On Monday, 20 March 1978, thirteen-year-old Denise McGregor left her family home in Pascoe Vale with her younger sister to purchase dinner from a local fish and chip shop. On the return journey, Denise separated from her sister at the corner of Bell Street and Anderson Street to visit a nearby milk bar to buy bottles of Coke. The milk bar was approximately 180 metres from her home.

Denise did not return.

Later that evening, Denise was reported missing by her mother. The following morning, her body was discovered on Merriang Road in Wallan East, approximately 40 kilometres north of Melbourne. Her murder remains unsolved.

This episode documents the confirmed timeline of Denise McGregor’s disappearance, using witness statements, police records, inquest materials, and contemporaneous reporting. It reconstructs the known events of 20 March 1978 and establishes the factual foundation for the investigation examined in subsequent episodes.

The case remains open with Victoria Police.

Information:
Anyone with information relating to the disappearance or murder of Denise McGregor is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.police.vic.gov.au/crime-stoppers
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Content warning:
This episode discusses the sexual assault and murder of a child and contains descriptions of how a child’s body was found. Listener discretion is advised.
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