What the dead can tell us: Part 1.
David Ranson spent years finding clues to help solve crimes. He talks with Andrew Rule about working as a forensic pathologist.
True Crime Australia
The last stand of Mad Max.
The short-lived spree of Pavel Marinof came to an end on a lonely road on the outskirts of Melbourne. Andrew Rule goes through those last moments of the man they called Mad Max, and the fateful decision officers had to make in taking him down.
Revelations, rulebreakers and reflections | 56
In the absence of the jury, many discussions took place. But with the trial over, we can lift the lid on the revelations we could not report and the rulebreakers that have landed themselves in hot water as we reflect on the past 11 weeks.
Dr Chris Webster and THAT candid interview | 55
Chris Webster was the country doctor who first alerted police to triple murderer Erin Patterson in a critical triple-0 call. After taking the stand, Dr Webster has been interviewed countless times — but there’s one interview that has everyone talking.
Latest True Crime
Key Rachelle Childs suspect partied with women before death
The alleged killer jumped off a plane in Phuket and headed straight to the notorious club district with local girls – before he wound up dead in a hotel room.
Why former employer wants court to show Pannell no mercy
Runaway AFL umpire Troy Pannell’s former employer has demanded that the court throw the book at him for delaying a court case into allegations he defrauded them of $8.7 million.
Notorious teen criminal walks free as magistrate admits court orders won’t stop him
One of Victoria’s worst teen offenders, charged more than 400 times, has been set free without further supervision as the magistrate admits he won’t follow court orders.
Shock way Rachelle Childs’ family found out prime suspect was dead
Despite the decades-long investigation to find Rachelle Childs’ killer, her family was not contacted by the police to say the chief suspect in her murder had died in a hotel room in Thailand.
Final hours of Rachelle Childs’ suspect before hotel death
The prime suspect in the cold case murder of Rachelle Childs went to a bar with an unidentified woman, before he was found dead in his Thailand hotel. See hotel photos.
Dear Rachelle podcast: Listen to the season finale now
Who killed Rachelle Childs? Innocent people, silenced by fear for decades, are breaking their silence. For Rachelle. Listen to the final episode of the podcast now.
How an explosive podcast blew a cold case wide open
Several women, including his estranged daughter, came forward to detail how this prime murder suspect terrified them. He might be dead now, but the search to find a killer isn’t over.
‘Stunned’: Teacher’s Pet cop reveals how police can still nab a killer
Teacher’s Pet cop Damian Loone reveals why the sudden death of Kevin Steven Correll in a hotel room in Thailand is not the end of the search to find Rachelle Childs’ killer.
Inside the room where Rachelle suspect was found dead
Photos have emerged of the hotel room in Thailand where the key suspect in the cold case murder of Rachelle Childs died, amid new details about the days leading up to his death. See the photos.
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.
‘Fear no evil’: Mushroom lunch survivor speaks out
Ian Wilkinson, the only guest to survive the deadly meal hosted by murderer Erin Patterson, has addressed the Korumburra Baptist Church for the first time since the trial.
Erin Patterson killed three people in her home. Now what happens to it?
Erin Patterson had a plan for her children to grow up in her $1.2m dollar “forever” home — but now she’s been found guilty of murder, that has drastically changed.
How long mushroom cook could be behind bars
Criminal lawyers have weighed in on Erin Patterson’s jail term as the triple killer could join the likes of Australia’s most heinous killers behind bars.
How Erin’s dream home in a ‘nature wonderland’ was used to kill
In what Erin Patterson told her friends was a “silver lining” to her mother’s death, money that followed allowed her to build her dream home on a “bush block”. It would become the scene of her chilling murder plot.
‘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.
‘Someone close’: Retired homicide cop’s chilling Rhianna Barreau theory
A new book to be released next week features a chat with the former detective on the notorious Rhianna Barreau disappearance. And he’s aired a chilling theory and issued a final plea.
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.
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.
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.
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.
“I found the bodies in the barrels”: Gordon Drage Pt.2
Gordon Drage was the first person to discover barrels filled with bodies in what became known as the gruesome Snowtown Murders. Horrifically, 11 victims were brutally murdered by some of Australia’s worst serial killers. From uncovering mummified body parts to finding handcuffs, knives and saws in the bank’s vault nearby, the retired Crime Scene Investigator reveals what exactly happened when the bodies in the barrels were discovered.
Solving murders with sticky tape: Gordon Drage Pt.1
Gordon Drage has been shot at during police chases, had people die in his arms, chased bank robbers and helped solve murders using sticky tape. As a crime scene investigator, Gordon was the real life CSI. He collected blood, fingerprints, shoe marks – anything to help solve crimes. On this episode, Gordon takes Gary Jubelin through some of his biggest crime scenes including the murder of a grandmother, the death of a sex worker and how he accidentally started growing drugs.
The murder that changed my life: Ian Roberts Pt.2
Ian Roberts’ life changed when his friend, Arron Light, was killed. The 17-year-old disappeared days before he was due to give evidence at a trial. Years later, Arron was found in a shallow grave with several stab wounds. From paying tribute to Arron at a coronial inquest to later pivoting to an acting career, Ian candidly opens up about his life, his ongoing health battles and how he’s using theatre to create awareness around social issues.
Breaking barriers: Ian Roberts Pt.1
Ian Roberts was one of the toughest men in the NRL. Behind the footy world’s brutal culture of macho masculinity, Ian was struggling to deal with his sexuality. In 1995, he bravely became the first footy player to come out as gay, breaking down barriers along the way. On this episode, Ian joins Gary Jubelin to reflect on his painful journey, share how he dealt with his family’s reaction and the headlines, and how he learned to embrace his true self.
More True Crime
Baby killer cleared to work with children
A Victorian woman who killed her eight-week-old daughter was granted a Working with Children Check through a loophole that has angered child safety advocates and victim families.
How a dodgy US hit man website foiled a Melbourne murder plot
A satirical American website is at the centre of a bizarre investigation that’s led to a Diamond Creek man being charged with trying to frame his brother for murder.
‘I was warned not to poke the bear … his death is another blow’
The death of the prime suspect in Rachelle Childs’ murder raises more questions than answers. Dear Rachelle podcast host Ashlea Hansen says it’s a blow to the family’s fight for justice.
‘Homemade explosive-type devices’ found south of Hobart
Small “explosive-type devices” have been found in an area south of Hobart and three separate vehicles have been damaged, Tasmania Police says. The latest.
Falconio’s parents tell of their next steps as Joanne Lees lays low
The parents of murdered backpacker Peter Falconio are glad their son’s killer Bradley Murdoch is dead, but the news is bittersweet. His ex-girlfriend Joanne Lees has moved on with her quieter life.
Drug cartel link alleged in Mexico slaying of Aussie brothers
Four people charged over the murder of Australian brothers Jake and Callum Robinson and their US friend are facing court in Mexico — with at least two accused of links to a notorious drug cartel.
Australia’s biggest ATO fraud scams
From white-collar crime syndicates, to accountants blinded by their own hubris – here are some of the most notable scams the ATO has seen.
Setka says AFL umpire boss shouldn’t be involved in ‘working man’s sport’
Former Victorian CFMEU leader John Setka claims his criticism of head of umpiring Stephen McBurney was justified and that he was not trying to coerce the AFL.
First pic: Falconio murderer’s eerie grin before death
Bradley Murdoch’s family has broken decades of silence to mark his passing, praise him for his positive qualities and maintain his long-held claims of innocence.
The true story of outback killer Bradley Murdoch’s arrest
A rape trial, claims of a set-up, a courtroom dash and a comedy of errors worthy of a Naked Gun movie – this is the real story of how Peter Falconio’s murderer was caught.
‘I wish he left something’: Falconio’s dad speaks after killer’s death
Luciano Falconio has told of his heartache after outback killer Bradley John Murdoch died without revealing the burial site of his murdered son.
Why Murdoch’s insistence he did not kill Falconio defied the facts
Weirdo conspiracy theories would multiply, but there is no doubt Bradley John Murdoch targeted strangers in a Kombi for depravity and death on July 14, 2001.
‘$16k in two days’: Teen sex worker’s secret online life exposed
A teen sex worker who allegedly procured underage girls for a high-flying bank executive loves to flaunt her life of cash, freedom and men online.
What Conor McGregor’s nude scandal can teach Aussies
Rapper Azealia Banks has accused MMA fighter Conor McGregor of sending unsolicited nude images. The situation raises key lessons Australians need to know about what’s illegal here.
‘Gentle giant’: Shock statement from Outback killer’s family
The family of Outback killer Bradley John Murdoch issued a shocking statement after he died and took the location of Peter Falconio’s body to the grave.
‘I still hope’: Falconio’s emotional dad breaks silence as killer has days to live
In a rare interview, the father of murdered British backpacker Peter Falconio tells of his pain amid reports killer Bradley John Murdoch is dying.
‘Monster’: New blow for Cecilia Haddad’s killer
The family of Sydney businesswoman Cecilia Haddad who was brutally murdered by Mario Marcelo Santoro in 2018, are determined to ensure the “monster” remains behind bars.
Adelaide link claims new details in mushroom murder trip
Cutting-edge SA research has zeroed-in on Erin Patterson’s fateful trip to the death cap mushroom field where she picked the poison for her crimes.
Bonus Episode: Erin Patterson and other women who poison.
The mushroom trial is not the first example of a woman doing harm to a loved one through toxins. Andrew Rule checks in while on assignment in the UK to give other examples.
Erin’s life behind bars as a triple murderer | 54
As Erin Patterson returns to the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre having been found guilty of murder, veteran crime reporter Anthony Dowsly joins the show to talk about her life inside.
‘Motivated by greed’: ATO staff caught in $2b GST fraud
Four ATO staffers have now been convicted of fraud in a GST scam that has cost $2 billion — and the ATO is demanding employee Baby Dee Zearwie also spend time behind bars.
Erin Patterson set to appeal, as families could claim compo
Erin Patterson is set to appeal her convictions after being returned to prison, and a legal expert says the families involved could potentially claim compensation against the wealthy killer.
$500,000 offer: Mushroom murder spurs media frenzy
The estranged husband of triple murderer Erin Patterson has been inundated with lucrative media offers.
Erin Patterson’s surprise reaction to guilty verdict
The mushroom cook who killed her in-laws with a beef wellington expressed little emotion as she was condemned in the courtroom.
How the cops’ investigation at Erin’s house unfolded
The homicide squad trawled over every facet of Erin Patterson’s life and her home. Detectives collected and reviewed CCTV, phone data, messages, medical and bank records and more.
The Trial: Guilty | 53
Mushroom cook Erin Patterson has been found guilty of murder. The Mushroom Cook team breaks down what this means.
Snowtown murderer’s freedom bid details revealed
He’s been a prosecution witness, a 20-year state secret and a movie character – now an infamous killer’s decades behind bars may be coming to an end.
‘I started to vomit’: Mum of alleged childcare victim speaks out
The devastated mum of a child who was allegedly preyed upon by childcare worker Joshua Brown says she has “lost trust in the system that was meant to protect the most vulnerable”.
Russians, bikies making Bali a sunny place for shady people.
A popular nightclub in the section of Bali now known as “Little Moscow” won’t serve anyone with neck tattoos — it’s the easiest way to keep out undesirables and potentially violent criminals.
Postcard Bandit’s freedom bid backfires spectacularly
The notorious Postcard Bandit’s bid for freedom has hit an unexpected snag that threatens to extend his prison term. Read the book extract before it hits screens.
Why sex fiend with shrunken genitals was driven to kill
A forensic psychologist has revealed how serial sex predator Mark Errin Rust’s small penis drove him to chase women he also murdered.
How I cracked ‘celebrity’ conman’s ‘Mr Charming’ act
Aussie conman Dimitri de Angelis fooled many with his so-called celebrity “friends”. But he couldn’t fool the forensic expert who exposed his dark side.
Twisted Minds quiz: Are you working with a psychopath?
Are you working with a psychopath? As part of our new Twisted Minds podcast series, we put your knowledge to the test.
Childers murders: ‘There were bodies still at the door’
Former detective and criminal behaviourist, Steve Longford, reveals what he saw and knew of the arson attack on the Childers backpacker hostel and Bali bombing.
The love letter and the lie: Sally Leydon Pt.2
A 27-year mystery involving a man with 14 aliases, a damning love letter and a huge bank transfer. Sally Leydon joins Gary Jubelin on this episode to share the chilling details behind the disappearance of her mother, Marion Barter, and why she’s not about to give up.
Mysterious disappearance of Marion Barter: Sally Leydon Pt.1
Marion Barter sold her house to travel the world, leaving behind her entire family. Then she was never seen again. From a mystery man and last minute name change to an unknown Medicare alert and bank withdrawals, her daughter Sally Leydon has been trying to find out exactly what happened to her missing mother.
BONUS: Remembering Leisl: Jerildene Cane Pt.2
At 23, Leisl Smith had her whole life in front of her. But her ex boyfriend, James Scott Church, had other ideas. Six years after she went missing, he was charged with her murder. After a gruelling 13-week trial, there are still no answers. Why? Because Church took his own life a day before the verdict was due to be made public – locking the judge’s verdict away forever. Jerildene Cane is hoping to change that, and bring closure to her family.
BONUS: Coronial inquest into death of Leisl Smith: Jerildene Cane Pt.1
Leisl Smith disappeared in 2012 and her ex-boyfriend, James “Jim” Church, was charged with her suspected murder. But hours before the judge was due to hand down her verdict, Church took his own life – meaning the verdict was sealed forever. Two years after Gary Jubelin first spoke to Leisl’s sister, Jerildene Cane, a coronial inquest has been held in the hope that the family will finally get some answers.
How I got ‘Chopper’ Read nude behind bars
Former prison officer Steve Bergervoet was just a rookie when he managed to get Mark ‘Chopper’ Read naked on his first day of work. Warning: Graphic
Prison slang quiz: What’s a peter thief?
Think you’ve got what it takes to talk like an inmate? As part of our new On Guard prison podcast series, we put your knowledge of jailhouse lingo to the test.
Prison slang quiz: What’s chicken soup?
Think you’ve got what it takes to talk like an inmate? As part of our new On Guard prison podcast series, we put your knowledge of jailhouse lingo to the test.
Massacre monster trades sex for chocolates
A prison officer who worked with Martin Bryant has revealed the serial killer is just a “big baby” and a nobody within the jail hierarchy. WARNING: Graphic
The lie that cost underworld figure his life
When Carl Williams lied about Michael Marshall’s involvement in a contract killing, he as good as signed the hotdog salesman’s death warrant.
Lunchtime jewel heist which rocked Sydney’s CBD
In what was considered the biggest jewellery heist of the first half of the 20th century, in 1947 a thief managed to steal jewels worth about $600k today. But his glory was short-lived.
Guyra Ghost of 1921 still remains a mystery
As Sherlock Holmes and spiritualism became popular, a ghostly case in the NSW town of Guyra led to hysteria spreading throughout Australia.
Sydney’s forgotten ‘Cocaine Queen’
A witness to one of Sydney’s oldest cold cases, madam May Smith, was later arrested by our first female detective. She was jailed and then disappeared from public records — and from memory.
Top cop’s stern words in cold case search
Police have issued cautionary words to a team of private investigators who are searching for the remains of two girls who disappeared from an AFL match in 1973.
Fresh hope decades after girls abducted
There has been a major development in the search for two girls who were taken from their families in broad daylight more than 50 years ago.
Elite squad to track elusive murderer and cold case fugitive
It’s been almost a year since a confirmed sighting of one of Queensland’s most wanted men, cold case fugitive and convicted murderer Keith Lees, and police are stepping up the hunt.
‘Last ray of hope’ snuffed out with no charges over crayfish farm shooting
The family of a young scientist shot dead while working at a crayfish farm say they lost their “last ray of hope” after an inquest failed to result in charges against two people named by a coroner.
Last man executed in NSW
John Kelly was sent to the gallows in 1939 for murder, a decision his father labelled as “class justice”, claiming his son would have lived if the murder victim wasn’t from a prominent family.
How Sydney model was acquitted of lover’s murder
It had sex and crime … little wonder 1950s Sydney was fascinated by the trial of model Shirley Beiger, accused of shooting dead her lover outside a popular Sydney nightclub.
Traumatised kids left ‘to rot’
Almost five-years on from the Royal Commission, Don Dale Youth Detention Centre is locking-up kids for 23 hours a day.
Sisters murdered in Dulwich Hill lolly shop
A much-loved confectionary store was the scene of one of the most sensational murder mysteries of 1920s Sydney.
‘Terrifying’: Carl Williams’ ex-wife on Aussie shooting in Bali
The ex-wife of Melbourne underworld figure Carl Williams has spoken following an ambush hit on two Aussies in Bali, as police have provided an update about the gunmen involved.
US sextortionist who targeted Aussie kids faces massive jail time
Australian children are among more than 100 victims of a sexual predator in the United States who used popular apps to coerce girls as young as five to send him explicit photos and videos.
Major update on Janine Balding murder case
A new DNA test will be conducted in the investigation into Janine Balding’s horrific murder, as jailed killer Stephen “Shorty” Jamieson fights for his conviction to be quashed.
Woman claiming to be Madeleine McCann arrested
A Polish woman who claims to be missing British toddler Madeleine McCann has been arrested at a UK airport.
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