Psycho: The Halloween Killer and the Murder of Robert Wilkie

In this chilling episode, we uncover the disturbing story of Heather Stephenson-Snell, a licensed psychotherapist turned ruthless stalker, who spiraled into an obsessive, 18-month campaign of harassment and terror. Dubbed the “Halloween Killer,” her fixation on her ex-lover and his new partner evolved from subtle psychological manipulation into overt, violent threats that left her victims in constant fear. As Halloween night drifted into the early hours of November 1, 2003, a red car pulled onto Holland Street in Radcliff. The driver stepped out, cloaked in an eerie white sheet and a Scream mask, blending her real-life horror with the chilling fiction of Halloween night. With each silent step toward her target’s home, Heather’s jealousy and rage came to a tragic climax, leading to the shocking murder of Robert Wilkie. This episode unravels the mind of a killer fueled by obsession, jealousy, and manipulation, exploring how her carefully controlled life as a therapist masked a dark, violent side. Join us as we dissect the psychology behind this brutal crime and discuss how unchecked obsession can lead to unthinkable tragedy.

 

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Art for the podcast was created by Kelly Steen. Editing/Production for the podcast by Bltzwolff (bltzwolff@gmail.com).

​WILDCIDE Podcast and any content posted is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user’s own risk. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions. 

 

RESOURCES:

Contact Us | Stalking Awareness & Prevention | SPARC

STALKING: general infographic

Stalking FACT SHEET: Stalking Fact Sheet (Espanol: Hoja de datos del acecho)

 

References:

Rychlikova, M. (2022, February 19). “Halloween killer” fails in bid for early release from jail. York Press. https://www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/19935737.halloween-killer-heather-stevenson-snell-fails-prison-appeal-bid/

Branigan, T. (2004, September 22). Psychotherapist jailed for Murder. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2004/sep/22/ukcrime.taniabranigan

BBC News. (2004, September 21). UK | england | manchester | masked woman jailed for Murder. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/manchester/3676892.stm

Manchester Evening News. (2013, January 21). Hallowe’en Killer jailed. https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/local-news/halloween-killer-jailed-1124121

Ben-Halliday, R. (2021, June 10). The Killer Behind The Scream mask. Medium. https://hallidayreginald.medium.com/the-killer-behind-the-scream-mask-92624e9a6d91

York Press Staff. (2004, September 21). Scream mask murderer gets life. York Press. https://www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/7878369.scream-mask-murderer-gets-life/?source=post_page-----92624e9a6d91--------------------------------

Lancashire Telegraph Staff. (2004, September 18). Regrets of woman accused of Murder. Lancashire Telegraph. https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/news/5818530.regrets-woman-accused-murder/

The Bolton News Staff. (2004, September 23). Inner demons that drove therapist to murder. The Bolton News. https://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/5818024.inner-demons-that-drove-therapist-to-murder/

The Times Correspondent. (2010, March 31). The woman hell’s angel, her gun and a murderous mistake. The Times & The Sunday Times. https://www.thetimes.com/article/the-woman-hells-angel-her-gun-and-a-murderous-mistake-0cx6nt0jkcb

The Bolton News Staff. (2004a, September 22). Unmasked - killer behind Halloween horror. The Bolton News. https://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/5818130.unmasked-killer-behind-halloween-horror/

Lancashire Telegraph Staff. (2004b, September 30). Killer’s ex-lover goes into hiding. Lancashire Telegraph. https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/news/5816958.killers-ex-lover-goes-hiding/

Mirror Staff. (2012, February 7). Haunted by the Halloween killer. The Mirror. https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/haunted-by-the-halloween-killer-563528

The Bolton News Staff. (2004a, September 14). Rape claim at Murder Trial. The Bolton News. https://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/5819318.rape-claim-at-murder-trial/

York Press Staff. (2004a, September 15). “I was raped by dog sitter.” York Press. https://www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/7878766.i-was-raped-by-dog-sitter/

Carroll, S. (2004, September 22). Inner demons of a vicious killer. York Press. https://www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/7878340.inner-demons-of-a-vicious-killer/