Craig Duck, man who found Rachelle Childs’ burning body in Gerroa gets ‘Team Chelle’ tattoo

The man who made the chilling discovery of Rachelle’s burning body on the side of the road almost 24 years ago has opened up about why he got inked in her honour. Listen to the podcast.

The man who found Rachelle Childs’ burning body in 2001 has backed the search to find her killer by getting a “Team Chelle” tattoo, along with his wife.

Craig Duck felt “very, very emotional” and “super proud” after being inspired by the Dear Rachelle podcast to get the ink.

He investigated an unusual fire on the road’s edge, near Gerroa, NSW, in the early hours of June 8, 2001.

Craig Duck discovered Rachelle Childs’ burning body and has suffered PTSD ever since. He's strongly committed to helping her family get justice. Picture: Adam Yip

He was shocked when he saw Rachelle’s gold bangle, and hand, in the flames.

He did not know Rachelle. But he has since grieved the loss of “the beautiful life she had in front of her”.

LISTEN TO EPISODES 1-4 OF THE PODCAST BELOW:

Rachelle’s sister Kristy Childs, and her friend Mindy, got “Team Chelle” tattoos last year to help reignite the case which had grown cold many years earlier.

Their tattooist was Alex “Sash” Mielczarek, a former bikie who knew Rachelle and was for a time mistakenly considered as a person of interest in her killing.

Craig Duck gets a Team Chelle tattoo at Inkers Haven Tattoos Singleton.

Wider members of the Childs family have talked about going under the needle, prompting Kristy to wonder if her mother Anne will be pressured to get a tattoo, too.

Craig Duck's wife Kirsty Duck also got a Team Chelle tattoo.

Of Mr Duck’s choice, she said: “That just goes to show how much of an impact this has had on him. I often think about Craig and think about what he would have seen and how that would have sat with him. This makes my heart happy. He’s just gorgeous. What a champion.”

For more information about our investigation, visit dearachelle.com.au

If you have any tips or confidential information, please contact investigative journalist Ashlea Hansen at [e-mail].

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Originally published as Craig Duck, man who found Rachelle Childs’ burning body in Gerroa gets ‘Team Chelle’ tattoo