Natalie Russell’s parents’ plea to keep daughter’s killer Paul Denyer in jail for life

A push to keep one of Victoria’s worst serial killers behind bars for life would mean ‘peace’ after decades of pain for the parents of one of his victims.

One of Victoria’s worst serial killers should be kept behind bars for life so he doesn’t kill again, the friends and family of one of his victims say.

Family and friends of schoolgirl Natalie Russell, one of Paul Denyer’s victims, rallied outside state parliament on Monday in a bid to keep the evil serial killer behind bars for life.

Denyer murdered two schoolgirls and a 22-year-old mother in the Frankston area during a terrifying seven-week period in 1993.

The 49-year-old will be eligible to be considered for early release by the Adult Parole Board in June 2023.

Natalie’s parents, Brian and Carmel Russell, best friend Karen, and boyfriend at the time, Victorian MLC David Limbrick, have launched a petition calling on the state government to do whatever it can to ensure Denyer remains locked up forever.

Mr Russell said if their campaign was successful in keeping Denyer locked away for life it would mean they could finally have peace.

Frankston serial killer Paul Denyer being escorted by police in 1993.

“That would probably be the first time in 28 years we’ve had peace,” he said.

“It’s just not something that’s ever gone away, and every time you read in the papers a parolee murdered again, we think this bloke could do it if he’s ever let out.

“We’d be very happy if he’s locked up and the key is thrown away.”

Despite being a confessed woman hater who started stalking women when he was just 17, Denyer now dresses as a female and asks to be called Paula.

He was originally sentenced to life without parole before a non-parole period of 30 years was set on appeal, making him eligible for release on June 10, 2023.

Brian and Carmel Russell, the parents of Frankston murder victim Natalie Russell, want serial killer Paul Denyer locked up for life. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Ian Currie

Natalie Russell, 17, was murdered by serial killer Paul Denyer. Picture: Supplied

Elizabeth Anne-Marie Stevens, 18, was viciously attacked and murdered by Denyer after she got off a bus on her way home from the library on June 11, 1993.

A month later on July 8, Seaford mother Debbie Fream was also killed as she was ambushed by Denyer in her car after going out to buy milk.

A fortnight later Natalie, 17, was dragged into scrub and murdered as she walked home from school.

Natalie’s best friend Karen, 45, who asked for her surname to be withheld, said Denyer’s crimes had lasting impacts on the women of Frankston.

“There’s not a woman in Frankston that doesn’t check her back seat before she gets in the car,” she said.

Natalie Russell’s best friend Karen (left), former boyfriend David Limbrick MP, and parents Carmel and Brian Russell. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Ian Currie

“People don’t walk by themselves anywhere, still. It’s still a very present fear, every day … at least at the moment I know where he is.”

Karen said Natalie was a “vibrant, happy, intelligent” girl who would have went places in life.

Mr Limbrick, who now represents the South Eastern Metropolitan Region in Victoria’s upper house, said they wouldn’t be able to live with themselves if they didn’t try to prevent Denyer from being released.

Debbie Fream, holding her son Jake, before she was murdered by Frankston serial killer Paul Denyer.

Elizabeth Stevens, one of Denyer’s three murder victims.

Mr Limbrick said the government could issue directions to the parole board through legislation, which is what it had done at least twice previously in the cases of Hoddle Street killer Julian Knight and Russell Street bomber Craig Minogue.

“No one in Victoria could feel safe (if he’s released), especially women,” he said.

“This has been our fear all along, ever since we heard there was a non-parole period granted. “All of us have lived the last 28 years dreading the day that this would come, and now we’re approaching that day.”

Corrections Minister Natalie Hutchins said it was “entirely a matter for the independent adult parole board”.

“Victoria has the toughest parole system in Australia – and we remain vigilant to make sure the system works and keeps the community safe,” she said.

“Given the severity of these crimes, we will continue to watch this case closely.”

It’s understood that should the parole board choose to release Denyer in 2023, he would be subject to supervision for the rest of his life.

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