Episode 05 — Young, Broke, and Alone in India: Scarlett Keeling
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Destination: Goa, India
If you’re sitting at a bar sucking a hashpipe in Goa, India… then you’ve committed to having zero responsibilities that day. But what about your 9 children? What are they doing while you get high, smoking hashish abroad? Mothers, this case will make you rage when I tell you about 15-year-old Scarlett Keeling, a UK teenager who was left to live with a 25-year-old local man while the rest of the family traveled.
On February 18, 2008, Scarlett’s body was discovered on the beach. Initially ruled as a drowning, a second autopsy revealed the grim truth: her death was a homicide. What really happened on that beach? What signs were missed, and how did this tragedy unfold in one of India’s most popular tourist destinations?
Listen to the full episode now.
What the hell happened to
Scarlett Keeling in Goa, India
About Scarlett
➙ 15 years old
➙ From Devon, England
➙ One of 8 siblings
➙ Her full name was Scarlett Eden Keeling
Mom’s who are listening and reading…get ready to outrage.
Scarlett was a 15-year-old girl from Devon, England. She was part of a family of 8 siblings, from the same mom, Fiona Mackeown, but from 5 different fathers. They lived in trailer on a field in Devon, living off the government’s financial support, until Fiona decided they would move to Goa, India.
Fiona lived a hippie-ish lifestyle of partying, smoking weed…and not being the most present mother. And after a while of being in Goa, she decided she wanted to travel to another part of India. Leaving Scarlett behind, under the “care” of a 25-year-old man.
But little did she know, that the day she left Goa would be the last time she would see Scarlett.
As always, I won’t spoil the whole story for you, so listen to this episode below.
But make sure to come back here and follow along!
This case deals with topics of drugs and assault involving a minor.
If this story can be triggering for you, or if you ever find yourself in need of support,
remember that you’re not alone.
Reach out to friends and family or to a Help Line in your area.
Everything we mention on
Episode 05 of True Crime Travelers
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Who was Involved…
▸Local bartender, Samson D’Souza
SOURCE: SAUDIGAZETTE.COM▸Placido Carvalho, another local man who was involved
SOURCE: DAILYMAIL.CO.UK / GETTYIMAGES.COM▸Fiona Mackeown, Scarlett’s mother
SOURCE: GETTYIMAGES.COM▸General view of West Lodge Caravan Park in Devon where Scarlett lived with her family.
SOURCE: GETTYIMAGES.COM▸One of the last photos taken of Scarlett before she was murdered.
SOURCE: BARCROFT MEDIA▸Local bartender, Samson D’SouzaScarlett Keeling and Julio Lobo, for whom she worked helping him hand out flyers of his tours, and with whom she was living.
SOURCE: BARCROFT MEDIA▸Scarlett’s autopsy from Goa Medical Center
SOURCE: YUMPU.COM▸Towards the end of the episode, Alexa mentions an article with an interview to Rob Clarke, Fiona’s boyfriend at the time of Scarlett’s murder. On this interview he offers a different perspective to the image Fiona had portrayed of herself in the media.
You can read the article here.
Where it happened…Goa, India
Do you have a tip or a piece of information
about this case that we should know?
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A mini-guide on what to do in Goa, India…
Goa is a laid-back paradise on the west coast of India, known for its stunning beaches, chilled-out vibe, and…the crazy nightlife. It’s a favorite spot for backpackers and travelers looking to relax by the sea and then party a little (or a little too much!).
But, as every destination, you’ll find what you look for. Visiting Goa doesn’t mean you’ll see nothing but drugs, or that something will happen to you. There are a lot of fun things to do in and around Goa that have nothing to with partying…
Enjoy the water and the sun at popular beaches like Anjuna, Baga, and Palolem.
Visit the Basilica of Bom Jesus and the Cathedral in Old Goa to learn about the town’s colonial history.
Go on a trek or jeep tour to Dudhsagar Waterfalls.
Visit the spice plantations around Goa to learn about local cuisine.
Explore the night markets, like the Saturday Night Market in Arpora, for food, shopping, and live music.
Visit the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary or Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary for some beautiful trails and animal sight-seeing
Just remember…stay away from animal tourism. And in India, by animal tourism we mean Elephant Riding trips.
Vote with your dollar and don’t support animal exploitation!
What do you think happened?
Do you have any other theories?
Join us on Reddit to discuss this case!
See you on the next case of True Crime Travelers…
xo, Alexa + Emilia
