In March 1978, thirteen-year-old Denise McGregor left her home in Pascoe Vale, Victoria, to buy fish and chips for her family.
She never came home.
Her body was discovered the following morning on Merriang Road in Wallan East, approximately 40 kilometres from where she disappeared.
Despite extensive investigation over the last forty-seven years, no one has ever been charged with Denise's murder. The case remains open with Victoria Police Homicide Squad and a million dollar reward has been posted with information leading to the apprehension and subsequent conviction of the person or persons responsible for her death.
Civilian Sleuths examines the disappearance, investigation, evidence, and modern investigative possibilities surrounding Denise McGregor's death. The series draws on materials from Public Records Office Victoria, Victoria Police, inquest transcripts, witness statements, and contemporaneous newspaper archives.
This examination considers the case through contemporary forensic knowledge while distinguishing documented evidence from areas that remain unresolved.
Information relevant to this case may still exist.
Someone saw something. Someone knows something. It's time to speak up.
Because we still owe it to Denise.
If you have information about this case that has not been provided to police, please contact Victoria Police Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000.
Episode 1 launches January 6, 2026.
CONTENT WARNING: This series discusses the abduction and murder of a child.