Today’s episode is an update on Season Four, The Night of the Bonfire, in which I investigated the tragic death of 16 year old Alana Cecil in Melton, Australia in 1996.

I want to thank all the local listeners in that case for their support in what was the most difficult case I’ve worked on to date. 

If you listened to this season (and I highly recommend you do), you’ll be aware of the emotional toll this case took on not only myself but others directly involved. 

When I released the final episode of this season in September of 2024, I made it clear that this was not the end of the investigation, but just the end of the podcast, for now.

Throughout the final months of my investigation I had been working increasingly closely with Victorian Police on new developments in the case, evidence that was not included in the podcast. 

At this point I felt the appropriate move was to pass this new evidence on to Police so that they may use their vast resources to investigate further. 

I firmly believed that these leads were the strongest in the case to date and that the truth of what happened to Alana was finally after 28 years, was very close.

In November of 2024 I was informed by the Senior Detective I had been liaising with, that a report was being compiled based on the new evidence and was being sent to the Superintendent for review.

Then in December the news that Alana’s family have been waiting 28 years to hear. 

After reviewing the evidence Victorian Police made the decision that there will be an official further review of Alana’s case in 2025. 

This review will be undertaken by a newly formed team of four detectives, who will thoroughly canvas the existing case and the fresh evidence in an attempt to finally get to the truth.

Since that time I have provided further evidence to Police to assist in their investigation and continue to provide support where required.

Naturally Alana’s family are ecstatic with this development, and for myself and the Podcast this is a huge win. 

This is what it’s all about, this is why I put in the hours and why you listen and engage, so I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your support and to those who subscribe, you're a huge part of making all of this possible.

The review of Alana’s case is underway now, and hopefully 2025 will be the year we finally get the truth and justice for Alana and her family.

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