Swiss Murder Mysteries

On December 3, 1980, Canadian professor Cyril Belshaw, a world-renowned anthropologist from the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, stood trial in the city of Aigle, Switzerland charged with the murder of his wife, Betty. Her body had been discovered 21 months earlier, along a remote Swiss mountain pass not far from where the couple spent a sabbatical. Odd: Just two months before her remains were found, Belshaw had reported her missing, claiming they had been visiting Paris at the time of her disappearance. Some things just did not add up.

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Author & Host
  • Rudolph Isler
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Creators and Guests

Host
Rudolph Isler
Author, producer and host
Designer
Daniel Meier
Guest
Jurg Ebe
Editor
Roger Aeschimann
Composer
Vincent Isler

What is Swiss Murder Mysteries?

Uncover Switzerland’s most enigmatic murder cases with this riveting investigative true crime podcast.

Narrator:

Shortly after Christmas nineteen seventy nine, Canadian couple Cyril and Betty Belshaw, both in their late fifties and on holiday in Crans Montana, Switzerland, decided on a spontaneous trip to Paris, a drive of around eight hours by car. They left in the morning of January 13, stopping overnight near Beaune in France before continuing their journey the next day. Early Sunday evening, they arrived in Paris, checked into the hotel, and enjoyed a quiet dinner in their room before retiring early, exhausted from the long drive. On Monday morning, January 15, the couple enjoyed breakfast again in their room around 9am

Narrator:

By 10am they departed the hotel and took the metro at Port Banjule. About thirty minutes later at Bourse Station, Betty left and made her way on foot to visit the National Library. Cyril meanwhile stayed on the train for one or two more stops. They agreed to meet for a light lunch at 1PM at nearby Gallery Lafayette.

Narrator:

At the arranged time, Cyril waited for his wife a short while outside the cafe, then went inside and sat down at the table. But Betty did not show up, neither by two nor by 3PM. He walked to the National Library but found no trace of Betty. And as afternoon morphed into evening, he returned to the hotel, asked the staff and concierge if they had perchance seen his wife. They had not.

Narrator:

Cyril straightaway rushed to the consulate the next morning and reported his wife missing. But no accidents or robberies were reported in the area and no Mrs. Belshaw reported at any of the hospitals. Betty had vanished without a trace. On April 13, two police officers knocked on Cyril Belshaw's door in Crans Montana.

Narrator:

When he opened he unknowingly unlocked not just the front entrance but the door to one of the most mysterious and inexplicable Swiss murder cases ever, one that would ultimately change his life in ways that he could never have imagined. Tune into 'A Lady Vanishes' episode 1 of the Belshaw case, the new and puzzling story about the murder of Mrs. Belshaw as part of the Swiss Murder Mysteries Podcast series. Researched, written, and hosted by me, Rudolph Isler. Coming soon to any audio device near you.

Narrator:

Available on Apple Podcast, Spotify, or most any platform of your preference.