Hong Kong: The Robert Kissel Mystery
Foul Play: A Historical True Crime Podcast
Shane L. Waters, Wendy Cee, Gemma Hoskins
4.5 • 992 Ratings
🗓️ 12 January 2022
⏱️ 32 minutes
🧾️ Download transcript
Summary
Robert Kissel, a 40-year-old man living a life many would envy, had it all: a luxurious apartment near Hong Kong, a charming vacation home in Vermont, and a beautiful family with three young children. However, beneath this veneer of perfection, there lurked a hidden turmoil. The world was jolted in September 2003 when Robert's life came to an abrupt and tragic end, his body discovered in a storage facility.
This episode examines deep into the investigation that followed, peeling back the layers of the Kissel family's seemingly idyllic existence. We explore the complex dynamics within the family, the possible motives behind the crime, and the twists and turns that captivated a global audience. Was this a crime fueled by envy, a tragic result of personal conflicts, or something even more complex?
Through interviews with investigative journalists, legal experts, and those close to the case, "Foul Play: Crime Series" provides an in-depth analysis of the events leading up to and following Robert Kissel's untimely death. We examine the psychological profiles of those involved, the societal pressures they faced, and the impact of wealth and status on personal relationships.
Tune in for a story that is as much a cautionary tale about the illusions of a perfect life as it is a mystery that explores the depths of human emotions and actions. "Behind the Facade" promises to be an eye-opening and thought-provoking episode that challenges our perceptions of happiness, success, and the often unseen struggles that lie beneath.
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Transcript
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| 0:00.0 | And the Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, Oh. Nancy and Robert Kistle had a life that would exceed most people's wildest dreams, |
| 1:01.5 | a luxury apartment in a serene setting just a stone's throw from Hong Kong, a spacious |
| 1:07.7 | vacation home in rural Vermont, and three healthy young children with enough money to indulge their every whim. |
| 1:15.0 | Yet sometimes, the most idyllic lives mask a shadowy truth. |
| 1:21.0 | A reality check surfaced in September 2003 when the body of 40-year-old Robert Kessel was found |
| 1:28.3 | discarded in a storage facility. |
| 1:31.7 | Was this a crime of envy or something much more personal? |
| 1:36.0 | As the world watched in fascinated horror, the truth would prove to be stranger than fiction. |
| 1:52.0 | This case takes place in Hong Kong, southern China's financial hub. |
| 1:55.0 | Off the city's mainland there exists an area of Hong Kong island known as Ty Tam. |
| 2:00.0 | This offshoot of frenzied city life has featured luxury housing since the late 1980s. |
| 2:07.0 | The region appeals greatly to ex-patriats who are accustomed to a certain lifestyle in their country of origin. |
| 2:14.0 | One community known as Parkview consists of high-rise apartments and serviced residences |
| 2:20.0 | sits among the serene hills of Taitam Country Park. |
| 2:24.0 | The apartments also offer spectacular views of the South China Sea |
| 2:29.0 | in addition to overlooking the Hong Kong skyline. |
| 2:32.0 | Vacationers and residents alike consider the area as |
| 2:35.8 | a perfect balance between country living and the metropolitan bustle. |
| 2:41.3 | Amenities include upscale restaurants, an art gallery, various spas, high-end shopping, and escorted hiking excursions. |
| 2:51.0 | Every possible convenience is within arm's reach. discussions. By living among the other wealthy expats, there is a sense of camaraderie in adjusting to life in another country. |
| 3:08.0 | Robert and Nancy Kistel were among the long-term residents in Park View. Their names won't be soon forgotten |
| 3:15.0 | after what transpired between them in 2003. Robert Peter Kissel was born in Manhattan, New York on April 21st, 1963. |
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