Evil stepfather: Bruce Howse and the murders of Saliel Aplin and Olympia Jetson

A Moment In Crime

23-06-2022 • 53 mins

This episode contains strong language.

In 2001 Bruce Thomas Howse murdered his stepdaughters Olympia Jetson and Saliel Aplin as they lay in their beds at their Masterton home.

The girls - aged just 11 and 12 - had suffered years of physical and sexual abuse at the hands of Howse and despite their cries for help, it never came.

Today A Moment In Crime is about the tragic deaths of the young sisters and the impact on their family, particularly their older sister Alicia.

This episode of A Moment In Crime deals with child abuse, sexual assault and murder and may not be suitable for some listeners.

If you need help or you are worried about someone else - see below for a list of help and support agencies.

For more on this case:

Sister of murdered Masterton siblings speaks out about abuse, violence and murder

Killer's ex tells of fight to keep children safe

Reports into girls' deaths find fault with CYF

Are you worried about the safety of a child?

If you have concerns about the immediate safety of a child, call 111.

Alternative call the police non-emergency reporting line on 105.

Or, contact Oranga Tamariki, Ministry for Children on 0508 326 459 for advice or click here to visit the agency's website for more information.

Sexual harm - do you need help?

If it's an emergency and you feel that you or someone else is at risk, call 111.​

If you've ever experienced sexual assault or abuse and need to talk to someone contact the Safe to Talk confidential crisis helpline:

Text: 4334

Email: support@safetotalk.nz

Visit https://safetotalk.nz/contact-us/ for an online chat

Domestic violence and abuse - do you need help?

If you're in danger now - phone the police on 111 or ask neighbours of friends to ring for you.

Where to go for help or more information:

Shine: Free national helpline available 24/7 -  0508 744 633 www.2shine.org.nz

Women's Refuge: Free national crisis line operates 24/7 - 0800 refuge or 0800 733 843 www.womensrefuge.org.nz

Shakti: Providing specialist cultural services for African, Asian and middle eastern women and their children. Crisis line 24/7 0800 742 584

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.