Obscura: A True Crime Podcast

38: The Bourke Street Massacre, Part 01

09.01.2021 - By Justin DrownPlay

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Welcome, I'm glad you made it. I will have a new episode for you every other week so I hope you're ready to join me by the fire. (Part 1) On 20 January 2017, office workers and tourists were among the throngs of people making their way through Bourke Street Mall amidst the lunch hour hustle and bustle of the Melbourne CBD. But the sunny summer’s day was rudely disrupted by the sound of tires skidding and police sirens blaring. In less than a minute, 27 year old James Gargasoulas had driven along the footpath multiple blocks of Bourke Street, wreaking havoc and creating a terror amongst Melbourne citizens, the fallout of which lingers today. During his rampage, James killed six people, including a three month old baby, and injured many more. But this wasn’t the most shocking aspect of what occurred. James was a repeat violent offender, and was on bail when he ploughed through the city crowds. The cascade of events culminating in what can only be described as utter carnage, led to painful questions. How safe was the Melbourne public in the course of going about their business? And how could they trust that those tasked with keeping them safe - the police - could protect them and their city when it mattered? US National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-7233 (24 hours) Support the Obscura podcast and access the exclusive Black Label episodes by becoming a Patron at Patreon.com/obscuracrimepodcast -- This month when you become a Black Label patron you will enter for a chance to win an exclusive hand made tumbler that is full of newspaper clippings of some of the most infamous serial killers being caught! Visit us online at ObscuraCrimePodcast.com Checkout our other podcasts at itsArcLightMedia.com Episode Sponsors: Go to MyBillie.com/Obscura to get the BEST razor you will ever own while supporting this show!

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