Episode 24: Olivia Hope and Ben Smart - Part 1 - A Double Disappearance

Sinister Dynasty - New Zealand (NZ) True Crime Podcast

Andi takes Ayla on a two-parter, covering the disappearances of Ben Smart and Olivia Hope. The two friends were celebrating the New Year of 1998 at Furneaux Lodge in Marlborough Sounds, and went back to their yacht in the early morning. With no place onboard to sleep, they were picked up again around 3.30am where they were offered a place by a stranger. They were dropped with the stranger between 4 and 5am, and have not been seen since. A boat was seized shortly after that found hairs on board matching Olivia. Scott Watson was found to be the stranger and was sentenced to life imprisonment. This is despite there being no evidence for the two-trip theory, which meant Scott had to leave his yacht and come back to shore before hopping on the water taxi with Ben and Olivia. It has led many to think this was a case of wrongful imprisonment. What do you think?

Listener Discretion is advised, expect descriptions of violent crimes, and horrific injuries.
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Music by Kyle Hsieh
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Listener discretion is advised, our content will not be for everyone.
Music by Kyle Hsieh