This is a "Shortcut" episode. It’s a shortened version of this week’s more detailed full episode, which is also available on our feed.

Content warning: this episode contains graphic descriptions of violence against children.

In March 2025, Donna Fitchett’s story came to a grim end, just weeks after her release from prison.

Fitchett had served 15 years for the shocking murders of her two young sons, Thomas and Matthew.

Criminologist and Forensic Anthropologist, Dr. Xanthé Mallett, author of Mothers Who Murder, joins us on this episode to delve into the psychology of a person capable of such an unimaginable act of betrayal.

Links:

Click here to purchase Mothers Who Murder.

Click here to subscribe to ATC Plus on Apple Podcasts and access all ATC episodes early and ad-free, as well as exclusive bonus episodes.

Join our Facebook Group here.

Do you have information regarding any of the cases discussed on this podcast? Please report it on the Crime Stoppers website or by calling 1800 333 000.

For Support: 

Lifeline  on 13 11 14

13 YARN on 13 92 76 (24/7 crisis support phone line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples)

1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732

Blue Knot Helpline: 1300 657 380

CREDITS:

Host: Meshel Laurie. You can find her on instagram.

Guest: Dr. Xanthé Mallett

Executive Producer/Editor: Matthew Tankard

GET IN TOUCH:

https://www.australiantruecrimethepodcast.com/

Follow the show on Instagram @australiantruecrimepodcast and Facebook 

Send us a question to have played on the show by recording a voice message here.

Email the show at [email protected] 

Become a subscriber to Australian True Crime Plus here: https://plus.acast.com/s/australiantruecrime.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.