Australian True Crime

Day From Hell: When My School Got Kidnapped - #87

Rob Hunter was just 20 years old and nine days into his teaching career when he and his nine students were kidnapped from their remote Australian school. It was unthinkable in 1977 and remains one of the country's most bizarre cases. Rob joins us to talk us through the harrowing experience. Warning: please be advised this episode contains graphic content. Show notes for Episode 87: Your hosts are Meshel Laurie and Emily Webb With thanks to Rob Hunter More about Kidnapped Teacher Talks Like us on Facebook ​ Follow us on Instagram or Twitter Support us on Patreon If you have any information on the cases covered by this podcast, please contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Thank you for listening!

Sherele Moody: The Woman Mapping the Murders of Women and Children in Australia - #85

Seasoned journalist Sherele Moody regularly gets rape and violence threats online. Why? Because Sherele is the founder of the Red Heart Campaign and collator of the Australian Femicide Map that is a memorial to women and children who have lost their lives to violence and neglect, regardless of the gender of the perpetrator. However, overwhelmingly the perpetrators are male. Sherele also has a very personal reason for this passion project and her drive to shine a light on the murder of women and children in Australia-her stepfather was a child killer. Show notes for Episode 86: Your hosts are Meshel Laurie and Emily Webb With thanks to Sherele Moody More about the Australian Femicide Map and the Red Heart Campaign Like us on Facebook ​ Follow us on Instagram or Twitter Support us on Patreon If you have any information on the cases covered by this podcast, please contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Thank you for listening!

A True Crime Podcast recommendation from Meshel

Emma Curtin is a researcher by trade, and it shows as she takes on a cold case from almost a hundred years ago. How did low-key first-wave feminist Norma McLeod end up dying atop her childhood bed, as her parents and friendly neighbourhood doctor watched on, in posh Toorak, with her brother's wet underpants draped across her forehead? If that question doesn't suck you in, then I just don't know who you are anymore. We proudly share episode one of this 8-part series with you, and next week we're back with an all new episode of Australian True Crime, featuring Andrew Rule and the story of another unsolved murder haunting Melbourne's suburbs. Your hosts are Meshel Laurie and Emily Webb With thanks to Emma Curtin More about Murder Archives, 'Fractured Silence' season 1. Like us on the Facebook ​ Follow us on Instagram or Twitter Support us on Patreon Thank you for listening!

Loose Units Episode One - #82

Loose Units, one of our most popular episodes is now its own podcast and we have the first episode right here for you! Comedian Paul Verhoeven interviews his dad John about his days in the NSW police force. It's also a book don't forget, which would make an excellent Christmas present! Show notes: Your hosts are Meshel Laurie and Emily Webb With thanks to Paul Verhoeven and John Verhoeven. Like us on the Facebook ​ Follow us on Instagram or Twitter Support us on Patreon Thank you for listening!

Victoria Police and the "African Gangs" - #80

A veteran of the homicide squad and taskforce Purana, Commander Bateson now heads up the African Australian Community Taskforce. He speaks with us about Melbourne's so-called African gang problem. Show notes: Your hosts are Meshel Laurie and Emily Webb With thanks to Commander Stuart Bateson, Victoria Police. Like us on the Facebook ​ Follow us on Instagram or Twitter Support us on Patreon Thank you for listening!

Elaine and the African Gangs

Meshel is a long time supporter of Melbourne's African community, but in response to calls for her to sit down with a victim of the so called "African Gangs", she visits with 76 year-old Elaine for a conversation of many surprising twists.

Ken Kratz: Making a Murderer - #77

This is the True Crime half of the interview Meshel recently recorded with Ken. It is almost completely concerned with the Halbach case. For the complete interview featuring info about Ken's sexual harassment case, his prescription drug addiction and assorted other personal revelations, check out the Nitty Gritty Committee version, at https://player.whooshkaa.com/episode?id=302982 but be warned, there is kindness involved! It's a different show. Show notes: Your hosts are Meshel Laurie and Emily Webb With thanks to Ken Kratz. Like us on the Facebook ​ Follow us on Instagram or Twitter Support us on Patreon Thank you for listening!

The Unsatisfactory Case Of Matthew Leveson - #76

In November of 2016, a decade after his death, Michael Atkins finally agreed to tell police where he'd buried the remains of his young lover Matthew Leveson. Matt's tormented parents tell us the twisted tale as to why Atkins will never be convicted in connection with their son's death. Show notes: Your hosts are Meshel Laurie and Emily Webb With thanks to Mark and Faye Leveson. Like us on the Facebook ​ Follow us on Instagram or Twitter Support us on Patreon Thank you for listening!

Pentridge Confidential with Former Guard Vaughn Ruddick - #75

Vaughn Ruddick arrived home from the Vietnam war in need of a job. When he spotted an ad for prison guards he figured he already knew how to wear a uniform and avoid people who might try to kill him, so he applied. He went on to become a guard in H Division during one of its most "colourful" chapters, thanks to the inimitable Chopper Read. Show notes: Your hosts are Meshel Laurie and Emily Webb With thanks to Vaughn Ruddick. Like us on the Facebook ​ Follow us on Instagram or Twitter Support us on Patreon Thank you for listening!

Greg on the Outside

Meshel met Greg several months ago when she visited Loddon Minimum Security Prison. He was an inmate then, and they made a deal to podcast together when he was released. This episode is the result of that deal, and while Greg has much to learn about living the straight life, he has some interesting things to teach Meshel as well.

The Disappearance of Katie O'Shea

Free Spirited mother of five Katie O'Shea disappeared from Far North Queensland in 2005 leaving her friends and family to deal with grief, accusations and the terrible possibility they could have had a serial killer in their midst. Support us at patreon.com/austtruecrimepod for extra episodes and upcoming free events.

Great Escapes

Susanna Lobez and James Morton have written another fantastic book about Australian crime. This time they turn their attention to prison escapes. The book is called "Gangland, The Great Escapes, and it's available now. Susanna joins us to talk about Australia's rich history of prison breaks.

What's Happened Since We Spoke with White Collar Criminal Will? - #71

A year ago, we spoke to Will, an ordinary guy who went to jail after he bit off more than he could chew when the temptation of stealing money from his workplace got the better of his moral compass. We speak again to him this week to ask how the last year has treated him, and what life lessons he's learned from his time inside. Show notes: Your hosts are Meshel Laurie and Emily Webb With thanks to Will Like us on the Facebook ​ Follow us on Instagram or Twitter Support us on Patreon If you have any information on the cases covered by this podcast, please contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Thank you for listening!

The Woman Who Thinks Ivan Milat is Innocent - #70

Amanda Howard, the Serial Killer Whisperer joins us again to talk about the holes she believes are in the case against Ivan Milat. Amanda corresponds with Milat in jail. Show notes: Your hosts are Meshel Laurie and Emily Webb With thanks to Amanda Howard. Amanda's own podcast is called Monsters Who Murder Like us on the Facebook ​ Follow us on Instagram or Twitter Support us on Patreon Thank you for listening!

Legendary Cop Brian 'The Skull' Murphy - #69

Brian joined the police force in 1954, a time now known as either the good old days or the bad old days of policing, depending on whom you ask. He's crossed paths with some of Australia's most notorious criminals and been investigated for corruption himself, but Vicki Petraitis' excellent book, 'Once a Copper' reveals some unexpected vulnerability behind the tough exterior. They both joined us in studio. Show notes: Your hosts are Meshel Laurie and Emily Webb With thanks to Brian "The Skull" Murphy and Vikki Petraitis Like us on the Facebook ​ Follow us on Instagram or Twitter Support us on Patreon If you have any information on the cases covered by this podcast, please contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Thank you for listening!

Victorian Rape Squad: A Narelle Fraser Case - #68

Narelle Fraser's first case with the Victorian Rape Squad was to be one of the most challenging of her career. Operation Collier remains an open investigation. Show notes: Your hosts are Meshel Laurie and Emily Webb With thanks to Narelle Fraser. Like us on the Facebook ​ Follow us on Instagram or Twitter Plus, our first exclusive extra episode is available for Tier 2 Patrons. Go to Patreon Thank you for listening!

Organised Crime Enforcer Turns Mentor for Men - #67

James Harding is putting as much energy and passion into helping people as he once did into hurting them. Show notes: Your hosts are Meshel Laurie and Emily Webb With thanks to James Harding Like us on the Facebook ​ Follow us on Instagram or Twitter Support us on Patreon If you have any information on the cases covered by this podcast, please contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Thank you for listening!

An Ex-Cop and His Comedian Son Talk True Crime - #66

An extra episode this week featuring stand up comedian Paul Verhoeven who's written a book about his father John, a former NSW copper and forensics investigator, not to mention a very intriguing fellow. The fact that he managed to remain straight during one of the most notoriously bent periods in Australian policing turns out to be one of the least surprising aspects of this extraordinary character. Show notes: Your hosts are Meshel Laurie and Emily Webb With thanks to Paul Verhoeven and John Verhoeven Like us on the Facebook ​ Follow us on Instagram or Twitter Support us on Patreon If you have any information on the cases covered by this podcast, please contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Thank you for listening!

When a Parent Murders a Child: Tragedy and Psychology - #65

The death of a child is a tragedy, but even more horrific is when a child is killed by the hands of their own parent. Author Cheryl Critchly and Dr Helen McGrath are back this week to talk to us about Filicide, and the disturbing aspects of psychology that have led parents to kill their own children. Show notes: Your hosts are Meshel Laurie and Emily Webb With thanks to Cheryl Critchly and Dr Helen McGrath Like us on the Facebook ​ Follow us on Instagram or Twitter Support us on Patreon If you have any information on the cases covered by this podcast, please contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Thank you for listening!

The Crime Scene Isn't Always What It Seems: A Charlie Bezzina Case - #64

Charlie is back this week to tell us more about his time in the Victorian Police Homicide Squad, as well as to discuss how policing has changed over the last four decades, both during his time in the force and now as a retired detective. Show notes: Your hosts are Meshel Laurie and Emily Webb With thanks to Charlie Bezzina. Like us on the Facebook ​ Follow us on Instagram or Twitter Support us on Patreon Thank you for listening!

I Was Sexually Assaulted By A Stranger When I Was 7 - #63

After her rape went unsolved for more than 25 years, Elesha contacted police to have her case reopened. She courageously tells us about what life has been like since her attack when she was 7-years-old, what happened when her case was reopened and why she contacted us to tell her story. Show notes: PLEASE NOTE: Listener discretion is advised as this episode details child sexual assault and trauma. For help: 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) Lifeline 13 11 14, Blue Knot Helpline on 1300 657 380. Your hosts are Meshel Laurie and Emily Webb With thanks to Elesha Find more about our friends at Canadian True Crime Like us on the Facebook ​ Follow us on Instagram or Twitter Support us on Patreon Thank you for listening!

The Murder of Stuart Fairlie: A Charlie Bezzina Case - #62

The 1989 murder of RSPCA officer Stuart Fairlie highlighted the dangers posed for workers in the enforcement field who worked solo or "one-up" in rural areas of Australia. Retired former Victoria Police Homicide Squad boss Charlie Bezzina takes us through this case. Show notes: Your hosts are Meshel Laurie and Emily Webb With thanks to Charlie Bezzina. Like us on the Facebook ​ Follow us on Instagram or Twitter Support us on Patreon Thank you for listening!

When A Parent Goes To Jail - #61

Listener Amelia talks to us about the experience of having a parent in prison and what support kids need to cope. Show notes: Your hosts are Meshel Laurie and Emily Webb With thanks to Amelia Like us on the Facebook ​ Follow us on Instagram or Twitter Support us on Patreon If you have any information on the cases covered by this podcast, please contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Thank you for listening!

The Art Of The Interview with Chris O’Connor

Chris O’Connor is a highly regarded retired detective He worked some extremely high profile cases in the Victoria Police on the child exploitation unit including the hunt for Mr Cruel Operation Spectrum. Chris now uses his decades of specialised experience and knowledge training other agencies, including police, on effective interview questioning.

Martha Needle: Mother, Murderer, Victim

The story of Martha Needle is compelling and tragic. We speak to author Dr Brian Williams about his in-depth book on the life and crimes of this woman, who is one of Australia’s most prolific killers.