Podcaster digs into historic cold case murder of Nanaimo area couple

“I called it that because when we finally did get the heavily redacted report from the archives, the police had stamped right on it: ‘Dead File, no further work to be done on this case.'”

Known as a hard worker in the local resource sector including coal mining, Andrew Kostyniuk and his wife were described as quiet, family-oriented well-liked couple.

Palmer said the couple’s great, great granddaughter Shauna approached her last year regarding the horrific case and its unique circumstances, which created a rift her family

There’s belief somebody closely tied to the family was responsible, however, Palmer said strong suspicions didn’t proceed further and she hopes to find out why the investigation stalled.

The Dead Files represents the ninth investigative Vancouver Island crime series by journalist Laura Palmer. (Image Credit: Laura Palmer)

Palmer connected with several local South Wellington area residents to help share the story of the Kostyniuks.

“As you can imagine the people who still remember them are quite elderly now themselves, but they still to this day, remember them so fondly and are still living with the horror of what happened to these people.”

Throughout the eight episode series, Palmer will explore potential motives for the slayings, which includes clues of revenge and financial gain.

While several newspaper articles of the murders ensued, very little has been said publicly about the murders for decades, Palmer said.

Archived newspaper article of the police investigation into the deaths of Andrew and Lizzie Kostyniuk. (Image Credit: Submitted photo)

Overview of investigative developments. (Image Credit: Submitted photo)

Due to the passage of time, Palmer said helpful archival information such as the original autopsy report, a coroners inquest, as well as a psychiatric and social worker reporters.

However, a heavily redacted RCMP left Palmer with many more questions than answers.

A stroke of luck occurred when Palmer was put in touch with the last police detective who was handed the cold case to review in 1989.

If the full police report can be redacted, Palmer said the long-retired officer who be happy to review its findings.

“His recollection is there was a death-bed confession in this case; hopefully that information is in the police report, which one day we’ll be able to get a look at.”

Experts help Palmer understand the various reports associated with the investigation into the Kostnyiuks deaths.

It’s Palmer’s hope that her series helps answers questions, and heal old wounds for Kostyniuk’s family and old friends.

“It still ripples down generations and matters to the community is what drew me to it,” Palmer said. “Even after all of this time when a crime goes unsolved it’s not over for people.”

Andrew and Lizzie Kostyniuk sitting on the front porch of their home. (Image Credit: Submitted photo)

We’re on Bluesky! Stay up to date on news across central Vancouver Island through Bluesky, by following @NanaimoNewsNOW.bsky.social.

info@nanaimonewsnow.com

Follow us on: Twitter (X) | Bluesky | Facebook

by Ian Holmes

Podcaster digs into historic cold case murder of Nanaimo area couple

More Local News