The Gruesome Case Of Charlene Downes

Blackpool, a seaside town in the North West of England, previously one of the busiest seaside resorts in the UK. But these days, those glory days are long gone, if you walk just a few streets back from the Golden Mile, you’ll see the real Blackpool, a lack of tourism has left behind it a trail of poverty and a lack of opportunities, all factors that create a breeding-ground for crime and lawlessness. 

On the 1st November, 2003, a crime took place that captured the attention of the entire United Kingdom. Fourteen-years-old Charlene Downes was last seen walking around Blackpool town centre before disappearing without trace. 

#CharleneDownes
#beyondevil
#truecrime

[ericastapleton]

The most shocking part of this case to me is that the two suspects got £250, 000 each. RIP Charlene. Thank you Beyond Evil Podcast ✳️

[loveforeignaccents]

OMG, this case is making me sick. Released, after the dude confessed, and had even received compensation thereafter for "dragging their names through the mud"?!?

[jessep]

As soon as I found out that the punishment for not going to school was not being allowed to go to school, I knew I had found my escape.

[findingpeace]

I feel like the parents need to take some blame. Not just the police fault... two days missing before police get to start.

[flossydonnellon]

The Documentary on C4 depicts this family as totally dysfunctional having a registered Paedophile living with them who was awaiting a court appearance for further offences, something was very wrong in that home
Charlene 🙏🏻 was left to her own devices and was known to be engaging in adult activities in the seedy part of Blackpool, her parents need to take responsibility for the neglect of their daughter and here’s hoping the killers will be found and brought to justice

[EpicGammingVids]

A close-knit family and parents who loved their children"?!? You've got to be absolutely kidding me!! Sounds like they would have given more love to the family pet than Charlene.

[kiyunia]

he literally confessed to killing her and putting her in the meat grinder, and he wasn’t convicted but rewarded money? this whole case is tragic. one day she’ll get justice.

[byfaroffthebest]

What type of parents let their 14 year old out at night without an adult supervising them?
I don't want to sound nasty....but those are some crappy non responsible parents....

[joannamurphy]

Her parents need locking up. They had known peados staying at their house. Her father sold her to men. They are to blame.

[georgeedward]

I blame the parents 110%. Who the hell waits 2 day to report there kid missing? Then the kid is suspended from school so mum and dad let her roam the streets and let her do as ahe pleases. Last but hopefully least mum and dad get into a argument and mum stabbs dad. What a great family dynamic..The family was so disfunctional that the police where sick and tired of this their BS over time that they didn't care... MOVING ON!!

[kristiederyn]

This is my home town! Thank you for covering this. Its haunted the entire town for 20 years.

[jasonbrown]

When you try to bring justice, the civilized and legal way, and it's grossly mishandled, like this particular case was, you absolutely must do what you feel you have to do.

[phedrob]

Anyone who lives in the UK knows that these grooming gangs existed and still operate in many areas of the UK. There's been a reluctance to prosecute those responsible and not much ccoverage in mainstream media due to the "Sensitive" issue regarding the ethnic origins of those operating the gangs.

[hannahwesthead]

I’m from Blackpool and I remember this being absolutely everywhere. Such a sad story

[klgm]

Shes suspended from school and her parents allowed her to "walk the streets of Blackpool?" Aounds like they can't be bothered 😢

[loveforeignaccents]

"A close-knit family and parents who loved their children"?!? You've got to be absolutely kidding me!! Sounds like they would have given more love to the family pet than Charlene. "Nothing was wrong with her besides not going to school". Um, yes, your kid should be in school, trying to learn, especially at that age!! And she was gone for four days when she was only 12? WTH is wrong w/these neglectful parents?!?
Anyhow, still watching but had to get that off my chest. Also I know it's obviously not going to end well, so let me just take a cigarette break before I return to viewing. This poor girl...
EDIT: And, also, obviously not reporting your missing daughter for two days?!? Holy cripe, it's beyond mind-boggling!

[weeza]

Charlene never stood a chance in life. My heart breaks for her.

[carolinemaybe]

One wonders whether some police were paid off. It wouldn’t surprise me one bit.

[kellyhill]

Everyone’s throwing blame at everyone but the parents! How bout your 13 YEAR OLD IS OUT AT BARS AND KEEPS DISAPPEARING FOR DAYS! I think some blame goes to them not properly raising and disciplining her! My sons 19 and I still know where he is let alone when he was 13!

[taffiegirl]

I was working with a vulnerable teenager who had been placed in the care system around the same time as this case.
I was called to a multi agency meeting that involved many teenage girls that were in care in the area (south wales).
Those girls had been groomed by males that had take away/ restaurants businesses. I remember that initially it wasn't investigated properly because those men were from a different country than the UK so the authorities were frightened of being accused of being racist.