In 1995, a deliberately lit fire in Sydney left 8 people dead. But how was it lit? How can forensics tell, and what information do they need to build a case for conviction? 

Professor Peter Ellis is a veteran of forensics in Australia and has worked across a number of high profile criminal investigations. He's also worked overseas, in mass grave sites in Kosovo and mass disasters like the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami in Thailand. 

In this episode of Crime Insiders Forensics, understand Peter's career, and the toll this type of work takes, as Kathryn Fox takes us through his career and his incredible work. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Graeme Simpfendorfer was a decorated Victorian police officer. He used good old-fashioned policing to convict an arsonist who deliberately lit a fire in a shopping strip on the NSW/Victoria border.  His hunch proved right.

Later, Graeme worked in the prestigious Victorian Police Homicide Squad, where he obtained two departmental commendations for solving difficult, high-profile murders.

Graeme tells host Brent Sanders about solving the arson case and how he helped put a man behind bars in relation to an infamous roadside armed hold-up, 27 years after the crime occurred.

If you or anyone you know needs help:

• Lifeline (Crisis support and suicide prevention) 13 11 14
• 1800 Respect (National sexual assault, family and domestic violence counselling line) 1800 737 732
• Men's Referral Service (National counselling, information and referral service for men looking to change their behaviour) 1300 766 491
• Full Stop Australia (National violence and abuse trauma counselling and recovery Service) 1800 385 578

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The psychology of this policing is like no other, and requires a particular set of skills. For Anthony Macklin, it suited his attention to detail and unrelenting work ethic. He was dedicated to his work, and to the force. But, when bureaucracy and the decisions of those above him meant an offender slipped through the net - he had to rethink his career. 

Anthony Macklin is a former Detective Inspector in the NSW Police. He worked tirelessly in the force, and took on several high ranking positions across a number of stations. Now, he works alongside former Crime Insiders guest, Danny Mikati, as a private investigator. 

Join host Brent Sanders as he unpacks Anthony's career and gets to know the man behind the badge. 

If you or anyone you know needs help:

• Lifeline (Crisis support and suicide prevention) 13 11 14
• 1800 Respect (National sexual assault, family and domestic violence counselling line) 1800 737 732
• Men's Referral Service (National counselling, information and referral service for men looking to change their behaviour) 1300 766 491
• Full Stop Australia (National violence and abuse trauma counselling and recovery Service) 1800 385 578

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thousands of people cross Pheasants Nest Bridge on the Hume Highway every day, probably unaware of its haunting past. Beneath this towering structure lies a history shrouded in tragedy—suicide, dismembered remains, mysterious deaths, and dozens of unanswered questions.

In 1989, the bridge became the site of a chilling case: the untimely deaths of two 15-year-old boys, Matthew Kelly and Jaymie Egner, who were discovered inside one of the bridge's 33m high pylons. 

Forensic Investigator Esther McKay was brought in to examine the scene—a task that would forever change her life.

If you or anyone you know needs help:

• Lifeline (Crisis support and suicide prevention) 13 11 14
• 1800 Respect (National sexual assault, family and domestic violence counselling line) 1800 737 732
• Full Stop Australia (National violence and abuse trauma counselling and recovery Service) 1800 385 578

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An innocent child was charged with the murder of his classmate - becoming Canada's youngest death row inmate. It wasn't until The Innocence Project became involved that Steven Truscott finally had his conviction overturned almost 5 decades later.

Professor Gail Anderson is Canada’s first-ever full-time forensic entomologist and has been working in the field for nearly 35 years. Her work is dedicated to the study of insects, and what they can reveal about miscarriages of justice. 

In this discussion with host Kathryn Fox, Gail details her involvement in exonerating Steven Truscott, as well as Kirstin Blaise Lobato, who spent 16 years in prison for a crime she didn't commit.

This episode contains references to sexual violence against women and children. If you or someone you know needs help, dial 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732). The number for Lifeline is 13 11 14.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dozens of young girls were subjected to years of sexual abuse and trafficking, only to be consistently let down by every institution that was supposed to protect them. 

The police response was so poor, Maggie Oliver left her 16-year career with the Greater Manchester Police so she could blow the whistle on the consistent failures of the police. 

If you or anyone you know needs help:

• Lifeline (Crisis support and suicide prevention) 13 11 14
• 1800 Respect (National sexual assault, family and domestic violence counselling line) 1800 737 732

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When victims share their stories, it's often with the hope that no one else will have to endure what they did. It’s about raising awareness, spotting the red flags, and, ensuring that those in power take your concerns seriously.

These themes are also at the heart of every story we share on this podcast.

In this episode, we’re drawing on the expertise of law enforcement professionals who have seen crimes unfold, and unravelled the chain of events that led to them.

This isn't just a conversation about safety—it's a toolkit for empowerment. By learning from these experts, you can be better prepared to recognize threats and take proactive measures to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Crime Insiders is hosted by Brent Sanders and Kathryn Fox. Guests in this episode include Narelle Fraser, Peter Seymour, and Rose MacDonald. 

 If you or anyone you know needs help:

• Lifeline (Crisis support and suicide prevention) 13 11 14
• 1800 Respect (National sexual assault, family and domestic violence counselling line) 1800 737 732
• Men's Referral Service (National counselling, information and referral service for men looking to change their behaviour) 1300 766 491
• Full Stop Australia (National violence and abuse trauma counselling and recovery Service) 1800 385 578

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The ripple effects of crime stretch further than we often imagine—touching lives in ways that are raw, profound, and deeply personal. On Crime Insiders, we’re privileged to hear the untold stories of those who face crime's impact head-on. 

In this episode, we’ll delve into some of these extraordinary stories. 

Crime Insiders is hosted by Brent Sanders and Kathryn Fox. Guests in this episode include Professor David Balding, Jason Semple, Peter Baines and Carla Tomadini. 

If you or anyone you know needs help:

• Lifeline (Crisis support and suicide prevention) 13 11 14
• 1800 Respect (National sexual assault, family and domestic violence counselling line) 1800 737 732
• Men's Referral Service (National counselling, information and referral service for men looking to change their behaviour) 1300 766 491
• Full Stop Australia (National violence and abuse trauma counselling and recovery Service) 1800 385 578

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why? It’s the question that draws so many of us to true crime.

Why would someone kill? What drives a person to stalk? Are some people truly evil? Are good people capable of terrible things?

We grapple with these questions, trying to make sense of the unimaginable.

Is it their childhood? Their biology? Or something more complex? These aren’t just the questions we ask. Detectives, forensic psychologists, and criminal behaviour analysts have spent lifetimes trying to understand the minds of those who commit the unthinkable. In this episode, you'll hear from these experts. 

Crime Insiders is hosted by Brent Sanders and Kathryn Fox. Guests in this episode include Ricky Hennessy, Professor Troy McEwan, and Julia Cowley. 

If you or anyone you know needs help:

• Lifeline (Crisis support and suicide prevention) 13 11 14
• 1800 Respect (National sexual assault, family and domestic violence counselling line) 1800 737 732
• Men's Referral Service (National counselling, information and referral service for men looking to change their behaviour) 1300 766 491
• Full Stop Australia (National violence and abuse trauma counselling and recovery Service) 1800 385 578

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

10 years ago, Sydney came to a standstill.

A lone gunman took 18 hostages captive inside the Lindt Café, some of whom escaped, others were trapped for 16 harrowing hours.

 The siege ended in the deaths of two innocent people—Tori Johnson, executed by the terrorist, and Katrina Dawson, struck by a ricochet from a police bullet when the Tactical Operations Unit stormed the building.

In the aftermath, public outrage boiled over as the government and police were heavily criticised for their handling of the crisis. So what really happened behind the scenes?

In this episode, hear two firsthand accounts from those who lived it. 

Crime Insiders is hosted by Brent Sanders and Kathryn Fox. Guests in this episode include Danny Mikati and Chris Craner.

If you or anyone you know needs help:

• Lifeline (Crisis support and suicide prevention) 13 11 14

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.