It’s May 9, 2001, and the family of missing teenager, Natasha Ryan, are holding a memorial service in Bundaberg, Queensland. Today would have been her 17th birthday. 

Natasha, with dark brown hair, hazel eyes, and fair, freckled skin, had disappeared on August 31, 1998. She was 14 years old. For almost three years, there has been no trace of her. 

Her father, Robert Ryan, and mother, Jenny Ryan, have accepted that their daughter is dead. They may never find her remains. But at this memorial, they say their final goodbyes. Their pain is palpable to everyone around them. 

But - as they will later learn - Natasha Ryan is still alive. She’s about 25 minutes away. And in a story unlike anything seen anywhere in the world, Natasha will appear at her own murder trial two years later. 

Her story is one Australia won’t ever forget.

CREDITS

Guests: Tara Brown & Paula Doneman 

Host: Jessie Stephens

Producer: Gia Moylan

Audio Producer: Ian Camilleri

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