Chilling evidence was played to the Coroners Court on the opening day of the coronial inquest into the Wieambilla massacre, unveiling the tragic moments that led to the deaths of officers Rachel McCrow and Matthew Arnold, and neighbour Alan Dare. Footage from police body cameras established a clear timeline of the ambush, capturing the unfolding tragedy - and the heroic actions of the four young officers - in real time. There was also emotional testimony from the victim's families, a joint statement made outside the court. The McCrow and Arnold families said there was “no escaping our devastating loss … the all-consuming grief … and the tears”.

In this podcast episode, host Melissa Downes is joined by 9News court reporter Anna Rawlings to discuss the opening day's key details and the nine key questions Queensland state coroner Terry Ryan seeks to answer.

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Who were the Trains? In the days after the siege, detectives scoured the property, uncovering shocking evidence. It was the start of a years-long investigation that would reveal a twisted tale of conspiracy theories and extremism. Once-respected teachers had turned into cop killers. But what detectives uncovered in the United States would add an even more chilling dimension to the case.

Content warning: This episode contains sensitive material related to violent crime and extreme religious beliefs, and may be distressing to some listeners. Listener discretion is advised.

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A nightmare scenario was unfolding in Queensland's Western Downs: two officers had been murdered and two others were in extreme danger. In the face of untold peril, 16 brave local officers put their lives on the line to save their colleagues. Heavily armed units then moved in, engaging in an hours-long gunfight with the killers: Nathaniel, Stacey and Gareth Train. It was "one of the most dangerous and complex situations police have witnessed in Australia".

Content warning: This episode contains descriptions of violence, including gun violence and death. Listener discretion is advised.

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Alan Dare was killed when he went to investigate the gunfire and smoke, but his wife doesn't want him remembered as a hero. Kerry Dare has more questions than most about what happened in Wieambilla that day—questions she hopes the inquest will answer. In this episode, we visit Kerry at her home, neighbouring the crime scene, to relive that day through her eyes.

Episodes 3 & 4 of The Ultimate Sacrifice are out Monday, July 22nd.

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Australia was left in shock when four young police officers were ambushed on the driveway of a property in the Queensland outback town of Wieambilla: two were executed in cold blood, two were forced to fight for their lives, and an innocent neighbour was murdered. Before the coronial inquest begins, we take you back to the 12th of December, 2022. How did a routine missing persons callout end in the deaths of Constables Matthew Arnold and Rachel McCrow, and neighbour Alan Dare? And how did two officers survive?

Episodes 3 & 4 of The Ultimate Sacrifice are out Monday, July 22nd.

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Four young officers ambushed; two escaped, two executed in cold blood, an innocent neighbour murdered. How did a routine callout turn into Queensland’s deadliest police shooting?

Episodes 1 & 2 drop on Monday, July 15th.

Episodes 3 & 4 drop on Monday, July 22nd.

Then, from Monday July 29th, this podcast follows the coronial inquest in-depth, releasing regular episodes as new details emerge.

The Ultimate Sacrifice is the new podcast from the acclaimed team of 9News presenter Melissa Downes and producer Jessica Lodge, following their multiple award-winning podcast Hannah's Story, and is produced in partnership with 9News and 9Podcasts.

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