The British Airways Killer Episode 2 Thursday 29 February on ITV1

The second episode of ITV1’s documentary series, “The British Airways Killer,” delves into the chilling case of Joanna Simpson, a wealthy heiress who was tragically murdered by her husband, Robert Brown, a pilot for British Airways.

In this second instalment of the two-part series, viewers are taken through a three-day long police interview with Brown that ultimately leads to his confession. He discloses the location where he buried Joanna’s body — a secluded area within Windsor Great Park.

What makes this case particularly haunting is that it occurred thirteen years after Brown’s initial trial. Back then, he was acquitted of murder on grounds of diminished responsibility due to an adjustment disorder. Now, having served half his prison sentence, he is set to be released. However, Joanna’s family remains staunch in their belief that Brown should remain incarcerated for fear of their own safety once he walks free.

Notably, this episode also features statements from Joanna and Robert’s children who have chosen to break their silence about their mother’s tragic death at the hands of their father.

As a whole, “The British Airways Killer” offers an in-depth exploration of Joanna Simpson’s murder through previously unseen police interview tapes and interviews with friends and family. The Thames Valley Police Major Crime Unit’s meticulous investigation into Joanna’s death takes center stage as we gain insight into the complex details surrounding the crime and its aftermath.

The timeline begins on Halloween night in 2010 when Brown reported a domestic issue to the police after his wife went missing from their home in Ascot. Despite brutally bludgeoning her to death while their children listened from their playroom, Brown initially refused to cooperate with the missing persons investigation when he turned himself in. Eventually confessing to the crime and revealing the location of her remains brought some closure to this horrific case.

Throughout this documentary, audiences witness how this tragedy unfolded — from that first phone call reporting a domestic disturbance all the way to the discovery of Joanna’s shallow grave in Windsor Great Park. The subsequent trial, which delved into the couple’s acrimonious divorce and a prenuptial agreement that would change British legal history, is also examined.

Be sure to tune in to ITV1 on Thursday 29 February 2024 at 9:00pm for this thought-provoking and sobering final episode of “The British Airways Killer.”