Dear Rachelle investigation: Anne Childs’ message to her daughter’s killer

A mother whose daughter was brutally killed has penned an emotional letter to her killer, and written a poem in her memory.

I have been robbed of 24 years of amazing memories.

My daughter Rachelle (Chelle) never got to be a bridesmaid for her sister Kristy’s wedding.

She never got to be Auntie Chelle to her niece.

I always wonder what Chelle would look like and what she would be doing.

She was such a presence. She’d be the coolest auntie, I’m sure, stirring up all sorts of mischief on Kristy’s farm.

Murdered woman Rachelle Childs’ sister Kristy and mother Anne. Picture: Adam Yip

Kristy and Anne Childs look at photos of Rachelle Childs when she was younger. Picture: Adam Yip

The trauma of losing her in such a horrific way has never dimmed, even after the years without answers rolled into decades.

The other day I opened a diary which I started in 2001, after Chelle’s funeral.

How does a life so vibrant just not be there anymore?

She was just so there, and now she’s not.

I don’t think I’ll ever be able to come to terms with this.

I miss her soooo much … half my future is gone.

A young Rachelle Childs. At 23, she was murdered.

Rachelle Childs. Her burning body was found in bushland on the side of the road in June 2001.

LISTEN TO THE LATEST DEAR RACHELLE PODCAST EPISODES BELOW:

I have had a long time to find the right words to describe you, Chelle’s killer.

Nasty, senseless, cruel, narcissistic, irrational, insane, inhumane and warped are among the first which come to mind.

I naturally prefer to focus on happier things.

There are so many photos, so many memories of Chelle. We were a feel good family.

A young Rachelle Childs, who at aged 23 was brutally murdered.

Rachelle Childs with her father Graham nursing Kristy

Graham Childs with Rachelle (back) and her sister Kristy Childs (front).

Chelle’s father Graham adored his girls.

He hated amusement rides, but climbed into a dodgem car with Chelle, aged about 10, at a time when she loved horses more than cars.

Rachelle Childs with Missy the Horse

Rachelle Childs loved horses.

A young Rachelle Childs, right, with friend Lisa.

There was cake for Chelle’s Holy Communion at about the same age.

Chelle and Kristy were close siblings, even allowing for the four year age difference and the sharp distinctions of their personality.

Chelle roared about. Kristy was quieter. They were always very tight, especially after the stage that Kristy had grown taller.

Rachelle Childs with her sister Kristy.

Rachelle Childs with younger sister Kristy at Revesby Worker’s Club.

Sisters Kristy and Rachelle Childs.

Occasionally, I’d dress them in the same outfits, such as one time when we ate at the Revesby Workers’ Club (in Sydney) not far from home.

Christmas was always special, once Chelle (not a morning person) had gotten up and allowed the rest of us to start to celebrate.

I will always remember Chelle’s 21st birthday. She was Shirley Temple and Kristy was a cowgirl. I was a maitre d and Graham was a judge.

Graham, Kristy, Rachelle and Anne Childs.

Graham always believed that he would see you, the killer, caught. He never got that day. He died of a brain tumour during Covid.

And so half my family is gone now.

On Chelle’s birthday (and other family occasions) Kristy and I do a sync-a-drink/sink-a-drink by sending photos of our drink of choice to one another at 8pm. We never miss.

Anne Childs has penned a letter to her daughter Rachelle’s killer, saying she’s been robbed of 24 years of memories.

I’m also convinced that Chelle and Gra are looking down from above, yelling “get the mongrel”.

That mongrel is you.

You must be held accountable.

Rachelle Childs.

I don’t know how you can sleep at night.

Make my Mother’s Day.

Own up and set your conscience free.

A young Rachelle Childs. At age 23, she was brutally murdered.

Rachelle Childs as a young girl.

LISTEN TO EARLIER EPISODES OF THE PODCAST BELOW:

ANNE CHILDS’ POEM ABOUT DAUGHTER RACHELLE

My Girl (2007)

Like many others out there who’s lost someone

I need a reason why … who was the one?

This is not the way life’s supposed to be

This was not the plan … she should be here with me!

I feel her there sometimes … I know that she’s around

I hear her voice even though there’s no sound

Sometimes in my dreams I find her there

But then I wake and look around … it just isn’t fair

In my heart she will always be

From before she was born to eternity

There’s not a day in my life that goes by

That I don’t think of her and see that smile

But I put on a show and the feelings I hide

No one really knows the mess I am inside

Things will get better I guess as each day goes by

It’s been six years now … I’m still wondering why!

She’s still a big part of my life … that’s the way it’ll always be

I miss my girl so very much … she meant the world to me

The memories I have are precious and will never fade away

I transfer my thoughts into poetry … writing words that I can’t say.

For more information about our investigation, visitdearachelle.com.au.

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

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Originally published as Dear Rachelle investigation: Anne Childs’ message to her daughter’s killer