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Killer's 10-day reign of terror in Top End
TRUE CRIME
In 1987 a German tourist terrorised remote parts of the NT and WA in a murder spree that ended in a dramatic police shootout. This is the story of Josef Schwab, aka:The Kimberley Killer
On April 18, 1987, Schwab flew into Brisbane. At the airport he rented a 4WD before later buying three rifles, a pump action shotgun and 3000 rounds of ammunition.
He then started the long drive to the Top End, where within two months he would become one of Australia's worst mass murderers.
Schwab’s first victims were Marcus Bullen, 70, and his son Lance, 42, who were shot on June 9 while scouting a fishing spot on the Victoria River in the NT.
The men’s wives, who were waiting back at camp, reported them missing to police. The bodies of the men were soon found in shallow graves near their burnt out vehicle.
Six days later, on June 15, Schwab would strike again — this time just over the border in WA near the Pentecost River.
His victims were Phillip Walkemeyer, 26, his fiancee Julie Warren, 25, and friend Terry Bolt, 36, who had gone camping together.
All three were shot, their bodies found floating in the river after alarms were raised when they didn’t return from their trip.
The NT and WA crimes were soon linked after a matching boot print was found at each location. A police operation was then launched to catch the killer before he could strike again.
Roadblocks were set up across the Kimberley region, while members of WA’s Tactical Response Group began sweeping remote homesteads.
Police suspected the killer was driving a white Toyota 4Runner after a similar vehicle was seen in the area at the time of the Pentecost River murders.
Schwab was eventually discovered near Fitzroy Crossing when the pilot of a mustering helicopter spotted his bush camp and camouflaged vehicle from the air.
The TRG descended on the area within a few hours. As members began approaching the camp on foot, a heavily armed Schwab opened fire.
A fierce gun battle then erupted. After a protracted fight, Schwab was killed by a bullet through the chest.
A motive for Schwab’s murders was never established, but authorities suspect he would’ve committed more if he hadn’t been stopped that day.
 Producer: Andrew Piva																																								

Original URL: https://www.ntnews.com.au/web-stories/free/nt-news/josef-schwab-how-kimberly-killer-terrorises-nt-and-wa