037 Shadows in Burlington: The Murder of Joseph Fritch

In this episode of Canadian Creepies, we revisit the tragic murder of Joseph Fritch, a Burlington man whose ordinary stop for gas turned into a nightmare. Ambushed by two teenagers, Fritch’s death shattered the illusion of “safe suburbia” and left a community reeling. We trace the crime from the night of the ambush to the swift arrests of Steven Olah and James Ruston, the courtroom outcomes, and the lasting questions about juvenile justice and accountability.

But this story isn’t only about legal proceedings—it’s about Joseph as a person. We reflect on the grief carried by his family, the fear and anger felt by Burlington, and the broader lessons about safety, community, and remembering victims as more than headlines.

Our Creep of the Week brings us into the present: the suspect behind the horrific April 2025 Vancouver festival rampage, where a man deliberately drove his SUV into crowds celebrating the Filipino Festival. Eleven people were killed, dozens injured, and a city was left mourning. The parallels to Joseph’s case are clear—ordinary spaces turned tragic in seconds, safety shattered without warning.

Some nightmares don’t need to be imagined. They already happened.

🎧 Listen now—because these are stories Canada must not forget.

🕯️ Resources & Support

If this episode has brought up difficult feelings, or if you’d like to learn more about supporting victims and preventing youth crime, here are some places to start:

Victim Support & Grief Counseling (Canada):

Victim Services Ontario — Emotional support, information, and referrals for victims of crime and their families.

VictimLink BC — 24/7 confidential, multilingual crisis line for victims of crime and trauma (1-800-563-0808).

Canadian Resource Centre for Victims of Crime — Support, advocacy, and resources for victims and survivors nationwide.

Canadian Virtual Hospice: MyGrief.ca — Free, online grief and loss resources.

Youth Crime Prevention & Intervention:

Canadian Youth Justice Research Network — Research and resources on youth justice.

Youth Justice Services (Government of Canada) — Information on youth justice, rehabilitation, and community programs.

YMCA Youth Justice Programs — Community-based programs supporting at-risk youth.

You’re not alone. If you or someone you know has been affected by crime or violence, reaching out for support can make a difference.

Follow Down the Crooked Path—your cohost for this haunting crossover—for eerie explorations that linger long after the episode ends:
📸 Instagram: @downthecrookedpath
▶️ YouTube: Down the Crooked Path

 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. 

🦴 And don’t forget our boo-tiful friends at Back From the Dead Goods—resurrecting your wardrobe with creepy streetwear on Etsy & Poshmark.
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Edited by Kyle McDonnell