killed Amber. Email the reporter, Jana Pruden, at jpruden@globeandmail.com Learn more about this podcast at https://www.theglobeandmail.com/podcasts/inherdefence/#01 Our cover art is a painting of Amber by Lauren Crazybull. Our theme song is
S2 · E4
Oct 14, 2024 · 29 min
Blatant Failures / mâmâsîs ê-tôtahkik
A notorious serial killer prompts a broad reckoning around the murder of Indigenous women and girls in Canada. Amber’s family files an official complaint around how her missing persons investigation was handled, and a review of the case forces a public apology — with an unexpected twist. Questions persist about Evangeline, the last person known to have seen Amber alive. Email the reporter, Jana Pruden, at jpruden@globeandmail.com Learn more about this podcast at https://www.theglobeandmail.com/p
S2 · E3
Oct 7, 2024 · 33 min
What the trees know / kîkwây mîtosak ê-kiskêyihtahkik
Police decide to release the tape to the public, hoping someone will recognize the voice of the man who was with Amber when she disappeared. Amber’s remains are found in a field outside the city, close to where four other women have been found, raising the spectre of a serial killer. A raven visits. Email the reporter, Jana Pruden, at jpruden@globeandmail.com Learn more about this podcast at https://www.theglobeandmail.com/podcasts/inherdefence/#01 Our cover art is a painting of Amber by Lauren
S2 · E2
Sep 30, 2024 · 32 min
Home / wîkihk
Amber’s cousin gives us a tour of Fort Chipewyan, the northern Alberta community where Amber was raised. We learn about Amber’s life before she disappeared, and about the threats that were facing Indigenous women in Edmonton. The police investigation changes significantly after the discovery of a recorded phone call that seems to record the final moments of Amber’s life – and the voice of the man who may be her killer. E-mail the reporter, Jana Pruden, at jpruden@globeandmail.com Learn more abou
S2 · E1
Sep 30, 2024 · 33 min
Missing / ê-wanihiht
Amber Tuccaro flies south to Edmonton with her baby and a new friend, and vanishes. Amber’s family doesn’t trust the police investigation, and her relatives and friends do everything they can to find her and bring attention to her case. Police find a stunning piece of evidence. E-mail the reporter, Jana Pruden, at jpruden@globeandmail.com Learn more about this podcast at www.theglobeandmail.com/podcasts/inherdefence Our cover art is a painting of Amber by Lauren Crazybull. Our theme song is No S
May 6, 2024 · 3 min
Introducing In Her Defence: 50th Street
Do you recognize this man’s voice? Coming this fall, In Her Defence: 50th Street investigates the unsolved murder of Amber Tuccaro, who disappeared from the Edmonton area in 2010. Amber left an important clue: A haunting recording of what appear to be the final moments of her life – and the voice of the man who may be her killer. Do you have information about Amber’s murder? Contact reporter Jana Pruden at jpruden@globeandmail.com or by phone/ text at 780-265-5262 The portrait of Amber is by Lau
Apr 22, 2024 · 46 min
Crime Story: An in-depth interview with Jana Pruden
In this special bonus episode, our host Jana Pruden sits down with Crime Story’s Kathleen Goldhar to discuss the question, “How should we deal with women who kill their abusers?” You can listen to more incredible tales of true crime every week on Crime Story. Find them in your podcast app, or here: https://link.chtbl.com/DreYfAFB Plus, details of In Her Defence season 2 are coming soon!
S1 · E8
Nov 21, 2023 · 36 min
Episode 8: Freedom
Did Helen really kill Miles? A burning question remains. As Helen works toward release from prison, we think about what made Miles who he was, and consider the legacy of his violence. Theme song, “The Fighter,” by Jenn Grant. Learn more about this podcast and domestic violence in Canada, or sign up for our newsletter at tgam.ca/inherdefence E-mail the reporter at jpruden@globeandmail.com If you’re experiencing intimate partner violence and want to talk to someone, you can find resources and
S1 · E7
Nov 14, 2023 · 30 min
Episode 7: Seemed Like a Loser
Appealing a plea deal is a long-shot, but defence lawyer Mona Duckett wants to take it on. The Crown says justice has been served. The Court of Appeal considers Helen’s future. Theme song, “The Fighter,” by Jenn Grant. Learn more about this podcast and domestic violence in Canada, or sign up for our newsletter at tgam.ca/inherdefence E-mail the reporter at jpruden@globeandmail.com If you’re experiencing intimate partner violence and want to talk to someone, you can find resources and your ne
S1 · E6
Nov 7, 2023 · 31 min
Episode 6: Thanks, Gentlemen
Helen is sent to prison for the death of her husband. Around the country, people object to her sentence and the way she’s treated in court. In the isolation of prison, Helen wonders whether she’s done something wrong by accepting the deal, and has to consider what to do next. Theme song, “The Fighter,” by Jenn Grant. Learn more about this podcast and domestic violence in Canada, or sign up for our newsletter at tgam.ca/inherdefence Email the reporter at jpruden@globeandmail.com If you’re exp
S1 · E5
Oct 31, 2023 · 31 min
Episode 5: The Battered Woman Defence
The 1987 case of Angelique Lavallee provides a roadmap for the “battered woman defence.” Canada’s first female Supreme Court justice, Bertha Wilson, attempts to expose systemic sexism in the justice system. Helen is charged with first-degree murder, and has to decide whether to accept a plea deal or go to trial. Elizabeth Sheehy’s book is Defending Battered Women on Trial: Lessons from the Transcripts. Theme song, “The Fighter,” by Jenn Grant. Learn more about this podcast and domestic violen
S1 · E4
Oct 24, 2023 · 37 min
Episode 4: Responsibility Pie
Helen is interrogated by police officers who say they understand the abuse she’d been living with, and know that something had to happen for her to get free. Someone she loves has betrayed her. Her life – and the lives of her sons – are all on the line. Learn more about this podcast and domestic violence in Canada, or sign up for our newsletter at tgam.ca/inherdefence E-mail the reporter at jpruden@globeandmail.com If you’re experiencing intimate partner violence and want to talk to someone, you
S1 · E3
Oct 17, 2023 · 31 min
Episode 3: All Hell Breaks Loose
Wes Naslund talks about growing up with his father. Miles Naslund is reported missing, but no one seems to care he’s gone. Helen and her family live with a haunting secret. One day in 2017, almost exactly six years after Miles was reported missing, two men show up at Helen’s work. Learn more about this podcast and domestic violence in Canada, or sign up for our newsletter at tgam.ca/inherdefence Email the reporter at jpruden@globeandmail.com If you’re experiencing intimate partner violence an
S1 · E2
Oct 10, 2023 · 41 min
Episode 2: Helen in Hell
Helen Naslund speaks from prison for the first time. Helen describes how she met and married Miles, and the only time she tried to leave. Early one morning in September 2011, two gunshots crack through the house. Learn more about this podcast and domestic violence in Canada, or sign up for our newsletter at tgam.ca/inherdefence E-mail the reporter, Jana Pruden, at jpruden@globeandmail.com If you’re experiencing domestic violence and want to talk to someone, you can find resources and your neares

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