Australian True Crime Podcast

This week on True Crime Tonight we discuss: This month in true crime history with Michael Adams from the Forgotten Australian and Australian Murder podcasts "Primetime" movie review Ruby interviews Collien Fernandes about her experience of being targeted by a deepfake impersonation Hosted by Meshel Laurie, True Crime Tonight airs Sundays from 6-7pm on KIIS, breaking down the biggest crime stories, documentaries and cases everyone’s talking about. Got a question or comment you want played on the show? Get involved by sending us a voice message on our True Crime Hotline here. Do you have information regarding any of the cases discussed on this podcast? Please report it on the Crime Stoppers website or by calling 1800 333 000. Host: Meshel Laurie Producer/Co-host: Ruby Bartzis Editor/Co-host: Matthew Tankard For Support: Lifeline on 13 11 14 13 YARN on 13 92 76 (24/7 crisis support phone line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples) 1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732 Blue Knot Helpline: 1300 657 380 GET IN…

German documentary maker Colleen Fernandez shares the harrowing discovery that her husband used deepfakes to impersonate her and send graphic sexual content to her professional colleagues. She discusses the psychological betrayal, the realization that his confession was a tactic to halt her investigation, and the broader implications of digital abuse and the lack of legal protections in Germany. The episode also explores the personal and professional aftermath of her legal battle, including the public hate and death threats resulting from her husband's press work. Fernandez further examines the complex dilemma victims face when balancing the need for therapeutic healing with the necessity of preserving clear memories for court proceedings.

In this episode of Australian True Crime International, German television presenter Colleen Fernandez shares the harrowing story of a decade-long digital abuse campaign orchestrated by her own husband, Christian Ullmann. An accomplished comedian and actor, Ullmann used deepfake technology and graphic sexual content to impersonate his wife, sending fabricated stories of sexual violence to her colleagues and fans to manipulate them into believing they were in secret relationships with her. Fernandez discusses the psychological impact of being targeted by a perpetrator who was intimately known to her, the inadequacy of the German legal system regarding digital abuse, and her subsequent efforts to seek justice through documentaries and international legal complaints. The episode explores the real-world consequences of virtual violence and the ongoing struggle for legislative reform in the face of evolving digital threats.

This episode explores the tragic backstory of Edith Cowan, shaped by the violent life of her father, Kenneth Brown. It traces Kenneth's trajectory from a childhood marked by frontier violence in colonial Western Australia to his eventual criminal path, culminating in the brutal murder of his wife, Mary, in Geraldton. The narrative follows the legal complexities of Kenneth's three trials, where defense strategies involving alcoholism and inherited insanity clashed with the verdict of a working-class jury. Finally, the episode reflects on how Edith Cowan transformed her traumatic family history into a legacy of social reform and political significance.

Australian True Crime explores the harrowing 1876 murder of Mary Anne Brown by her husband, Kenneth Brown, a prominent pastoralist in Western Australia. The episode traces the downward trajectory of Kenneth Brown, from his status as part of the colonial elite to his eventual conviction and execution for the shotgun murder of his second wife. The narrative highlights the complex legal battles involving two trials and a jury pool composed of working-class men, as well as the controversial defense strategy that blamed the victim's character. The story also examines the profound impact this violence had on Kenneth's daughter, Edith Cowan. Despite a childhood shattered by her father's crimes, Edith went on to become Australia's first woman elected to parliament and remains a significant historical figure, featured on the Australian fifty-dollar note. The podcast provides a detailed look at the intersection of wealth, influence, and justice in colonial Australia.

In this episode of True Crime Tonight, the hosts explore the legal and social complexities surrounding the Russell Brand trial and his recent public image shift. The discussion also delves into the fraud scandal involving Elizabeth Holmes and Theranos. The episode features an interview with expert Louise Edmonds, who discusses the various facets of grooming, the necessity of proactive education for children, and her personal experience with childhood abuse. Edmonds concludes by outlining a vision for preventing child sex offenses in Australia through legislative and technological measures.

Louise Edmonds and the host explore the complexities of grooming, noting that while institutional abuse is a major concern, much of the abuse occurs within homes. They examine the systemic flaws in child protection checks, the dangers of predators exploiting gaps in state databases, and the importance of parental intuition. The discussion further delves into the impact of pornography on developing brains and debates potential deterrents such as chemical castration. The speakers also explore technological solutions for preventing digital exploitation and emphasize the need for stronger legal accountability and better resources to empower families.

In this episode of Australian True Crime, host Michelle Laurie interviews Louise Edmonds, a survivor advocate and founder of Grooming Recognition. The conversation focuses on the critical need to shift from responding to child sexual abuse after it occurs to recognizing the grooming behaviors and patterns that precede it. Edmonds discusses the various facets of grooming, including institutional, domestic, and digital methods such as blackmail and exploitation via social media. She emphasizes the importance of empowering parents and educators with tools for detection and advocates for systemic changes, such as a national public child sex offenders register and enhanced technological interventions to combat online abuse.

Investigative journalist Richard Baker examines the complexities of the Simone Strobel case, focusing on how Tobias Suckfull's early lies and significant language barriers shaped public perception and the initial police investigation. The episode explores various suspects, including local men with criminal records who allegedly made confessions related to the crime. The discussion further details the starkly different findings between the 2007 and 2024 inquests regarding the location of Strobel's death and the involvement of Tobias. As legal charges were eventually withdrawn due to a lack of evidence and compromised DNA, the investigation shifts toward ongoing forensic leads, including unidentified male DNA and hair samples found at the crime scene.

In this episode of Australian True Crime with Michelle Laurie, investigative journalist Richard Baker discusses the unsolved 2005 murder of Simone Strobel, a German backpacker who disappeared from a caravan park in Lismore, New South Wales. The discussion re-examines the investigation, focusing on the shifting perspectives regarding Tobias Suckfull, whose initial lies to police regarding drug use and arguments created significant suspicion. Baker explores alternative theories involving local persons of interest and examines how recent coronial findings have overturned previous conclusions about the location and circumstances of the crime. The episode delves into the complexities of the forensic evidence, the impact of a six-day delay in finding the body, and the controversial nature of various alleged confessions from local men. Through an analysis of two different inquests, the conversation highlights the challenges of seeking justice in a case marked by decades of uncertainty and evolving evidence.

The hosts of True Crime Tonight discuss their expansion into television and share updates on high-profile crime stories, including the historical Tylenol poisonings and recent developments in the P. Diddy and Tupac murder investigations. The episode also explores the legal implications of non-fatal strangulation laws in Queensland and Victoria. Featuring an interview with Betty Taylor, CEO of the Red Rose Foundation, the episode details the severe long-term physical and cognitive consequences of strangulation, such as brain injuries and memory loss, and highlights the extreme risks faced by survivors.

Betty Taylor of the Red Rose Foundation discusses the critical issue of strangulation in domestic violence, highlighting its long-term health risks—such as strokes and brain injuries—and the lack of legislative recognition in Australia. The episode explores the mechanics of coercive control, the psychological impact of entrapment, and the importance of believing victims' accounts of danger. The conversation also addresses systemic failures within the legal system, including the dangers of certain protection orders, the impact of Family Court on safety, and the critical lack of funding for community services. Ultimately, the discussion emphasizes the need for better agency communication to prevent fatalities and the importance of finding hope amidst the trauma.

Lex Lasry and Greg Barnes interview veteran journalist John Sylvester about his career covering the Melbourne underworld, including his interactions with notorious figures like Chopper Read. The conversation explores the history of organized crime and police corruption in Australia, detailing the era of hitman Christopher Dale Flannery and the corrupt activities of detective Roger Rogerson. The episode also examines systemic inefficiencies within the Australian justice system, such as complex disclosure laws and the burden of minor cases on court resources. The discussion concludes with reflections on the need for judicial reform to address procedural delays and prevent unnecessary incarceration.

In this episode of Australian True Crime, host Michelle Laurie interviews Professor Stephen Cordner, a leading expert in forensic medicine, regarding his new book, Wrongful Convictions in Australia. The discussion explores the potential for widespread miscarriages of justice within the Australian criminal justice system, using high-profile cases like Lindy Chamberlain and Kathleen Folbigg as primary examples of how scientific evidence can challenge previous convictions. Professor Cordner argues that unlike the healthcare industry, which has moved toward an evidence-based model, the Australian criminal justice system lacks a formal mechanism to proactively investigate potential wrongful convictions. He compares Australia's lack of a dedicated review commission to successful models in the United Kingdom and other nations, suggesting that without active investigation, the true scale of the problem remains unmeasured.

Professor Stephen Cordner discusses the lack of a formal mechanism in Australia to identify and review potential miscarriages of justice, comparing the need for reform to the healthcare system's shift toward evidence-based medicine. He highlights his involvement in the Kathleen Folbigg case and argues that without an active commission like those in the UK or US, Australia remains unaware of how many people are wrongly imprisoned. The conversation explores the potential for widespread wrongful convictions, examining specific case studies involving DNA contamination in the Farajama case and the complexities of forensic evidence in shaken baby syndrome investigations. The episode also addresses the phenomenon of false confessions and concludes with personal anecdotes from a pathologist's career regarding medical discoveries during autopsies.

The hosts of True Crime Tonight discuss several high-profile criminal cases, including a botched execution in Tennessee and the murder conviction of an American Idol contestant. The episode also features an interview preview with journalist Michael Bachelard regarding the controversial science surrounding shaken baby syndrome. The discussion explores the evolution of Shaken Baby Syndrome prosecutions, which transitioned from an educational theory in 1971 to a powerful legal tool for prosecutors in the 1990s. The segment highlights growing scientific skepticism and the potential for wrongful convictions as recent evidence suggests alternative causes for the clinical triad of symptoms.

Journalist Michael Bachelard investigates the controversial science of shaken baby syndrome, focusing on how medical diagnoses can trigger an unstoppable cycle of child protection interventions and legal accusations. The episode explores a specific case where a family was separated due to inconclusive evidence and examines the systemic momentum created by police investigations and medical findings. The discussion further delves into the scientific controversy surrounding 'the triad' of injuries used for diagnosis, highlighting recent challenges to these theories and the potential for racial and socioeconomic bias in the legal system. The investigation also questions how disparities in wealth and legal representation impact the ability of parents to contest allegations and maintain their families.

In this episode of Australian True Crime, host Michelle Laurie interviews journalist Michael Bachelard regarding his podcast, Diagnosing Murder. The discussion explores the controversial scientific and legal implications of shaken baby syndrome, investigating how a medical theory used for education in the 1970s became a primary tool for criminal prosecution in the 1990s. Bachelard examines the tension between the instinctive desire for justice in cases of child injury and the emerging scientific challenges to the 'triad' diagnosis. The conversation delves into the potential for wrongful convictions, noting that while many view these defendants as unsympathetic, new biomechanical evidence and a greater understanding of alternative causes for brain injuries are leading to exonerations in the United States. The episode also touches upon the impact of these diagnoses on families within the Australian children's court system and the inherent biases present in investigating such high-profile, emotionally charged crimes.

Wayne Holdsworth shares the tragic story of his son, Mac, who died by suicide following an online sexual extortion scam. The episode explores the mechanics of these scams, the role of unregulated social media algorithms in facilitating self-harm, and the devastating impact of cybercrime on families. Driven by a mission to prevent similar tragedies, Wayne discusses his 'Smack Talk' initiative and the 'Unplug 24' campaign, which encourages a digital disconnect to foster real-world connections. He advocates for shifting the conversation from mental health to 'mental fitness' and emphasizes the importance of parental involvement and education in protecting children from the dangers of the digital age.

This episode of Australian True Crime tells the devastating story of Mac Holdsworth, a teenager who became the victim of an online sexual extortion scam in 2022. After being manipulated into sending intimate photos by someone posing as a teenage girl, Mac was targeted by an extortionist who threatened to distribute the images to his contacts. The intense pressure and shame led to a tragic outcome, resulting in Mac's death by suicide. The episode features Mac's father, Wayne Holdsworth, who shares the harrowing details of that night and the subsequent investigation. Following the tragedy, Wayne founded Smack Talk, a charity dedicated to suicide prevention and educating young people and parents about the dangers of online sexual extortion and social media safety.

The hosts of True Crime Tonight discuss a listener's message regarding historical sexual abuse at a youth hostel in Katanning and the difficulty of seeking justice. They also examine recent allegations involving the 'Cornell 7' fraternity case, discussing the complexities of proving sexual assault in both criminal and civil courts. The episode continues with an interview with John Herbert, author of 'Crossroads', who discusses his experiences working with at-risk young men and the systemic factors that lead individuals toward crime.

Host Michelle Laurie interviews John Herbert about his book 'Crossroads', which explores the lives of men involved in crime and their paths to redemption. The conversation covers themes of childhood trauma as a driver for criminal behavior, the differences between 'old school' and 'new school' organized crime, and specific stories of notable figures like Craig Field and Graham Henry. The speakers discuss the evolution of crime, comparing the professional nature of 'old school' hits to modern impulsive violence and examining the lives of notorious figures like Roger Rogerson and Tim Smith. The conversation also touches on the difficulty of leaving a criminal lifestyle, the impact of prison on identity, and the speaker's personal experience raising a son in a high-profile environment.

In this episode of Australian True Crime, host Michelle Laurie interviews John Herbert, a Sydney-based boxing trainer and author of the book Crossroads. Herbert shares first-hand accounts from thirteen Australian men whose lives have been shaped by crime, incarceration, sport, and adversity. The discussion explores the complex motivations behind criminal behavior, examining how childhood deprivation, dysfunctional family structures, and the search for belonging in subcultures like motorcycle clubs can drive individuals toward a life of crime. The conversation also delves into specific case studies, including the story of rugby league player Craig Field and the impact of sudden, life-altering decisions. Herbert provides insight into the social dynamics of organized crime in Sydney's past and the cyclical nature of recidivism, where prison can become a surrogate family for those lost upon reentry to society. The episode offers a nuanced perspective on redemption and the pivotal moments that define a person's path.

Lex Lassery and Greg Barnes interview Australian author Helen Garner about her fascination with criminal law, the courtroom, and high-profile cases such as those of Anu Singh and Robert Farquharson. The discussion explores themes of justice, repressed rage, and the human element within the legal system. The conversation also covers Garner's experiences with public backlash regarding her books on legal and social dynamics. The episode concludes with a lighter reflection on her recent book about her grandson's junior football and the joy found in amateur sports.

Rob Hunter recounts the harrowing 24-hour kidnapping ordeal at Woreen State School, where Edwin John Eastwood took him and nine students hostage at gunpoint. The journey involved a violent vehicle accident and a period of being held at a campsite, eventually leading to a high-speed police chase after one student managed to escape. Following the event, Rob discusses the lack of institutional support from the education department and his personal journey toward healing. He reflects on how practicing gratitude, kindness, and forgiveness allowed him to overcome the trauma and avoid being permanently chained to the resentment of the event.

In February 1977, a newly qualified teacher named Rob Hunter experienced a harrowing ordeal during his ninth day of teaching at Woreen State School in Gippsland. A convicted kidnapper and prison escapee, Edwin John Eastwood, arrived at the school with a firearm, taking Hunter and nine students hostage. The episode details the terrifying journey through rural Victoria, the unexpected expansion of the hostage group, and the eventual high-speed police chase that led to the kidnapper's capture. Through an interview with Rob Hunter, the narrative explores the motivations behind Eastwood's actions, the survival tactics used by the hostages, and the heroic escape attempt by a truck driver. The discussion covers the intense moments of being chained in the bush and the chaotic conclusion involving roadblocks and gunfire on the South Gippsland Highway.

The hosts of True Crime Tonight explore the 'Vampire Gigolo' case involving Shane Chartres-Abbott and address the intense social media scrutiny and sexism directed at Patrick Clancy following a family tragedy. The episode continues with an interview featuring Karen Bevan, CEO of Full Stop Australia, to discuss recent trends in domestic violence. The discussion covers the importance of sensitive media reporting, the need for community-wide behavioral changes, and the necessity of targeted government prevention strategies.

Kylie Druitt, co-founder of Australian Voices for the Silenced, discusses the devastating impact of domestic violence on families and children, sharing her personal experience regarding the murder of Sarah Brown. The episode critiques how media reporting and systemic failures contribute to the ongoing cycle of violence and the lack of resources for healing. The discussion explores the mission of Full Stop Australia and its specialized trauma-informed helplines. The speakers also address the importance of denormalizing coercive control, the ethical complexities of reporting on domestic violence, and the necessity of addressing the root causes of violence, such as gender inequality.

In this episode of True Crime Tonight, the hosts discuss recent true crime stories, including a listener's message regarding Maggie Dawkins and the St Andrews Youth Hostel case, as well as the controversial parole of Snowtown murderer Jamie Vlasakis. The episode also features an in-depth interview with author Jeremy Pudney. Pudney joins the hosts to detail the Snowtown murders, exploring how John Bunting manipulated vulnerable individuals through shared trauma. The discussion covers the complexities of the investigation and the tragic reality that many victims went unnoticed due to their marginalized status.

Investigative journalist Hedley Thomas examines the unsolved 1986 murder of Rosalind McQueen, who died from a massive dose of strychnine poisoning. The episode explores the suspicious circumstances surrounding her death, including the intense and controversial relationship between her husband, Ray McQueen, and a 16-year-old girl named Donna. The discussion details the invasive police investigation, the coroner's inquest that ultimately charged Ray McQueen with murder, and the role of investigator Rex Bakes, who provided critical evidence to ensure the case was revisited decades later.

In April 1986, Rosalind McQueen, a thirty-year-old pregnant woman, was found dead in her Lockwood home following what was later determined to be massive strychnine poisoning. While her husband, Ray McQueen, initially blamed a neighbor, investigators eventually turned their focus toward him, citing his intense connection with a sixteen-year-old girl and his desire to avoid further financial loss through divorce. Although a coroner determined that Ray had maliciously administered the poison, the case never proceeded to trial, leaving the murder unsolved for nearly forty years. Investigative journalist Hedley Thomas joins Michelle Laurie to examine the evidence from his new podcast, The Poisoned Wife. The discussion explores the horrific nature of strychnine poisoning, the suspicious lack of an early crime scene investigation, and the circumstantial evidence involving Ray's relationship with Donna Manalek.

This episode features a conversation with journalist Jeremy Pudney regarding the Snowtown murders, exploring the psychological manipulation used by John Bunting to exploit vulnerable individuals through a false persona of a protector. The discussion details the investigation and discovery of the crimes, focusing on the roles of Bunting and Robert Wagner, and how police uncovered the true scale of the violence through missing persons reviews. The episode further examines the investigation and subsequent arrests of those involved, including Bunting, Wagner, Hayden, and Vlasakis. It explores the legal outcomes for each perpetrator, the psychological impact of the crimes, and the importance of providing visibility to the victims to honor their legacy.

This episode of Australian True Crime explores the chilling details of the Snowtown murders, a case involving the discovery of dismembered remains in barrels of acid within a disused bank. The discussion focuses on the release on parole of Jamie Vlasakis, the youngest member of the gang, and features an interview with journalist Jeremy Pudney, author of the definitive book on the subject. The narrative delves into the psychological manipulation used by gang leader John Bunting to coerce vulnerable individuals into a circle of violence. The conversation examines the systemic failures that allowed these crimes to go undetected for so long, the complex backgrounds of both the perpetrators and the victims, and the investigative breakthroughs that eventually uncovered the true scale of the killings.

The hosts of True Crime Tonight explore the cultural impact of the podcast 'Serial' and its role in driving the true crime phenomenon. Guest Michael Adams from 'Forgotten Australia' recounts the 1928 murder of schoolteacher Jack Mulholland in New South Wales. The episode also features former prosecutor Margaret MacLean discussing the Lindsay Clancy case. The conversation delves into the tragic deaths of three children and examines the legal and medical distinctions between postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis, as well as the implications for mental health treatment following high-profile trials.

Maggie Dawkins recounts her experience in 1985 while working in Katanning, where she was approached by young men disclosing sexual abuse at St Andrew's Hostel. She describes the lack of language for such crimes at the time and the intense community backlash she faced when attempting to report the allegations to local authorities. The episode further details her confrontation with Dennis McKenna, which resulted in her being transferred out of town after he threatened her with his connections. The narrative explores the broader pattern of systemic failure and sexual abuse in Katanning involving various institutions, the ongoing struggle for justice through memorials, and the devastating intergenerational trauma experienced by families like Kay Anderson's.

Neste episódio de Australian True Crime with Michelle Laurie, Maggie Dawkins compartilha sua jornada de décadas na luta contra o abuso institucional infantil em Katanning, Austrália Ocidental. A narrativa detalha como a descoberta de abusos cometidos por Dennis McKenna no St. Andrew's Hostel levou Maggie a enfrentar a resistência da comunidade local e do poder político para buscar justiça. A conversa explora as dificuldades de denunciar crimes em cidades pequenas, o impacto das redes de proteção institucional e o processo de investigação que culminou na condenação de McKenna. O episódio aborda também os desdobramentos recentes sobre a liberdade do condenado e a falta de pedidos de desculpas por parte do conselho local.

This episode explores the legal and psychological complexities surrounding the Lindsay Clancy case, where an American mother is accused of killing her three young children in January 2023. The discussion focuses on the recent collapse of her six-week criminal trial after a jury failed to reach a verdict, highlighting the intense debate between viewing her actions as premeditated murder or the result of extreme postpartum psychosis. Featuring legal analysis from former prosecutor Margaret McLean, the episode examines the distinction between postpartum depression and psychosis, the forensic evidence presented during the trial, and the potential legal paths forward for the prosecution. The conversation also touches upon the societal impact of the case regarding mental health awareness and the pursuit of justice for the victims.

This episode examines the criminal trial of Lindsay Clancy, an American woman accused of killing her three children in 2023. Legal expert Margaret McLean analyzes the complexities of the case, including the distinction between postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis, the role of medication, and the conflicting expert testimonies regarding her mental state. The discussion further explores the debate between calculated intent and 'waxing and waning' psychosis, alongside the legal burdens in Massachusetts regarding criminal responsibility. The episode also considers the potential for increased awareness and better medical intervention for postpartum psychosis following this high-profile case, as well as the legal complexities surrounding a possible retrial.

The hosts examine the legal complexities of the Lindsay Clancy case, focusing on how postpartum psychosis intersects with criminal responsibility and the challenges advancements in neuropsychology pose to traditional concepts of agency. The discussion also critiques political proposals in Victoria regarding judicial sentencing oversight and rising incarceration rates. Additionally, the episode covers concerns over the Victorian Police Commissioner's influence on judicial independence and new Tasmanian legislation restricting character references in court. The conversation concludes with a look at the perceived compromise of the US Supreme Court, debates surrounding Australian national identity, and recent political scandals involving Nigel Farage.

Abraham Quoll discusses his upbringing in the Kakuma refugee camp and the challenges of resettling in Australia, highlighting how systemic barriers, media demonization, and a lack of employment opportunities can lead young South Sudanese men toward criminal identities. The conversation explores the historical pattern of demonizing migrant communities in Australia and the importance of early intervention and representation to foster aspirations. The episode further examines the complex risk and protective factors affecting young people in refugee communities, specifically how community support and early exposure to academic settings can mitigate challenges. The discussion concludes with reflections on how experiences with global suffering drive a desire to give back through building lasting community infrastructure.

In this episode of Australian True Crime, host Michelle Laurie interviews Abraham Quoll, a youth mentor, criminology researcher, and Victoria's Young Australian of the Year for 2026. Quoll shares his personal journey from growing up in the Kakuma refugee camp in Kenya to finding community and purpose in Australia. The conversation delves into the complexities of youth crime within South Sudanese communities, exploring themes of identity, labeling theory, and the impact of media demonization. Quoll discusses the importance of early intervention, the role of employment and sport in fostering belonging, and his current PhD research into risk and protective factors for high-harm offending.

The hosts of True Crime Tonight discuss recent developments in the Tupac Shakur murder investigation, specifically regarding the conviction of Keefe D. They also recommend the documentary 'Hey, Beautiful,' which examines how Nigerian 'Yahoo boys' utilize social media for sophisticated romance scams. The episode further explores the emotional manipulation used in these scams and features an interview with Amelia Oberhart about the documentary 'Outback Murder Highway.' This investigation looks into a series of unsolved murders and disappearances along Australia's Flinders Highway during the 1970s.

Investigative journalist Amelia Oberhart examines the dark history of the Flinders Highway, focusing on the 1972 disappearance of Anita and Robin Cunningham. The episode explores how the era's culture of hitchhiking and a lack of police urgency contributed to a series of mysteries, including potential connections to serial killer Ivan Milat. The discussion extends to other cold cases along Australian highways, such as the Spear Creek Killings and the disappearance of Tony Jones. The investigation also covers the case of Jaden Penno-Thompson, highlighting how modern forensics and family advocacy are playing a crucial role in seeking justice for long-unsolved crimes.

This episode of Australian True Crime explores the chilling history of the Flinders Highway, an 800-kilometre stretch of road in Queensland linked to numerous disappearances and murders. Investigative journalist Amelia Oberhart discusses her work on the series Outback Murder Highway, focusing on the 1970s era when hitchhiking was common and police responses were often negligent. The discussion delves into the disappearance of Anita and Robin Cunningham, examining potential connections to notorious serial killer Ivan Milat following a decades-old eyewitness identification. The conversation covers the challenges of investigating crimes in isolated areas lacking CCTV or modern communication, as well as the use of new forensic technologies like ground-penetting radar and cadaver dogs. The episode examines how historical social shifts, such as the 'free love' movement, influenced the perception of missing young women and why certain cases remained unsolved for decades.

Neste episódio de Australian True Crime with Michelle Laurie, o ex-policial infiltrado Jason Somerville compartilha os detalhes de sua vida sob o pseudônimo de Michael Bates. Ele discute as complexidades do trabalho policial disfarçado na Queensland Police, abordando desde o treinamento técnico para identificar diamantes e contar dinheiro até a infiltração em redes de tráfico de heroína. O relato explora o profundo impacto psicológico da vida dupla, os riscos de ser descoberto por gangues e as dificuldades de transição de volta à vida civil. Somerville também aborda temas sensíveis como o estresse pós-traumático, a tentação financeira no submundo do crime e sua jornada de recuperação através da escrita e do podcasting.

Former undercover officer Jason Somerville discusses the training, risks, and psychological complexities of his work in the Queensland Police. He details the difficulty of maintaining a false identity while navigating criminal environments and explores the immense temptation for corruption due to the high profitability of drug trafficking. He also reflects on the challenges of transitioning back to uniformed policing, including the stigma faced by former undercover officers and the long-term impact on mental health. Finally, he discusses the social isolation of retired officers and his transition into filmmaking to document PTSD in emergency services.

The hosts discuss recent violent incidents in the Altona North area, including shootings linked to the tobacco wars and the impact of crime on local families. They also review the classic HBO documentary series 'Paradise Lost', detailing the wrongful conviction of the West Memphis Three and the ongoing search for DNA evidence. The episode further explores the American justice system and the concept of an Alford plea, followed by an introduction to the case of Jason Rigby. Jess Rigby discusses the suspicious circumstances surrounding her brother-in-law's death in Fiji, which authorities initially ruled a suicide but the family disputes.

Jessica Rigby discusses the suspicious circumstances surrounding the death of her brother-in-law, Jason Rigby, in Fiji, which authorities initially ruled a suicide. She highlights significant inconsistencies in the official narrative, including a lack of thorough investigation and the suspicious speed at which a cause of death was publicized. The episode details the challenges of seeking justice across international jurisdictions, noting the lack of institutional support from Australian and Fijian authorities. The speakers discuss findings from a private investigation regarding new evidence and the difficulties in holding corporate entities accountable as the family continues their mission to pursue justice.

Australian True Crime explores the mysterious death of Jason Rigby, a hotel manager found dead in his staff apartment at a luxury resort in Fiji. While authorities initially ruled the death a suicide involving self-inflicted stab wounds, his family remains unconvinced, citing inconsistencies in the official narrative, including the lack of a thorough investigation and suspicious details surrounding the crime scene. In this episode, Jason's sister-in-law, Jessica Rigby, discusses the family's ongoing fight for justice, the findings of their private investigator, and the complexities of the case involving potential motives and local connections in Fiji. The discussion covers the discrepancies in toxicology reports, the unusual nature of the wounds, and the family's plea for anyone with information to come forward.

In this episode of Australian True Crime, host Michelle Laurie interviews Greg Barnes, a prominent figure in criminal justice and human rights. Barnes discusses his extensive career, ranging from political campaigning to advising Julian Assange, and explores the systemic issues underlying the Australian prison system, including social disadvantage and the lack of through care for offenders. The conversation delves into the complexities of high-profile legal battles, the nuances of mediation in abuse cases, and the launch of his new podcast, Law The Podcast, with former Supreme Court Judge Lex Lasry.