The Heartbreaking Murder Of A 2-Year-Old: James Bulger
Vložit
- čas přidán 27. 08. 2024
- In one of the saddest most infamous cases in the UK, this week the boys explore the murder of 2-year-old James Bulger by 10-year-olds Robert Thompson and Jon Venables.
Follow our socials: @couldmurderapod
Written & presented by Tom Norris & Ben Carter | @nozzer89 @thisiscarts
Produced by Dan Lambert at Boston Sound | @bstnsnd
Edited by Ben Bonsey
Additional research by Chloe Markey
Artwork & animation by Phil Whitton | @philwhitz
Opening theme by Alfie Indra | @alfieindra
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
#truecrime #podcast
One of the only videos I’ve seen where you actually acknowledge James bulger as a baby/human not just a murder victim, thank-you. Breaks your heart to think this baby will only be remembered for the brutal ending of his life and not his memories and the family he left behind that loved him so. Kills me knowing those boys were taken to football games and cinema/shopping trips while that baby would NEVER get to experience any of that. He might’ve grown to be a massive Liverpool fan yet they took his killers to the games. I know rehabilitating is important but I think these children were born evil.
Thompson and Venables should have got much heavier sentences and served time in an adult prison. Venables has shown his true colours by constantly reoffending. There is no way James’s mother could be blamed for James’s abduction. That is totally unfair and cruel.
Absolutely.... most children who run off, get stopped by a friendly adult, who helps them out or get found by the parent. How could anyone expect that poor James would run into those 2? Who in their wildest nightmares, would expect, what happened to him, to happen to him? They had an agenda and were out to kidnap and harm a young child. Denise had no reason to expect that James would be harmed by 2 boys. Who hasn't had a toddler run off? I did. My 4 year old ran off. He was waiting outside the toilet cubicle , I told him to stay, he ran off, down the stairs, out of the building, down the road and found the rest of my family in the arcade!!! On his own. I was frantic, because I didn't know where he had gone. Every loving mothers nightmare and frantic because we all know what happened to poor James. Cant help but think that the boys parents, should be made accountable for their appalling behaviour towards their children. That was definitely what made them who they were. RIP James.
I’ll be honest Ben, as a Merseyside local, I’ve never heard Fazakerley pronounced like that 😆
I love that you reminded us all that James was somebody’s child and a real person and not just a murder victim. Smashed it out the park as always boys ❤
Wow fair play for covering this one fellas, its a horrendous case.
The first true crime book I ever read was ‘My James’ written by Ralph, James’s dad, when I was 14. The description of James’s injuries have always stayed with me. Since then I’ve watched so many documentary/podcasts on the case & it still brings me to tears every time. You guys covered this case with so much grace & really made James the centre of it, as he always should be. I’m so glad you guys covered it x
His Dad thought it was sexually motivated ?
Thompson is a homosexual and Venables is a paedo so it figures ?
Tom! No. Children should be given a lot of leniency. But this crime.... prison for a long time. This type of crime only gets worse. These boys will only get worse.
Another amazing episode guys ❤
Part of the reason ICMAP is my favourite podcast is because of how well you manage to balance your friendship/humour with also being respectful to the individual case, which is very much evident in this episode. Hope you guys are doing OK after this one. ❤
Hearing what Ralph says about how he remembers James is heartbreaking.
James Bulger was born literally days and a couple of miles away from my brother. I was just a baby when this happened, but I've heard my mum talk about how terrifying and heartbreaking it was having a kid the same age plus a little baby in such close proximity. Apparently she cried a lot, and I don't blame her.
this was a tough one boys. you always cover these cases so appropriately, well done. my baby boy cousin turns 3 next month, as you can imagine the description of james’s injuries brought me to tears. most upsetting harrowing case you guys have covered yet.
Felt sick listening to this, as this case was close to me as my Mum's told me in the past how much it terrified her at the time as I am really close in age to James...
Big case to cover and you rightly made James the focus, great work as always!
In Feb 1993 I was just 7 years old but I remember this case so vividly even as a child. I remember feeling so unnerved and scared that kids not much older than myself could have done this. It's something myself and anyone else who was around at the time will never ever forget. I actually thought I was older considering how strong the memory is but I guess it goes to show how impactful this case was.
I was about the age of Robert and John at the time, and I also remember being so shocked and horrified that kids my own age could have done something so unspeakably cruel and horrific.
@@maneckineckbeard1749 it's one of those standout moments in childhood isn't it. You just couldn't believe it could happen. The image of James' smiling face is forever etched in my memory. As are the images of those boys who did this to him.
@@lynsey4224 What I remember most vividly is when I first heard the recording of the boys saying "I never! I never!" in those high, childish voices. Not sure how old I was when I heard that, but it's been absolutely haunting for me.
@@lynsey4224 And yes- Those faces were burnt into my memory. I've often wondered if I'd be able to recognize Thompson or Venables if I were to see them today.
I was only a couple of weeks old at the time of the murder, but I remember being so shocked and dismayed when I first learned about it when I was about 7 or 8. I remember when the killers were being released and the outcry. It'll always stay with me.
Shame those children who found James werent given as much thought for rehabilitation as the monsters that murdered him! They ruined their lives also!
As a scouser, I'm pleased you covered this case. You did Denise and her family proud. Respect ❤
Those 2 should have gone straight to adult prison end of
I thought so too, tried as an adult, punished like a child who had just hit his brother ffs.
I remember this case so vividly, I was pregnant with my first child a son. It terrified me. That poor mother. Anyone that has ever put any blame at her door are sick in the head. We lived in what was thought as safer times back then and no one would have ever thought 2 little boys would be so evil. The sheer horror of what they did should have set their sentence in stone the way it would have if they were adults. Instead they were placed in a secure children's home with the latest PlayStation and games and outings. Being allowed to decorate their rooms however they wanted! They took a baby's life, their punishment should have reflected that. This case is so very sad. Great job in telling it with respect for the Bulger family. May little James forever rest peacefully until he and his family are reunited.
That has to be one of the most difficult listens yet.. I had a tear the first minute 😔 this case is one that really affected our country and one that just to this day.. so controversial, so unthinkable with two 10 year olds. Something that I will never get my head around. I do believe that some people are born with a sort of evilness. These two brought it out of each other.
I get so teary thinking of poor James, a young toddler, just before his 3rd birthday. Happy, bubbly and a kid that repaired his poor parents hearts after a loss 💜 you boys did the most amazing job, so respectful, gave two different perspectives, made this about the life of James too.. as like you say... some people only see James the victim 😔 thank you for covering this and bring it out to the world. I can't even imagine how difficult this one was to film, research and work on! You are all strong souls 💜 Tom that Creed joke really got me 😂 my first word was car.. which is very fitting 💜 but my nan told me it was Titty (which was ironic with what Tom said 😂) I would go through clothing catalogues and point in the lingerie areas saying titty 😂 all thanks to my uncle who is 9 years my senior 😂. Tagant aside! I honestly to this day can't fathom this case... I will never be able to. Such a sad sad case but out of this world that it was committed by actual children!
I remember a doc when I was little about this case.. I watch it. When you played the Jon interview.. where he cries.. it brought back the fear of watching that doc. That was listen that made me sick to my stomach! In the doc it brought to light the fact the boys had a cushty rehabilitation, swimming, football games, shopping trips etc. But in the same doc.. they have the Bulger supports give them the "leaked" pictures of the boys... they shared it with a kid that shared a room with Robert... they showed it to the now teen who confirms the leaked pictures were Robert... like why would they do that?! I agree with Tom with all he said about why would they shared and released the kids identities if they are going to put them I'm rehabilitation. It's just insane! The fact Jon is still offending and did some vile vile vile things... isn't a surprise to me.. but releasing identities will just cause more uproar. I think Jon now should have his wishes and be kept in prison and let Robert carry on his life. I do not condone any actions at all, hell no. But fighting fire with fire is going to end with loads of burns.
Big thanks for covering this one..I remember you saying in one podcast you didn't think you'd cover this one.
Heart breaking case.
You guys rock.
I was 12 when this happened.
From what I was lead to believe, a lot of young Merseyside boys were accused by the public of being these two.
They were named and shamed for the safety and wellbeing of the innocent,
Also, My friends and I by 10yo had seen a lot of horror films including Child's Play and the banned The Exorcist. We were also left to take my 2yo sister everywhere we went. We knew damned well right from wrong.
As the father of fhe most beautiful, happy, loving and innocent little 2 year old, im not sure i will be able to watch this.
I still don’t think they should have been released, no words for this one.
Rest in peace James.
You, again, covered this case better than any one else. Well done.
I have the most beautiful 2 year old little boy and was 2 myself when this absolutely horrific case happened and I just cannot imagine how his mum got through it. This poor little boy :(. Absolutely heart breaking.
I skipped past the abuse they caused him because I just couldn't hear but it's for exactly this reason, my son is NEVER not on reins when we go out unless we're at a playground or the common and I'm solely focussed on him. I don't imagine I'll let him off reins or be without a hand holding him until he's much older because I couldn't cope if I lost him. Absolutely harrowing.
Told thoroughly and respectfully as always guys. Very much appreciated the sensitivity and humour throughout.
Thank you for covering this case! I've been wanting more people to cover it, its a heartbreaking case but also an interesting one
You guys have truly done well covering this case. Such a devastating story and such a waste of life for no reason whatsoever. 😢
Fully formed brains or not, they should of been sent to prison and never let out. They tortured a child to death. There is NO way back from that, for anyone.
Fully agree, at 10 you know right from wrong…also the boys parents have a lot of responsibility how this happened…as they say birds of a feather, flock together…
I'm on holiday in Hawaii right now as I watch this, and so when Producer Dan threw up that shaka it felt so perfect! 🤙🏾🤙🏾🤙🏾
May the memory of poor sweet James forever be a blessing. 💔
This case hurts. I'm the same age as those evil mfers, and the excuses are ridiculous. They should never have got anonymity, and one has gone on to multiple reoffend. They are evil.
Just think, they could have their own children. If that doesn't make your skin crawl. Awful.
RIP Jamie 🥺
One of the most tragic and evil cases to ever happen on these shores I was only 1 when it happened but when I got older me mam would still go on about what happened to that little lad I think it scarred parents up and down the country.
How yous aren't massive yet is beyond me lads amazing content been here from the early days. 👏
Hiya guys, loving your work. I was subjected to all sorts of horror films etc from the age of about 7 years old ( my older sister's fault) it's never compelled me to torture or murder anyone. I had a pretty standard childhood eg, playing out and mucking around, so I think it's a load of crap that this could of been an influence/reason for this awful crime. I'm no psychologist but I reckon there must be many other factors in play here. I was old enough to remember this case on the news and I've always been so affected by it. I really appreciate you guys covering this terrible case, you approached it in a way that most podcasts couldn't. Thanks for your professional yet tastefully entertaining cast. ❤ RIP Jamie 😢
Breaks my heart every time I see a video about this case. So awful. Poor little James and his family 💔 xx
Could you guys cover Dr. John Bodkin Adams? It's a different sort of case as he was acquitted at the time but is definitely guilty. Some experts have said he could have killed up to 400 people in Eastbourne, England during the 50's and hence could be more prolific a killer than Harold Shipman. Even if you don't consider doing a case on it, you should still research the case :)
this case is just so heartbreaking. how evil those two could be to that sweet boy. the pain he must of gone through hurts my heart. 😞 i honestly feel like james and his family never go the full justice they deserved.
my mum always talks about this case as she was heavily pregnant with me at the time and she was knocked sick by it. 😞
Respectfully done 🙏 & liked you focused on James & his family not just the killers.
Ben's pronunciation of Fazakerley made me giggle.
💔🙏 xxx
Lots of kids are mistreated. Horribly. If it was a reasonable or understandable response to do this type of thing we'd see this so much more. It's a mercy to euthanize a human that lacks humanity. In my opinion of course.💔
I'm glad you did this case. I was two when it happened and my mom has always spoken about it because she couldn't imagine children taking another child. My sisters were 8 and 10 at the time so it was so alien that kids that age had an interest in anything sinister.
Ralph is The One I most sympathise with he's a LEGEND and such a great guy. Ralph Bulger is an amazing man and his recent activism is amazing.
Haven’t finished watching yet so not sure if you speak about it, but the boy who found James has just passed from an overdose. I can’t imagine how he lived his life after that. Such a horrible case all round, I’m positive you’ll do it justice 💙
my best friend was on the jury for this as we both live in preston.. he still has nightmares to this day.
Thank you for your sensitivity
No matter how many years to by this story will always be shocking and heartbreaking to me
Well handled once again.
Flying pig was a great pub. So bizarre hearing places from my teen years mentioned in these videos. I was at Netherhall but had mates at Longroad so ironically I use to play hooky and hang in the canteen at Longroad lol.
This and the case of Baby P just make me so so upset. The thought of a defenceless toddler getting tortured is just vile and once you hear the stories you literally can’t get them out of your head.
A very sad case indeed, and the young ages of everyone involved adds to that. I remember the thought that no-one knew quite how to handle Thompson and Venables because of their age and the severity of the crime, luckily, its so rare that no precedent existed (only Mary Bell, that I can think of). Such a short sentence seemed wrong, and they would have had a better education and home life than if free, which again seems so wrong, but then, at least one of them has benefited from the chance of rehabilitation. Poor James, he never got a second chance though.
Is this case the worst in the world ? I believe it is, In terms of the brutality..
Ooph, just started this one. This is still a raw case. Props on a lovely intro x
Edit: just watched it through. Thank you guys for understanding the gravity of this case. Thank you for handling this with the respect it deserved xxx
@@timyo6288 I'm not, but since you recommended it, I've been having lovely time... Well done you x
It’s was actually Robert who came out with ““if i wanted to kill a baby… id kill my own.. wouldn’t i..”” it wasn’t Jon who said it. Sorry just thought id point that out.. great podcast tho 🌟
Bloody hell, I remember hearing about this as I got older but I never knew it happened on my 2nd birthday… I can see why my mum tried to keep that bit of information from me, such a horrific event for James to go through and for his family to have live with
Had to steel myself before I watched. I knew what was coming, I lived through it.
😢ive got the answer.....give me there details, whereabouts and ill pay to get them both got... problem solved !
Throw them in main stream jail, throw away key. Give them food, tv, smokes, just never let them out
My uncle told me everyone was literally trying to get to the police van wanting to kill Venables and Thompson during there court trial
Just had a lovely day building tables and eating chocolate bunnies. But I stan the mad lad trio and I will do my duty to watch this. Opening animation is also so lovely.
Credit to you lads. I know it wasn't a case you guys were jumping at especially Ben but to put together a super informative episode on such a topic is super commendable. Great work guys. Horrible case.
This is gonna be a tough one. It always is but I'm interested to see you guys cover it.
Very difficult to sit thru. Thought you both handled it well, considering the details. Had to skip a couple of bits. I deal with grieving families a lot at work and when it's the parents that are grieving, it never gets easier. Good job lads👌
Woah. That was dark. Can I please suggest that next season you cover the murder of Suzanne Capper?
It happened around the same time as the Jamie Bulger case so maybe it didn't get the attention it might have done otherwise but it was truly horrific nonetheless.
I think you 3 guy could do it justice
Cheers
Oh my goodness her case is so heartbreaking too 😢
I never knew how bad those kids lives were. Obviously that doesn't justify what they did but man that's a rough upbringing.
I hope everyone who works on this podcast is doing well mentally after dealing with this case.
This one's going to be tough to get through
Ngl I couldn't make it through this one as a father of a two year old myself. It's been a tough season in places and a lot of child deaths. Maybe could have spread them out a bit chaps! As always incredibly researched and delivered and a great series overall 👍
Well done guys managed to still keep it funny and respectful
Tough case but well done for covering it. As for the pics being released .. Imo they should've been public. If they can commit a serious crime at a young age reoffending is more than likely to reoccur. Life should be life regardless of age. Everyone deserved to know their faces and what they done. X
New podcast favourite ❤
this is one of the only cases that breaks me completely. I have a little brother that isn’t even 10 years old and imagining somebody who isn’t even much older then him doing something like this to another child is disgusting and heartbreaking. I hope these 2 suffer for the rest of their worthless lifes.
Think about your mind as an 8 year old. Yes, you might do some silly things. But assaulting and murdering a 2 year old? No human being would do that. No matter how slowly their minds had developed. Fuck that. That's a hard no. There is something seriously wrong. Any person capable of that has lost their right to be around other people. Away for life. If it was an accident, maybe. But this monstrosity equals a life away from anyone else.
happy monday!
Not an easy listen this one, but you guys handled it perfectly.
Well done on delivering this case guys (and congrats to Ben for becoming a full time member of the team!)
I was 7 when this happened, but still remember it vividly in the news. However, it wasn't until recently when I saw a documentary that I realised the depravity of what they did to poor James.
It would have been shocking enough if an adult had committed that crime, but what I can't get my head round is how a 10 year old could have done those things. It makes you wonder what else they may have gone on to do if they hadn't been caught.
Hey guys good choice for an episode :)
I really side with Tom on this. I'm normally more on Ben's side. But incidents like this are very hard and shouldn't be dealt with by knee jerk reactions. Well done for the good job in this case
What is the size of a band’s hospitality bus?
Very local to me, I'll watch it in a few days. Maybe.
Good work as always but thought it was inappropriate using The S*n headlines and sources for a case in Liverpool.
My first word was “Kitty cat” fwiw
Such a tough case to cover, I’m sure. Class job with it though, as always.
I’m not sure if Tom is aware, but he mumbles a bit and trails off at the mic on occasion. Sometimes it’s really difficult to hear all he’s said. Maybe turning his mic up a smidge would help make him a tiny bit more audible? Just a thought.
I think that the Holy Spirit told her to keep James with her at all time but she didn’t understand why think this is why she always had a fear of leaving him .
Also I think Robert didn’t know the difference between abusing someone because he was always abused this how he probably thought that you treated others and it was probably normalised for him and when Jon said let’s do this he didn’t have the teaching of this is wrong.they should of both got life sentences because I think it’s even more dangerous when k34liers have gone though abused themselves because they been nurtured this way .jon seems evil and didn’t even go through anything scary that even from this age thoughts like this go through someone’s mind .
Poor sweet boy mum probably turned for two seconds and the family life changed forever 😢😢I’ll always remember this and I was only about 13 heartbreaking 💔
People should learn from this case never to trust anyone with their children and put rains on them .
This may be the only one I'm unable to watch. I watch and listen to true crime all the time, I love an interesting serial killer or messed up case. I've read a lot of books on these subjects too. But this is one that for some reason I can't read books about (although I have read a lot of articles) or listen to. It makes my stomach turn over, I feel all hot and then emotional, I can't explain it. I will aim to watch this though as if anyone can help me approach it with them it's you guys.
lets go boys
That was really hard to listen to. But it's a case I think you needed to do.
So im getting a christmas card :) x
No Christmas card? how will i ever go on. Life is never going to be the same. I am now going to sulk.........
I think they will be found dead one day. Hopefully on those tracks
Oh my god
Horrific
New video let's go
maybe not a case to be sarcastic with tho.. just saying..... no offence xx
Seriously use 2 laughing at James being a baby the way use talking and laughing he was only a baby can't watch anymore of use
Absolutely. What's with the joking and laughing??? This was and still is a heartbreaking tragedy. No respect from me. Thompson and Venables should do hard labour for life. Also, throw in some Voodoo Dolls! I hope James' soul is resting in peace. ❤️❤️❤️
Unfortunately if children show signs of violent behaviour towards animals/very young children then they will go ahead to become violence when there adults…a few years ago a 14 year old boy was found guilty of 6-8 sexual crimes towards women, this was 2/3 roads from there I live…it’s all to do with mainly with friends & family…I do believe I’m second chances but not when children are murdered or any violence no matter what age x
Where are these kids now? I just wanna talk…
I want all those witnesses in prison
Shouldn't be put on CZcams or any where
Well handled lads, such a horrible case :(
Sorry. Have to stop watching. You guys laughing and joking discussing the horrific murder of a child is appalling.
Shut up
I was almost 8 when this happens, I still remember it so well…so heartbreaking…well done guys yet again for being respectful & another great case…always looking cool lads with the fashion…🫶🏼
U guys done well with this case I don't agree with some of ur opinions but I respect them That's all i can say without giving my strong opion