In this week’s episode of Sinister South, we revisit one of the most harrowing chapters in modern British policing – the fatal shooting of Jean Charles de Menezes. On 22nd July 2005, just two weeks after the 7/7 London bombings, Jean Charles, a 27-year-old Brazilian electrician, was followed, misidentified, and shot seven times in the head by armed police at Stockwell Tube station. They believed he was a suicide bomber. He wasn't.

We trace Jean Charles’ life before unpacking the chain of catastrophic decisions that led to his death. We examine Operation Kratos, media misinformation, Met failings, and the long, painful legal journey his family fought in the aftermath.

Also featuring: Hannah’s quiet breakdown, an emotionally volatile tube mouse, and the dangers of expired auburn hair dye.

Some of the sources in this episode include:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Killing_of_Jean_Charles_de_Menezes

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cgejnypwv0ro

https://www.rusi.org/explore-our-research/publications/commentary/de-menezes-what-are-lessons-need-be-learnt

http://policeauthority.org/metropolitan/scrutinies/stockwell/index.html

https://www.amnesty.org/en/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/eur450322005en.pdf

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/apr/22/jean-charles-de-menezes-mother-says-everyone-should-watch-tv-drama-about-his-killing

https://www.inquest.org.uk/police-officer-should-not-be-convicted-of-murdering-jean-menezes

https://www.jesip.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Stockwell-Shooting-Report-Jean-Charles-De-Menzes-Part-2.pdf

https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/tvfilm/jean-charles-de-menezes-true-story-shooting-disney-b1224687

https://www.thetimes.com/uk/london/article/jean-charles-de-menezes-metropolitan-police-suspect-6c0hjsgq6

Support the show

Thanks for tuning in! If you loved diving into the dark corners of South London with us, don't forget to hit that subscribe button to never miss an episode of "Sinister South."

Also, follow us on Instagram @SinisterSouthPodcast for sneak peeks, behind-the-scenes content, and more cheeky banter, or www.sinistersouthpod.co.uk. Remember, every crime tells a story... and South is the best side of the river...

Produced and hosted by Hannah Williams & Rachel Baines
Mixed & edited by Purple Waves Sound (A.K.A Will)