Award-winning BBC documentary series Murder Case returns in February 2026 with a two-part investigation into the disappearance of Arlene Fraser, who mysteriously vanished from her Morayshire home on 28 April 1998. Despite the fact her body has never been found, her husband was subsequently convicted of Arlene's murder and has served almost 20 years in prison.

The documentary airs Tuesday the 24^th of February at 9pm on BBC Scotland. It will also air on Thursday 26^th February at 9pm on BBC 2.

Our Head of Investigations at COMET, Alan Smith, held a leading role as a senior detective in the five-year-long investigation and features heavily in the documentary. He has, however, a particular and personal reason for taking part.

Alan said: "This was a complex and harrowing investigation which did not end with Nat Fraser's conviction for murder. Resolutely, and for reasons I share in the documentary, he has retained the secret of where he disposed of Arlene's body."

Alan added: "From the day Arlene went missing in 1998, I have shared a unique bond with a unique family who have endured torture in being denied Arlene's whereabouts. Cruelly but predictably, Fraser has chosen to exert what is his final element of control. However, through the efforts of Arlene's family and those participating in this documentary, legislative changes in the parole system may see him pay the penalty for his refusal to cooperate.

"Bringing Scottish parole legislation into line with England, perpetrators of murder who refuse to disclose the whereabouts of their victim's body can now be held to account when seeking early release. In short, non-cooperation in revealing body deposition must now be a consideration for the Parole Board, which previously was not the case.

"I agreed to support Arlene's family in the making of this documentary for the primary reason of advocating the new legislation. Murder Case hears from the detectives, the media and the family involved in this 28-year-old investigation, including some never-before-seen contributors. For me, it had to have topical and meaningful purpose, and I am delighted to be part of this compelling documentary.

"I believe the programme will provide insight into the additional pain and heartache Fraser imposed on the family beyond the trauma of the murder itself. It makes understandable their admirable determination in supporting legislative change."

Arlene's sister Carole, who also features in the programme, commented:

“As a family we thought long and hard about participating in this documentary as there have been many programs over the years and each one is both tiring and distressing.

Nat Fraser has taken us on a horrific torturous journey in the last 28 years and continues to do so.  In participating in this programme, we are not looking for sympathy.   We wish to highlight the importance of making changes in the parole process.  Thankfully, we feel the landscape is changing with the implementation of Suzanne's law . It may also serve in helping a family in the future who may find themselves in our position.

Speaking out is not easy. Part of Nat Fraser's plan was that people would soon forget about Arlene, it's my job via the media to ensure that does not happen.  Arlene deserves that. We are very grateful to everyone who has given their time and energy to support this documentary.  Particularly, Alan who remains determined to help us get justice for Arlene.”

About Alan Smith:

Alan’s background includes decades of work across major and organised crime. His time in policing saw him lead inquiries into homicide, kidnapping, corporate crime and a number of offshore fatalities in the North Sea.

Over the years, Alan has been asked to contribute to a number of crime documentaries, helping to explain the realities behind complex investigations. His appearance in this series reflects his depth of experience and the values that continue to guide his work.

You can read more about the documentary here.