Crime Insiders

The murder of Inge Lotz is one of the most controversial homicide investigations in South Africa's history. A lone fingerprint police claim to have lifted from a DVD case led to the acquittal of the alleged murderer, and resulted in accusations of fabricated evidence.

Dr Scott Chadwick is a fingermark detection expert and leading academic at the UTS Centre for Forensic Science. His research focuses on optimising existing fingermark detection techniques and developing new reagents for revealing fingermarks on the most challenging of surfaces.  

In this episode, join host Kathryn Fox, and hear about the science behind the acquittal of Inge Lotz's accused killer, and the importance of transparent and accurate crime scene investigation.

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One of New Zealand's most experienced police negotiators. From suicide prevention to high-intensity prison hostage situations, Lance Burdett has seen it all. 

Even though he joined the police late, at 35, Lance was able to blaze a path that led him to the top of New Zealand police. After 22 years, he retired as New Zealand's most skilled hostage negotiator, with a 100% record in suicide-related incidents. 

But, it wasn't all smooth sailing for Lance, as he explains to host Brent Sanders. 

This episode contains references to infant loss, please listen with care. 

If this content affects you, and you’re in need of support, help is available. Visit Sands.org.au, and dial their 24/7 support line on 1300 308 307 - or call Lifeline on 13 11 14. Please listen with care. 

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A place in the Blue Mountains where scientists perform tests on human remains, train sniffer dogs and understand what happens to the body in strange circumstances. 

Professor Maiken Ueland is the Deputy Director at the Australian Facility for Taphonomic Experimental Research, or more commonly known as AFTER. She is a leader in the field of forensic taphonomy, where she uses analytical biochemical and spectroscopic techniques to conduct human post-mortem investigations. 

The work she does is fascinating, and host Kathryn Fox is taken through exactly how Maiken is helping solve and prevent crime. 

If you're interested in learning more about how you can donate your remains to AFTER, visit the following resource: 

https://www.uts.edu.au/about/faculty-science/after-facility/body-donation

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A case that beggars belief. How does a detective cope with such a scene, and complete an investigation when having to take it all in?

On September 2nd, 2001, a father murdered his three children. Jackson, six years old, Taylah, 11 months, and Mikaylah, 11 weeks. Still to this day, police don't have a motive. But what did the investigation look like, and how does a detective cope?

Former Detective Carla Tomadini is an example of exceptional police work, and someone who deserves the recognition she's received. Now lecturing at Charles Sturt University, Carla spent nearly two decades in the police before moving into the DPP as a solicitor. 

Her career is immense, and one host Brent Sanders goes through in intricate detail. 

If this content affected you, the number for Lifeline is 13 11 14. 

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It's a horror scenario, but more common that you think. If you find remains, what should you do? Situations like this lead to convictions all the time, but if the improper process is followed, evidence can be contaminated and a conviction potentially lost. 

Professor Samantha Rowbotham is a forensic anthropologist at VIFM. She sees bones and human remains on a daily basis, and has an intimate understanding of what they tell us and how they can help solve crimes. 

Understand it all with host Kathryn Fox, as Sam talks specific cases and the broad world of bones and the deceased. 

If this content affected you, the number for lifeline is 13 11 44.  

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In 2016, Dustin La Mont was found not guilty of murder - but, it was a verdict that split New Zealand. After five hours of deliberation, the jury ruled he had acted in self-defence. But, as he left the courtroom, the family of the deceased swore at La Mont, and called him a 'murderer'. 

So why is this case so controversial? 

NZ Police Association President Chris Cahill was working that case, and he was part of the prosecuting team that alleged La Mont had pre-medidated his acts, and deliberately stabbed Whangarei man Nathan Pukeroa and Devaray Junior Cole-Kurvaji. 

Unpack this case and understand why it had such an impact on New Zealand with host Brent Sanders. 

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When the bodies in the barrels were found, Australia was rocked. A murder investigation was underway, and forensics was set to play a huge part. But where to even begin?

Roger Byard had been working in forensics for just two weeks when he got the call. A set of barrels had been found in a bank vault, and he was needed at the scene. The investigation that followed was taxing on Roger, and the community in South Australia, but the work was meaningful and would lead to successful convictions and answers for families. 

Unpack this case and more with host Kathryn Fox, as Roger takes her through his career in forensics and beyond. 

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The murder of Boggabilla woman Theresa Binge is still unsolved, more than 20 years later. Why? 

On 29 June 2003, Theresa's body was found approximately 10 kilometres south of the Queensland border on Boomi Road. Forensic evidence indicates the crime was committed elsewhere before her body was moved. 

Former Detective Greg Lamey will never forget this case, even after having left the force and moved on. This case struck him and gripped him, as it did much of the Queensland and NSW communities. 

Greg is an 18 year veteran of the NSW police force, and is now a crime author under the name Greg James. His book, Bordertown can be found at the link below: 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/44586469-bordertown

If this content affected you, the number for lifeline is 13 11 14. If you're in danger, help is available, dial 1800 RESPECT. 1800 737 732.

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In the 1990s, a deliberately 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. As well, he's worked overseas, in mass grave sites in Kosovo and mass disasters like the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami. 

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. 

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A group of bikies converged on Sydney airport. Within minutes, one was dead and others injured. It was an incident that set off one of the world's most intense and effective gang operations, and lead to a plethora of law changes and high profile convictions. 

Deborah Wallace is a titan of NSW Police. Retiring in 2019 after 36 years in the force, she became known across Australia as 'The Gangbuster', after successful operations in the intense region of Cabramatta, and then the aforementioned Strike-force Raptor. 

The beginning of her career though was much more abstract. She was involved in one of Australia's most horrific cases. The rape and murder of Anita Cobby in 1986. Understand the impact of that case on Deb, and Australia as a whole as Brent Sanders steps through the career of one of Australia's most decorated police officers. 

If this content affected you, the number for lifeline in 13 11 14. 

If you, or someone you know is in danger, help is available. Dial 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732). If it's an emergency, and you're in Australia, dial 000. 

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