The chilling true-crime series A Killer Makes a Call returns, taking a unique approach to investigating murder. Each episode begins with the actual recording of a 999 call, often made by the perpetrator themselves. This week’s case centers on Robert Brown, a British Airways pilot, whose call to emergency services follows a brutal attack on his ex-wife, Joanna. The series utilizes this call as a starting point, piecing together the events leading up to the crime and the subsequent investigation.
Brown’s call, placed after he struck Joanna 14 times with a claw hammer, captures the chilling aftermath of a domestic dispute turned deadly. The presence of their children nearby adds another horrifying dimension to the tragedy. Despite overwhelming evidence suggesting premeditation, Brown was acquitted of murder and convicted of manslaughter. This controversial verdict, which meant Brown could be eligible for release in just 13 years, sparked outrage and a campaign for justice by Joanna’s family and friends.
The episode examines the complexities of the case, from the initial 999 call to the controversial trial and its aftermath. It raises questions about the legal system and the intricacies of determining guilt and intent. A Killer Makes a Call offers a sobering look at the devastating consequences of violence and the search for truth in the face of calculated deception.
A Killer Makes a Call airs Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at 10:00 PM on Channel 5.