“The Crossbow Cannibal” – a shocking Viasat True Crime documentary
The Crossbow Cannibal is a powerful true-crime documentary about Stephen Griffiths — a murderer who killed three women in Bradford in 2010. One of the murders was captured on CCTV, which became a key turning point in the investigation. Watch The Crossbow Cannibal on Viasat True Crime.
What is The Crossbow Cannibal about?
The documentary follows the investigation into Griffiths, who murdered three women in 2010 and chillingly declared in court that he was 'no longer Stephen, but the Crossbow Cannibal'. It explores his escalating violence and psychological profile, and features reconstructions of the crimes.
Who was Stephen Griffiths and how did he get the nickname “The Crossbow Cannibal”?
Griffiths was a 40-year-old loner and an obsessive admirer of serial killers who was also a criminology PhD student. He earned his infamous nickname after using a crossbow and introducing himself in court as the 'Crossbow Cannibal', a statement that shocked the public.
What crimes did Griffiths commit?
He murdered three women - Susan Rushworth, Shelley Armitage, and Suzanne Blamires. The crimes involved stalking, dismemberment, and attempts to hide the remains. One murder was recorded on CCTV.
Which recording became the breakthrough in the case?
A turning point came when a building caretaker discovered CCTV footage showing Griffiths attacking Suzanne Blamires with a crossbow and dragging her body into his flat. This led to his immediate arrest.
Who were Stephen Griffiths’ victims?
They were women from Bradford:
- Susan Rushworth (43), who went missing in June 2009;
- Shelley Armitage (31), who disappeared in April 2010;
- Suzanne Blamires (36), whose murder was captured on CCTV in May 2010.
All three struggled with addiction issues, which Griffiths exploited.
What was considered the most brutal aspect of the case?
The most shocking elements were the dismemberment of the bodies, Griffiths’ attempts to imitate famous serial killers, his self-recorded commentaries and the disturbing items found in his apartment.
How was “The Crossbow Cannibal” arrested?
After the CCTV footage was discovered, the police raided his apartment and seized crossbows, knives and biological evidence. Griffiths offered no resistance and admitted to the murders.
What sentence did Stephen Griffiths receive?
Having pleaded guilty to all three murders, he was sentenced to a whole-life order with no possibility of parole in 2010. He remains in a high-security prison.
When can you watch The Crossbow Cannibal?
The documentary will air on Viasat True Crime on Sunday, 18 January at 21:00 CET, with an extra showing on 22 January at 22:55 CET.
Why did the case cause such an intense public reaction?
The shock stemmed from:
- the murder captured on CCTV,
- Griffiths’ emotionless behaviour,
- his claims of cannibalism,
- his obsession with serial killers.
How did the media describe the case?
Coverage highlighted the gruesome methods, his fascination with violence, the macabre items found in his home, and his infamous courtroom declaration: “I am the Crossbow Cannibal.”
Key facts about The Crossbow Cannibal
- Genre: true-crime documentary
- Themes: serial killer, crossbow, CCTV, brutal murders, psychological profiling
- Perpetrator: Stephen Griffiths
- Timeline: 2009–2010
- Victims: Susan Rushworth, Shelley Armitage, Suzanne Blamires
- Location: Bradford, United Kingdom
- Tone: dark, disturbing, realistic
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
When is The Crossbow Cannibal airing on TV?
Watch it on Viasat True Crime on Sunday, 18 January at 21:00 CET, with an extra showing on 22 January at 22:55 CET.
Is The Crossbow Cannibal available on streaming platforms?
No. The documentary is available exclusively on Viasat True Crime.
Is Stephen Griffiths’ story real?
Yes. It is one of the most shocking British criminal cases of 2010.
Does the documentary include CCTV footage?
Yes. The creators analyse the recording that revealed the murder of Suzanne Blamires.
Why was the perpetrator called “The Crossbow Cannibal”?
He referred to himself in court as the “Crossbow Cannibal,” linking the weapon he used with his alleged acts of cannibalism.
