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Behind the doors of a beautiful Toronto home, a nightmare was unfolding.
Dr. Elana Fric-Shamji was a respected family physician, a devoted mother, and a woman trying to escape a marriage marked by years of abuse. Her husband, Dr. Mohammed Shamji, was a prominent neurosurgeon with a successful career and a carefully maintained public image.
But in November 2016, just days after Elana took steps to end their marriage, her life was brutally cut short.
In Part 01 of this two-part Canadian Creepies investigation, we explore the relationship between Elana and Mohammed, the warning signs, the escalating violence, and the devastating events that led to her murder.
Plus, in Creep of the Week, we head to Ottawa, where a mother's horrific neglect left her disabled son fighting for his life. When school staff became increasingly concerned about his disappearance from the classroom, their determination to find answers ultimately led to a rescue that saved his life.
Research by Christine Young.
Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of intimate partner violence, domestic homicide, child abuse, and severe neglect.
Sources: Canadian Affairs, Canadian Domestic Homicide Prevention Initiative, CBC News, Cozen O'Connor, Discreet Investigations, Global News, Government of Canada – Department of Justice (Canada.ca), It's Not OK (itsnotok.ca), Legacy Remembers, LEGISinfo – Parliament of Canada, Loop (Frontiers), Open Parliament, Oxygen, Policy Options (IRPP), Statistics Canada – The Daily, The Smallest Steps, Toronto Life, Yahoo
Support & Resources | Canada
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, abuse, or a crisis, support is available. You are not alone.
If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
Domestic Violence & Shelter Support
ShelterSafe | Women's Shelters Canada
Find shelters and emergency housing across Canada using an interactive map with 24-hour contact information.
Website: sheltersafe.ca
Assaulted Women's Helpline | Ontario
Free, confidential, 24/7 crisis counselling, support, and referrals in over 200 languages.
Phone: 1-866-863-0511
TTY: 1-866-863-7868
Text: #SAFE (7233)
Website: awhl.org
Fem'aide | Ontario (French-language support)
Phone: 1-877-336-2433
Indigenous Support Services
Hope for Wellness Help Line
24/7 counselling and crisis support for Indigenous peoples across Canada. Available in English and French, with Cree, Ojibway, and Inuktitut upon request.
Phone: 1-855-242-3310
Online chat: hopeforwellness.ca
Talk4Healing
Culturally grounded support for Indigenous women, provided by Indigenous women.
Call or text: 1-855-554-4325
Mental Health & Crisis Support
Kids Help Phone
Confidential mental health support for young people across Canada.
Phone: 1-800-668-6868
Text: CONNECT to 45645
Website: kidshelpphone.ca
9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline
Free, 24/7 suicide crisis support across Canada.
Call or text: 988
Advocacy, Education & Community Resources
Canadian Women's Foundation
Home of the Signal for Help, a discreet, one-handed gesture that can be used during a video call to indicate that you need support.
Website: canadianwomen.org
Ending Violence Association of Canada
National organization working to prevent and respond to gender-based violence.
Website: endvaw.ca
211 Canada
Connect with local community programs, social services, and support resources.
Call: 211
Local Support | Niagara Region
Gillian's Place
Providing shelter, counselling, and support for women and children experiencing gender-based violence throughout Niagara.
24/7 Crisis Support Line: 905-684-8331 (call or text)
Website: gilliansplace.com
If this episode resonates with your own experiences, please know that help is available. You deserve safety, dignity, and support.
Tell us your Creep of the Weeks, Current Case or Hometown Haunt Submission
Your next creepy obsession starts here.
✨ This episode also highlights the work of Niagara Reproductive Justice (NRJ)— Learn more or support their work by visiting their social media or emailing niagarareproductivejustice@gmail.com.
Thorain Art & Illustration creates darkly whimsical art inspired by vintage Halloween, forgotten fairytales, and strange woodland magic. Find stickers, prints, magnets, keychains, and more on Etsy or at @thorain.draws, and save 10% with code CANADIANCREEPIES.
Manet Macrame & Fibre Arts, created by our researcher Christine, makes spooky handmade macrame, pixel art, epoxy pieces, and Canadian Creepies-inspired books. Save 10% with code CANADIANCREEPIES.
Discover the whimsical world of Yazmin City Arts! This Quebec-based artist creates magical illustrations, charming characters, and fantastical artwork. Explore her creations on her website or shop her Fourthwall store! Follow @yazmincityarts on Instagram and use code CREEPIES10 for 10% off your order while supporting an independent Canadian artist!
Disastra brings heavy, unapologetic energy with their EP Head First. Listen now on YouTube or Bandcamp.
📸 Darkroom Photography is a Niagara-based photographer known for creative lifestyle shoots, spooky sessions, and legendary Halloween photos.
If you’re not ready to leave the creepy behind, join us on Patreon.
That’s where you’ll find bonus content, behind the scenes extras, early looks, and more from the Canadian Creepies team.
Your support helps keep the stories coming and the strange alive.
The Secret Is OUTThe Secret Is Out tells the coming-out stories of LGBTQ people —...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
Edited by Kyle McDonnell