The Chameleon Killer: Who Was the World’s Most Wanted Woman?

The notorious tale of The Chameleon Killer, Elaine Parent, remains one of the most perplexing and unpredictable cases in true crime. Known as ‘the world’s most wanted woman,’ Parent’s story is now told in a new three-part documentary titled The Hunt for The Chameleon Killer, airing from September 3 on the UK’s TRUE CRIME channel, WATCH FREE UK Streaming Service, and ITVX.

This series delves into the twelve-year hunt for the serial con artist and murderer Elaine Parent, who evaded police in both the US and UK while stealing over 20 identities during her global crime spree. Her case includes the shocking murder of Beverly McGowan, discovered in Florida in 1990.

Episode one begins with the discovery of Beverly McGowan’s headless and handless body in a Florida canal. A distinctive tattoo identifies her, leading police to reconstruct her last days. McGowan had recently met “Alice,” a glamorous woman with a British accent who had become her housemate. But after McGowan’s murder, “Alice” vanished.

The investigation quickly turned global when McGowan’s credit card was traced to a rental car at Heathrow Airport. Authorities found themselves chasing a ghost as “Alice,” later identified as Elaine Parent, constantly changed identities and locations.

Episode two reveals additional layers as “Alice” evolves into new personas. Witness Charlie Cowan recounts meeting “Ann Tremont” six years earlier and giving her a copy of her birth certificate. “Ann” subsequently disappeared. Further investigation ties “Ann” to Elaine Parent and leads to past associates, including an ex-girlfriend who describes Parent’s violent temper and history of multiple identities.

Authorities discover yet another alias, “Sandra Little,” in Florida, linked to numerous deceptions. As the hunt intensifies, sightings of Parent emerge from various countries, including England, France, South Africa, and Israel. The appearance of a mysterious postcard containing an oil painting resembling Parent, and reading “Best wishes… Your Chameleon,” adds a chilling twist.

In episode three, the story moves to 2000 when the net tightens around Parent. Following two appeals on America’s Most Wanted, a new alias, “Darlene,” is identified. Will this finally lead to the capture of The Chameleon Killer?

The documentary features contributions from Barbara Kirwin, a forensic psychologist, and Donna Pazdera, a journalist and documentary maker. These experts provide insights into the unsettling case and reveal the shocking conclusion to Parent’s story. Kirwin, who has testified in numerous high-profile cases, and Pazdera, known for her work as a police reporter, add depth to this gripping narrative.

The Hunt for The Chameleon Killer is part of TRUE CRIME’s compelling lineup, following previous programs like The Murder that Changed Britain and Donal MacIntyre’s Killer Evidence. This channel offers in-depth, expert-led narratives that take viewers from crime scenes to courtrooms, dissecting key evidence along the way.

The Hunt for The Chameleon Killer premieres on TRUE CRIME at 10pm on September 3. TRUE CRIME can be accessed on Freeview (67), Sky (146), Virgin (148), and Freesat (135). The series will also be available for streaming on WATCH FREE UK and TRUE CRIME UK on ITVX.

Source: WATCH FREE UK, ITVX