The trial: In sickness and in health. (Subscriber-only episode) | 6
In our first subscriber-only episode, veteran crime reporter Anthony Dowsley joins Brooke to outline his week in court.
True Crime Australia
The Trial: Communication breakdown | 5
On the last day of the first week of trial of Erin Patterson, her ex-husband returned to the stand.
What lies beneath | 8
Rachelle Childs has been dead five years when authorities exhume and re-examine her body. 9 POIs are scrutinised at her explosive inquest.
Bonus: Investigation Update | 2
Police examine new leads via CCTV and Rachelle’s petrol cap.
Latest True Crime
‘Friction’: Inside the marriage at centre of mushroom murder trial
They started out as friends and fell in love, but now, defendant Erin Patterson and her estranged husband Simon face each other in a courtroom after poisonous mushrooms changed everything.
Why missing man could have been another Milat victim
A Melbourne man who championed a three decades-long campaign to find his brother now thinks he may have tried to hitchhike and fallen into Ivan Milat’s path.
Ladies ‘liked’ prime suspect in Rachelle’s death
Singles-parties regular Kevin Correll was said to be very popular with women, but few would have a clue he was weeks away from testifying as a suspect at a murdered colleague’s inquest. Listen to podcast.
Mushroom trial: Tears flow amid flashback to happier times
The accused and her estranged husband struggled to watch as a video showing a sweet family moment days before the lethal lunch that claimed three lives was played in court.
‘Panicked’: Three ways Rachelle’s killer covered their tracks
Rachelle Childs’ killer made three “panicked” but critical moves that could provide police with a way to use modern DNA testing to find a suspect. See the video, listen to the podcast.
Haunting reenactment: New video reveals how Rachelle’s body was burned
FBI-trained profiler Kris Illingsworth reveals Rachelle Childs’ final moments and explains the mind of her killer. WARNING: Distressing content. See the new video and listen to the podcast.
Dear Rachelle podcast: Listen to Episode 8 now
Who killed Rachelle Childs? Innocent people, silenced by fear for decades, are breaking their silence. For Rachelle. Listen to the second bonus podcast episode now.
Rachelle suspect showed ex-girlfriend ‘fancy car’
The man police believe may have lured Rachelle Childs to her death with the promise of access to an exclusive Holden later showed off the same model of car at his home, it is claimed. Listen to podcast.
‘Partying with Rebels’: Shock rumours swirled Rachelle’s murder
Rachelle Childs ‘partied with bikies who killed her and severed her fingers’. This was one rumour peddled following her gruesome murder. Listen to the podcast and watch the video.
Rats reveal surprise finding on cocaine addiction
A study using lab rats and cocaine is helping scientists understand why certain people develop drug use disorders while others do not. And one finding was not what they expected.
Lone Wolf bikie kingpin nabbed in dramatic global sting
Australian Jordan Curry, who worked with conspirators to keep drug prices high and bring cocaine and meth to Sydney and Melbourne, has pleaded guilty after being caught in a global sting.
‘Powerful drug’ Aussie bikie gangs want nothing to do with
Police are scrambling to remove a drug 100 times more powerful than heroin off our streets after a Melbourne couple died taking what they thought was cocaine.
What Aussies pay for coke now as drug use hits record high
A surge in supply has supercharged Australia’s cocaine use despite the cost of living crisis. This is what drug users pay and who’s buying it.
Mushroom cook’s husband returns to the stand as murder trial continues
Simon Patterson is set to enter the witness box for his third day of evidence in the murder trial of his estranged wife, mushroom cook Erin Patterson. FOLLOW LIVE
What Erin Patterson didn’t do after serving deadly mushroom lunch
Simon Patterson, the estranged husband of accused mushroom cook killer Erin Patterson, has told a jury he was “intrigued” that she failed to ask him a particular question after the fateful lunch.
Key moments from day 4 of mushroom murder trial
Nearly two years ago, Erin Patterson cooked a mushroom meal for her family. She is now on trial for murder. Today, her estranged husband returned to the witness box.
Mushroom cook husband: The painful story no one should have to tell
The estranged husband of Erin Patterson was almost inconsolable as he shared heartbreaking details of his loved ones’ dying hours, and how he was also invited to the lethal lunch.
‘Not good enough’: Top detective’s plea after mum ‘mauled by dogs’
Celebrated homicide detective Gary Jubelin says shocking evidence given at inquest over a mum’s horrific death shows Australia’s cops still have a problem – and families are suffering for it.
What happened to Lasonya? Death of mum ‘eaten by dogs’ deemed suspicious
The ex-partner of a mother whose decomposed body was found in her family’s backyard had been accused of assaulting her, an inquest has heard.
‘Appalling and shocking’ racism in police forces, inquiry finds
An almost three-year federal probe has found Indigenous women and children are being murdered at shocking rates, with its harrowing findings finally released.
Another major accolade for the Tiser’s Dying Rose podcast
The Advertiser’s Walkley Award-winning podcast has taken home another top gong against some of the country’s best audio productions.
Drug lords behind Australia’s meth supply chain arrested
The Sinaloa cartel boss and El Chapo’s son, who play a huge role in the illicit drug trade on our streets, are now in custody.
AN0M app bust: What’s next after 62 convictions
Criminals using the “secret” AN0M app have been sentenced to three centuries of jail time, with dozens of cases still to hit court. See some of them who’ve been convicted.
Hells Angels’ cunning move to take Comanchero drug trade
The Hells Angels are preparing to take over Australia’s wholesale international drug trade after the arrest of Comanchero kingpin Hakan Ayik in Turkey. This is what’s afoot.
Aussie drug kingpin and bikie broker’s cunning move
An Australian fugitive on the run for a decade in Mexico, who is a key drug broker for bikie gangs, is suspected of taking a dramatic step to avoid capture.
80 more victims: Cops’ chilling new theory on Ivan Milat
While Ivan Milat was convicted of seven murders, leading figures in the investigation have revealed there may have been many more victims dating back to the 1970s. Listen to the podcast.
Ivan Milat’s shock revelation in letter to pen pal
Ivan Milat wrote sprawling letters to a criminologist, where he accidentally revealed a detail that was not part of the Crown’s case against him. Listen to the podcast.
The Missing Australia: MILAT UNTOLD
A former police officer uncovers stories never heard before from key figures involved in the Ivan Milat task force. Listen to the podcast and catch all the episodes here.
The night I hid from Ivan Milat | 5
Tasked with planting listening devices, former undercover cop Roy discovered a caravan filled with weapons before being forced to hide beneath it as Ivan Milat returned home.
Hillsong loses $100k a week amid ATO investigation
The crippling finances have been exposed in new financial documents, with the Christian megachurch losing an eye-watering $5 million in just one year.
Hillsong twist as Brian Houston starts new church
The megachurch is making a major change to its complaints process amid a tax office investigation into whistleblower documents that was examined in Faith on Trial podcast.
ATO probes Hillsong fraud claims
The Christian megachurch is being investigated by the Australian Taxation Office’s private wealth team over leaked financial records.
Moment I saw myself standing next to a Hillsong paedo
Award-winning journalist Marc Fennell has revealed his mixed — and deeply personal — feelings on the controversial Hillsong, and how he found a photo that he thought never existed.
How I can get your child into my car in less than 60 secs
Scarily, we now live in an era where a new level of stranger danger lurks, writes Madeleine West. See what you can do to protect your child.
How TV star caught sick pedo on TikTok
After she found out a young girl was being followed on TikTok by a man, Madeleine West discovered something shocking that led her straight to the federal police.
‘Every parent’s worst nightmare’: What Aussie star said to abuser
Former Neighbours star Madeleine West has revealed what she told the “monster” who sexually abused her for years. Read her victim impact statement.
‘I handed them evidence’: How cops miss abused Aussie kids
Vital clues that could lead to young sexual abuse victims are being overlooked – but an unlikely source could help bring paedophiles to justice. See how.
One thing Kathleen Folbigg can’t do anymore
In a sneak peek of a TV documentary, Kathleen Folbigg is happy, relaxed and surrounded by love. But, while she enjoys freedom after 20 years behind bars, it’s clear she still has a long way to go.
Folbigg’s common link with Lindy Chamberlain
Kathleen Folbigg and Lindy Chamberlain have shared a rare connection of murder convictions and acquittals that have captured, reviled and divided the nation.
Diaries of a ‘depressed mother’
Kathleen Folbigg’s diaries belonged to a ‘grieving, depressed mother’, a chief justice has found, as she was granted an unconditional pardon and released from prison.
‘Dismayed, devastated’: Folbigg’s ex-husband upset
Kathleen Folbigg’s ex-husband Craig, who gave evidence against her, was “absolutely dismayed and devastated” that there was a further inquiry, according to his lawyer.
Murder of Rachelle Childs: Kristy & Ashlea Pt.1
Rachelle Childs was brutally murdered 24 years ago. The young woman was found burning in the bush, partially undressed. Her killer is still on the loose. In a new podcast series called Dear Rachelle, her sister Kristy joins investigative journalist Ashlea Hansen to find answers to this unsolved crime.
“Pablo Escobar had a bounty on my head”: Steve Murphy Pt.2
Pablo Escobar was one of the most dangerous men in the world, and he had a bounty on Steve Murphy’s head. For 18 months, Murphy and his partner Javier Peña hunted Escobar across Columbia, often missing the drug lord by minutes. Murphy joins Gary Jubelin to share how they finally captured the king of cocaine, and why he took the famous photo.
Taking down Pablo Escobar: Steve Murphy Pt.1
Pablo Escobar was once the most wanted man in the world. As the cocaine king of Columbia, Escobar made billions through drug trafficking. He killed anyone who got in his way. Until American agent Steve Murphy helped bring him down.
Riding for freedom: Life and death in Australia Pt.2
Lyall Munro’s life was trapped behind a three-foot fence. Living in prison-like conditions, Lyall was living by the strict rules enforced on him and his community at the mission. Young children were taken away, they lived off fortnightly rations and were isolated from white Australians. When Charlie Perkins and the Freedom Bus Ride came through town in 1965, Lyall Munro’s whole life changed.
More True Crime
‘What does $200k get you?’: Fury over Police Minister’s reward insult
Startling details about the NSW Police Minister’s handling of rewards for information into cold cases, such as Rachelle Childs’, has been uncovered. Listen to the podcast.
‘Sexual assault’: New details emerge into motive of Rachelle’s killer
An FBI-trained criminal profiler has shed some new light on why Rachelle Childs’ killer murdered her, dumped her body in the bush and burned her remains. Listen to the podcast and watch the video.
Haunting 3D video into Rachelle Childs’ missing hours
Rachelle Childs’ death is one of the country’s most perplexing murder mysteries. A new 3D video reconstruction aims to piece together what happened in the hours before she was murdered. See the video, listen to the new podcast.
Emotional reason man who found Rachelle’s body gets ‘Team Chelle’ tatt
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.
‘Sleazy’: Creepy men in Rachelle’s life flagged before her brutal murder
Rachelle Childs had raised concerns about various men just before she was murdered, including one who said something that didn’t sit quite right with her childhood friend. Listen to the podcast.
Police fingerprint fuel cap; K9 unit searches Rachelle’s Holden
A new video shows trained dogs searching Rachelle Childs’ car, as police seize the petrol cap for fingerprint testing that could unlock major clues into her case. See the footage and listen to the podcast.
Rachelle and Holdens: Was this rare car the reason she was killed?
Rachelle Childs was wild about Holdens, especially the rare Walkinshaw models. Investigators believe the car-as-lure theory could be key to understanding why she was killed. Watch the video and listen to the podcast.
Rachelle’s final hours: Critical CCTV could hold vital clues
CCTV footage from the night Rachelle Childs was murdered will be re-examined, with her family hoping it will unearth vital clues to help find her killer. Listen to the podcast.
Tough-talking magistrate defies police to lock up 16-year-old home invader
A Melbourne magistrate was “staggered” police were not pushing for a tougher penalty for a teen involved in a wild crime spree and says the boy was old enough to know better.
Grooming charges against teacher dropped
Charges against an Aussie teacher who was due to stand trial accused of grooming a 15-year-old male student have been dropped.
Mushroom trial: First came the lies, then came the tears
Erin Patterson, the cook behind the lethal mushroom lunch that killed three people, was overcome with emotion in the dock as her murder trial began.
50 unanswered questions: Key suspect’s silence in Rachelle case
The chief suspect in Rachelle Childs’ death – one of the country’s most perplexing murder mysteries – refused to answer days of questions, as her body was re-examined in a nearby morgue. Listen to the podcast.
‘Inexplicable’: Man took woman to secluded spot, filmed sexual acts
A man who carried an unconscious woman to a “secluded” location in Sydney’s inner west and filmed himself groping her has been jailed. Here’s what happened.
‘Underhanded’: Why main suspect in Rachelle’s murder was fired
More than two decades ago Rachelle Childs was murdered and her body burned. The key suspect – her boss – was fired weeks after her death. Listen to the podcast.
Slater’s ‘tragic fall from grace’ amid domestic violence shame
Former Australian cricket star Michael Slater has been released from jail on a suspended sentence after admitting to stalking, strangling and assaulting a woman during an alcohol fuelled spiral.
Suspected killer of Kazem Hamad’s brother-in-law an open secret
The theory is that Hamad was the man who was meant to die when Khaled Abouhasna was shot while sitting next to him in a parked car. 10 years on, the odds are growing longer of the murder being solved.
‘Could be manufactured’: Key suspect’s fish and chip alibi examined
Eerie similarities between alibis for two unrelated crimes have investigators pondering if the evidence provided by the key suspect in Rachelle Childs’ murder is true. Listen to the podcast.
‘He will never stop’: Sex attack victims on eerie connection to Rachelle’s murder
As more details about the key suspect in Rachelle Childs’ murder case have come to light, two women have given detailed accounts of the “monster” who preyed on them. Listen to the podcast.
‘That is weird’: Bombshell claim in Rachelle’s murder investigation
A crucial detail has been revealed about the man who is the chief suspect in the murder of Rachelle Childs. Listen to the podcast.
Dear Rachelle podcast tops Apple, Spotify charts
The multimedia investigation into the 24-year-old cold case of Rachelle Childs — who was murdered and her remains set alight – has had almost half a million downloads. Listen to the podcast.
Latorre confronted extended family before ‘targeted hit’
Police continue to investigate the “targeted hit” of suspected mafia figure John Latorre, who was murdered in his driveway just weeks after a bitter confrontation with two men.
What is a Walkinshaw: Rare car key to Rachelle’s murder case explained
Before Rachelle Childs was brutally murdered, the car lover was bragging about getting to drive a rare Walkinshaw Holden Commodore. See why it’s so revered and listen to the latest podcast episode.
Eerie past of chief suspect in Rachelle’s murder revealed
New photos have emerged of Kevin Steven Correll – the main suspect in Rachelle Childs’ murder – as details about his past have been revealed. Listen to the latest podcast and watch the video.
Sickening child rapist’s link to murder investigation
There is a link between one of Australia’s most reviled child rapists and the main person of interest in the murder of Rachelle Childs. Listen to the latest podcast and watch the video.
Six baffling questions into Rachelle Childs’ murder case
There are several unanswered questions about Rachelle Childs’ death — one of the country’s most perplexing murder mysteries. Listen to the podcast.
Schoolgirl’s murder has eerie connection to cold case
Evil descended on a regional Aussie town when schoolgirl Ebony Simpson was abducted and murdered. Her case shares an eerie connection to the Rachelle Childs cold case. Listen to the podcast.
Tony Mokbel arrives at court in armoured truck for D-Day in freedom bid
Tony Mokbel has arrived at Victoria’s Court of Appeal in an armoured BearCat, with the notorious gangland figure fighting to taste his first day of freedom in 18 years. Here’s how his bail application will play out and what might happen next.
Celeste Manno’s killer on hunger strike
Stalker and murderer Luay Sako who stabbed his 23-year-old former colleague to death at her Mernda home has been hospitalised after a week-long hunger strike.
Bulldogs forced to pay almost $3m to child abuse victim
Western Bulldogs had a High Court appeal rejected, forcing the AFL club to pay a child abuse victim almost $3 million.
‘Sh*t show’: Blame game heats up over police leadership crisis
Senior officers say the mayhem surrounding Victoria Police’s leadership vacuum is a “circus”, with one asking “who the f*** would want the job?”
Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/truecrimeaustralia