Australian True Crime

In this episode of Australian True Crime, host Michelle Laurie interviews Professor Stephen Cordner, a leading expert in forensic medicine, regarding his new book, Wrongful Convictions in Australia. The discussion explores the potential for widespread miscarriages of justice within the Australian criminal justice system, using high-profile cases like Lindy Chamberlain and Kathleen Folbigg as primary examples of how scientific evidence can challenge previous convictions. Professor Cordner argues that unlike the healthcare industry, which has moved toward an evidence-based model, the Australian criminal justice system lacks a formal mechanism to proactively investigate potential wrongful convictions. He compares Australia's lack of a dedicated review commission to successful models in the United Kingdom and other nations, suggesting that without active investigation, the true scale of the problem remains unmeasured.

Professor Stephen Cordner discusses the lack of a formal mechanism in Australia to identify and review potential miscarriages of justice, comparing the need for reform to the healthcare system's shift toward evidence-based medicine. He highlights his involvement in the Kathleen Folbigg case and argues that without an active commission like those in the UK or US, Australia remains unaware of how many people are wrongly imprisoned. The conversation explores the potential for widespread wrongful convictions, examining specific case studies involving DNA contamination in the Farajama case and the complexities of forensic evidence in shaken baby syndrome investigations. The episode also addresses the phenomenon of false confessions and concludes with personal anecdotes from a pathologist's career regarding medical discoveries during autopsies.

The hosts of True Crime Tonight discuss several high-profile criminal cases, including a botched execution in Tennessee and the murder conviction of an American Idol contestant. The episode also features an interview preview with journalist Michael Bachelard regarding the controversial science surrounding shaken baby syndrome. The discussion explores the evolution of Shaken Baby Syndrome prosecutions, which transitioned from an educational theory in 1971 to a powerful legal tool for prosecutors in the 1990s. The segment highlights growing scientific skepticism and the potential for wrongful convictions as recent evidence suggests alternative causes for the clinical triad of symptoms.

Journalist Michael Bachelard investigates the controversial science of shaken baby syndrome, focusing on how medical diagnoses can trigger an unstoppable cycle of child protection interventions and legal accusations. The episode explores a specific case where a family was separated due to inconclusive evidence and examines the systemic momentum created by police investigations and medical findings. The discussion further delves into the scientific controversy surrounding 'the triad' of injuries used for diagnosis, highlighting recent challenges to these theories and the potential for racial and socioeconomic bias in the legal system. The investigation also questions how disparities in wealth and legal representation impact the ability of parents to contest allegations and maintain their families.

In this episode of Australian True Crime, host Michelle Laurie interviews journalist Michael Bachelard regarding his podcast, Diagnosing Murder. The discussion explores the controversial scientific and legal implications of shaken baby syndrome, investigating how a medical theory used for education in the 1970s became a primary tool for criminal prosecution in the 1990s. Bachelard examines the tension between the instinctive desire for justice in cases of child injury and the emerging scientific challenges to the 'triad' diagnosis. The conversation delves into the potential for wrongful convictions, noting that while many view these defendants as unsympathetic, new biomechanical evidence and a greater understanding of alternative causes for brain injuries are leading to exonerations in the United States. The episode also touches upon the impact of these diagnoses on families within the Australian children's court system and the inherent biases present in investigating such high-profile, emotionally charged crimes.

Wayne Holdsworth shares the tragic story of his son, Mac, who died by suicide following an online sexual extortion scam. The episode explores the mechanics of these scams, the role of unregulated social media algorithms in facilitating self-harm, and the devastating impact of cybercrime on families. Driven by a mission to prevent similar tragedies, Wayne discusses his 'Smack Talk' initiative and the 'Unplug 24' campaign, which encourages a digital disconnect to foster real-world connections. He advocates for shifting the conversation from mental health to 'mental fitness' and emphasizes the importance of parental involvement and education in protecting children from the dangers of the digital age.

This episode of Australian True Crime tells the devastating story of Mac Holdsworth, a teenager who became the victim of an online sexual extortion scam in 2022. After being manipulated into sending intimate photos by someone posing as a teenage girl, Mac was targeted by an extortionist who threatened to distribute the images to his contacts. The intense pressure and shame led to a tragic outcome, resulting in Mac's death by suicide. The episode features Mac's father, Wayne Holdsworth, who shares the harrowing details of that night and the subsequent investigation. Following the tragedy, Wayne founded Smack Talk, a charity dedicated to suicide prevention and educating young people and parents about the dangers of online sexual extortion and social media safety.

The hosts of True Crime Tonight discuss a listener's message regarding historical sexual abuse at a youth hostel in Katanning and the difficulty of seeking justice. They also examine recent allegations involving the 'Cornell 7' fraternity case, discussing the complexities of proving sexual assault in both criminal and civil courts. The episode continues with an interview with John Herbert, author of 'Crossroads', who discusses his experiences working with at-risk young men and the systemic factors that lead individuals toward crime.

Host Michelle Laurie interviews John Herbert about his book 'Crossroads', which explores the lives of men involved in crime and their paths to redemption. The conversation covers themes of childhood trauma as a driver for criminal behavior, the differences between 'old school' and 'new school' organized crime, and specific stories of notable figures like Craig Field and Graham Henry. The speakers discuss the evolution of crime, comparing the professional nature of 'old school' hits to modern impulsive violence and examining the lives of notorious figures like Roger Rogerson and Tim Smith. The conversation also touches on the difficulty of leaving a criminal lifestyle, the impact of prison on identity, and the speaker's personal experience raising a son in a high-profile environment.

In this episode of Australian True Crime, host Michelle Laurie interviews John Herbert, a Sydney-based boxing trainer and author of the book Crossroads. Herbert shares first-hand accounts from thirteen Australian men whose lives have been shaped by crime, incarceration, sport, and adversity. The discussion explores the complex motivations behind criminal behavior, examining how childhood deprivation, dysfunctional family structures, and the search for belonging in subcultures like motorcycle clubs can drive individuals toward a life of crime. The conversation also delves into specific case studies, including the story of rugby league player Craig Field and the impact of sudden, life-altering decisions. Herbert provides insight into the social dynamics of organized crime in Sydney's past and the cyclical nature of recidivism, where prison can become a surrogate family for those lost upon reentry to society. The episode offers a nuanced perspective on redemption and the pivotal moments that define a person's path.

Lex Lassery and Greg Barnes interview Australian author Helen Garner about her fascination with criminal law, the courtroom, and high-profile cases such as those of Anu Singh and Robert Farquharson. The discussion explores themes of justice, repressed rage, and the human element within the legal system. The conversation also covers Garner's experiences with public backlash regarding her books on legal and social dynamics. The episode concludes with a lighter reflection on her recent book about her grandson's junior football and the joy found in amateur sports.

Rob Hunter recounts the harrowing 24-hour kidnapping ordeal at Woreen State School, where Edwin John Eastwood took him and nine students hostage at gunpoint. The journey involved a violent vehicle accident and a period of being held at a campsite, eventually leading to a high-speed police chase after one student managed to escape. Following the event, Rob discusses the lack of institutional support from the education department and his personal journey toward healing. He reflects on how practicing gratitude, kindness, and forgiveness allowed him to overcome the trauma and avoid being permanently chained to the resentment of the event.

In February 1977, a newly qualified teacher named Rob Hunter experienced a harrowing ordeal during his ninth day of teaching at Woreen State School in Gippsland. A convicted kidnapper and prison escapee, Edwin John Eastwood, arrived at the school with a firearm, taking Hunter and nine students hostage. The episode details the terrifying journey through rural Victoria, the unexpected expansion of the hostage group, and the eventual high-speed police chase that led to the kidnapper's capture. Through an interview with Rob Hunter, the narrative explores the motivations behind Eastwood's actions, the survival tactics used by the hostages, and the heroic escape attempt by a truck driver. The discussion covers the intense moments of being chained in the bush and the chaotic conclusion involving roadblocks and gunfire on the South Gippsland Highway.

The hosts of True Crime Tonight explore the 'Vampire Gigolo' case involving Shane Chartres-Abbott and address the intense social media scrutiny and sexism directed at Patrick Clancy following a family tragedy. The episode continues with an interview featuring Karen Bevan, CEO of Full Stop Australia, to discuss recent trends in domestic violence. The discussion covers the importance of sensitive media reporting, the need for community-wide behavioral changes, and the necessity of targeted government prevention strategies.

Kylie Druitt, co-founder of Australian Voices for the Silenced, discusses the devastating impact of domestic violence on families and children, sharing her personal experience regarding the murder of Sarah Brown. The episode critiques how media reporting and systemic failures contribute to the ongoing cycle of violence and the lack of resources for healing. The discussion explores the mission of Full Stop Australia and its specialized trauma-informed helplines. The speakers also address the importance of denormalizing coercive control, the ethical complexities of reporting on domestic violence, and the necessity of addressing the root causes of violence, such as gender inequality.

In this episode of True Crime Tonight, the hosts discuss recent true crime stories, including a listener's message regarding Maggie Dawkins and the St Andrews Youth Hostel case, as well as the controversial parole of Snowtown murderer Jamie Vlasakis. The episode also features an in-depth interview with author Jeremy Pudney. Pudney joins the hosts to detail the Snowtown murders, exploring how John Bunting manipulated vulnerable individuals through shared trauma. The discussion covers the complexities of the investigation and the tragic reality that many victims went unnoticed due to their marginalized status.

Investigative journalist Hedley Thomas examines the unsolved 1986 murder of Rosalind McQueen, who died from a massive dose of strychnine poisoning. The episode explores the suspicious circumstances surrounding her death, including the intense and controversial relationship between her husband, Ray McQueen, and a 16-year-old girl named Donna. The discussion details the invasive police investigation, the coroner's inquest that ultimately charged Ray McQueen with murder, and the role of investigator Rex Bakes, who provided critical evidence to ensure the case was revisited decades later.

In April 1986, Rosalind McQueen, a thirty-year-old pregnant woman, was found dead in her Lockwood home following what was later determined to be massive strychnine poisoning. While her husband, Ray McQueen, initially blamed a neighbor, investigators eventually turned their focus toward him, citing his intense connection with a sixteen-year-old girl and his desire to avoid further financial loss through divorce. Although a coroner determined that Ray had maliciously administered the poison, the case never proceeded to trial, leaving the murder unsolved for nearly forty years. Investigative journalist Hedley Thomas joins Michelle Laurie to examine the evidence from his new podcast, The Poisoned Wife. The discussion explores the horrific nature of strychnine poisoning, the suspicious lack of an early crime scene investigation, and the circumstantial evidence involving Ray's relationship with Donna Manalek.

This episode features a conversation with journalist Jeremy Pudney regarding the Snowtown murders, exploring the psychological manipulation used by John Bunting to exploit vulnerable individuals through a false persona of a protector. The discussion details the investigation and discovery of the crimes, focusing on the roles of Bunting and Robert Wagner, and how police uncovered the true scale of the violence through missing persons reviews. The episode further examines the investigation and subsequent arrests of those involved, including Bunting, Wagner, Hayden, and Vlasakis. It explores the legal outcomes for each perpetrator, the psychological impact of the crimes, and the importance of providing visibility to the victims to honor their legacy.

This episode of Australian True Crime explores the chilling details of the Snowtown murders, a case involving the discovery of dismembered remains in barrels of acid within a disused bank. The discussion focuses on the release on parole of Jamie Vlasakis, the youngest member of the gang, and features an interview with journalist Jeremy Pudney, author of the definitive book on the subject. The narrative delves into the psychological manipulation used by gang leader John Bunting to coerce vulnerable individuals into a circle of violence. The conversation examines the systemic failures that allowed these crimes to go undetected for so long, the complex backgrounds of both the perpetrators and the victims, and the investigative breakthroughs that eventually uncovered the true scale of the killings.

The hosts of True Crime Tonight explore the cultural impact of the podcast 'Serial' and its role in driving the true crime phenomenon. Guest Michael Adams from 'Forgotten Australia' recounts the 1928 murder of schoolteacher Jack Mulholland in New South Wales. The episode also features former prosecutor Margaret MacLean discussing the Lindsay Clancy case. The conversation delves into the tragic deaths of three children and examines the legal and medical distinctions between postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis, as well as the implications for mental health treatment following high-profile trials.

Maggie Dawkins recounts her experience in 1985 while working in Katanning, where she was approached by young men disclosing sexual abuse at St Andrew's Hostel. She describes the lack of language for such crimes at the time and the intense community backlash she faced when attempting to report the allegations to local authorities. The episode further details her confrontation with Dennis McKenna, which resulted in her being transferred out of town after he threatened her with his connections. The narrative explores the broader pattern of systemic failure and sexual abuse in Katanning involving various institutions, the ongoing struggle for justice through memorials, and the devastating intergenerational trauma experienced by families like Kay Anderson's.

Neste episódio de Australian True Crime with Michelle Laurie, Maggie Dawkins compartilha sua jornada de décadas na luta contra o abuso institucional infantil em Katanning, Austrália Ocidental. A narrativa detalha como a descoberta de abusos cometidos por Dennis McKenna no St. Andrew's Hostel levou Maggie a enfrentar a resistência da comunidade local e do poder político para buscar justiça. A conversa explora as dificuldades de denunciar crimes em cidades pequenas, o impacto das redes de proteção institucional e o processo de investigação que culminou na condenação de McKenna. O episódio aborda também os desdobramentos recentes sobre a liberdade do condenado e a falta de pedidos de desculpas por parte do conselho local.

This episode explores the legal and psychological complexities surrounding the Lindsay Clancy case, where an American mother is accused of killing her three young children in January 2023. The discussion focuses on the recent collapse of her six-week criminal trial after a jury failed to reach a verdict, highlighting the intense debate between viewing her actions as premeditated murder or the result of extreme postpartum psychosis. Featuring legal analysis from former prosecutor Margaret McLean, the episode examines the distinction between postpartum depression and psychosis, the forensic evidence presented during the trial, and the potential legal paths forward for the prosecution. The conversation also touches upon the societal impact of the case regarding mental health awareness and the pursuit of justice for the victims.

This episode examines the criminal trial of Lindsay Clancy, an American woman accused of killing her three children in 2023. Legal expert Margaret McLean analyzes the complexities of the case, including the distinction between postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis, the role of medication, and the conflicting expert testimonies regarding her mental state. The discussion further explores the debate between calculated intent and 'waxing and waning' psychosis, alongside the legal burdens in Massachusetts regarding criminal responsibility. The episode also considers the potential for increased awareness and better medical intervention for postpartum psychosis following this high-profile case, as well as the legal complexities surrounding a possible retrial.

The hosts examine the legal complexities of the Lindsay Clancy case, focusing on how postpartum psychosis intersects with criminal responsibility and the challenges advancements in neuropsychology pose to traditional concepts of agency. The discussion also critiques political proposals in Victoria regarding judicial sentencing oversight and rising incarceration rates. Additionally, the episode covers concerns over the Victorian Police Commissioner's influence on judicial independence and new Tasmanian legislation restricting character references in court. The conversation concludes with a look at the perceived compromise of the US Supreme Court, debates surrounding Australian national identity, and recent political scandals involving Nigel Farage.

Abraham Quoll discusses his upbringing in the Kakuma refugee camp and the challenges of resettling in Australia, highlighting how systemic barriers, media demonization, and a lack of employment opportunities can lead young South Sudanese men toward criminal identities. The conversation explores the historical pattern of demonizing migrant communities in Australia and the importance of early intervention and representation to foster aspirations. The episode further examines the complex risk and protective factors affecting young people in refugee communities, specifically how community support and early exposure to academic settings can mitigate challenges. The discussion concludes with reflections on how experiences with global suffering drive a desire to give back through building lasting community infrastructure.

In this episode of Australian True Crime, host Michelle Laurie interviews Abraham Quoll, a youth mentor, criminology researcher, and Victoria's Young Australian of the Year for 2026. Quoll shares his personal journey from growing up in the Kakuma refugee camp in Kenya to finding community and purpose in Australia. The conversation delves into the complexities of youth crime within South Sudanese communities, exploring themes of identity, labeling theory, and the impact of media demonization. Quoll discusses the importance of early intervention, the role of employment and sport in fostering belonging, and his current PhD research into risk and protective factors for high-harm offending.

The hosts of True Crime Tonight discuss recent developments in the Tupac Shakur murder investigation, specifically regarding the conviction of Keefe D. They also recommend the documentary 'Hey, Beautiful,' which examines how Nigerian 'Yahoo boys' utilize social media for sophisticated romance scams. The episode further explores the emotional manipulation used in these scams and features an interview with Amelia Oberhart about the documentary 'Outback Murder Highway.' This investigation looks into a series of unsolved murders and disappearances along Australia's Flinders Highway during the 1970s.

Investigative journalist Amelia Oberhart examines the dark history of the Flinders Highway, focusing on the 1972 disappearance of Anita and Robin Cunningham. The episode explores how the era's culture of hitchhiking and a lack of police urgency contributed to a series of mysteries, including potential connections to serial killer Ivan Milat. The discussion extends to other cold cases along Australian highways, such as the Spear Creek Killings and the disappearance of Tony Jones. The investigation also covers the case of Jaden Penno-Thompson, highlighting how modern forensics and family advocacy are playing a crucial role in seeking justice for long-unsolved crimes.

This episode of Australian True Crime explores the chilling history of the Flinders Highway, an 800-kilometre stretch of road in Queensland linked to numerous disappearances and murders. Investigative journalist Amelia Oberhart discusses her work on the series Outback Murder Highway, focusing on the 1970s era when hitchhiking was common and police responses were often negligent. The discussion delves into the disappearance of Anita and Robin Cunningham, examining potential connections to notorious serial killer Ivan Milat following a decades-old eyewitness identification. The conversation covers the challenges of investigating crimes in isolated areas lacking CCTV or modern communication, as well as the use of new forensic technologies like ground-penetting radar and cadaver dogs. The episode examines how historical social shifts, such as the 'free love' movement, influenced the perception of missing young women and why certain cases remained unsolved for decades.

Neste episódio de Australian True Crime with Michelle Laurie, o ex-policial infiltrado Jason Somerville compartilha os detalhes de sua vida sob o pseudônimo de Michael Bates. Ele discute as complexidades do trabalho policial disfarçado na Queensland Police, abordando desde o treinamento técnico para identificar diamantes e contar dinheiro até a infiltração em redes de tráfico de heroína. O relato explora o profundo impacto psicológico da vida dupla, os riscos de ser descoberto por gangues e as dificuldades de transição de volta à vida civil. Somerville também aborda temas sensíveis como o estresse pós-traumático, a tentação financeira no submundo do crime e sua jornada de recuperação através da escrita e do podcasting.

Former undercover officer Jason Somerville discusses the training, risks, and psychological complexities of his work in the Queensland Police. He details the difficulty of maintaining a false identity while navigating criminal environments and explores the immense temptation for corruption due to the high profitability of drug trafficking. He also reflects on the challenges of transitioning back to uniformed policing, including the stigma faced by former undercover officers and the long-term impact on mental health. Finally, he discusses the social isolation of retired officers and his transition into filmmaking to document PTSD in emergency services.

The hosts discuss recent violent incidents in the Altona North area, including shootings linked to the tobacco wars and the impact of crime on local families. They also review the classic HBO documentary series 'Paradise Lost', detailing the wrongful conviction of the West Memphis Three and the ongoing search for DNA evidence. The episode further explores the American justice system and the concept of an Alford plea, followed by an introduction to the case of Jason Rigby. Jess Rigby discusses the suspicious circumstances surrounding her brother-in-law's death in Fiji, which authorities initially ruled a suicide but the family disputes.

Jessica Rigby discusses the suspicious circumstances surrounding the death of her brother-in-law, Jason Rigby, in Fiji, which authorities initially ruled a suicide. She highlights significant inconsistencies in the official narrative, including a lack of thorough investigation and the suspicious speed at which a cause of death was publicized. The episode details the challenges of seeking justice across international jurisdictions, noting the lack of institutional support from Australian and Fijian authorities. The speakers discuss findings from a private investigation regarding new evidence and the difficulties in holding corporate entities accountable as the family continues their mission to pursue justice.

Australian True Crime explores the mysterious death of Jason Rigby, a hotel manager found dead in his staff apartment at a luxury resort in Fiji. While authorities initially ruled the death a suicide involving self-inflicted stab wounds, his family remains unconvinced, citing inconsistencies in the official narrative, including the lack of a thorough investigation and suspicious details surrounding the crime scene. In this episode, Jason's sister-in-law, Jessica Rigby, discusses the family's ongoing fight for justice, the findings of their private investigator, and the complexities of the case involving potential motives and local connections in Fiji. The discussion covers the discrepancies in toxicology reports, the unusual nature of the wounds, and the family's plea for anyone with information to come forward.

In this episode of Australian True Crime, host Michelle Laurie interviews Greg Barnes, a prominent figure in criminal justice and human rights. Barnes discusses his extensive career, ranging from political campaigning to advising Julian Assange, and explores the systemic issues underlying the Australian prison system, including social disadvantage and the lack of through care for offenders. The conversation delves into the complexities of high-profile legal battles, the nuances of mediation in abuse cases, and the launch of his new podcast, Law The Podcast, with former Supreme Court Judge Lex Lasry.

Greg Barnes discusses the systemic drivers of crime in Australia, focusing on how social disadvantage, school expulsions, and a lack of post-prison support contribute to recidivism. He also reflects on his involvement in the legal battle for Julian Assange and the personal toll of advocating for freedom of speech. The conversation expands into broader Australian political and social issues, including the crisis facing legal aid, the merits of transitioning to a republic, and the impact of migration on the labor market. The episode concludes with reflections on the housing affordability crisis and the shifting nature of modern political discourse.

In this episode of True Crime Tonight, producers Matt and Ruby host in the absence of Michelle Laurie to discuss a listener request regarding the murder of Toya Accordingly. The hosts also explore recent legal developments in the Menendez brothers case and the impact of celebrity advocacy on their parole prospects. The episode further features a discussion between Michelle Laurie and Lyndon Blake regarding the criminal case of American singer-songwriter David Anthony Burke, known as D4VD. The conversation details the allegations surrounding the murder of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, including the timeline of the crime, the alleged cover-up, and the eventual discovery of the body.

This episode examines the legal case against American singer-songwriter David Anthony Burke, known as D4VD, who is charged with the murder of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. The discussion explores his rise to fame via TikTok and Fortnite, the alleged grooming relationship between him and the victim, and the chilling timeline of the crime occurring around his album release. The episode further details the alleged crime and subsequent cover-up, including how Burke maintained a facade of normalcy while a body remained in his home for months. The discussion covers the investigation's timeline, the discovery of the victim in his Tesla, and the specific legal charges he currently faces.

Este episódio explora o caso criminal de David Anthony Burke, conhecido como D4VD, acusado do assassinato da jovem Celeste. A narrativa detalha os eventos ocorridos em abril, quando a vítima foi atraída para a residência do suspeito em Hollywood Hills, e descreve a descoberta macabra do corpo meses depois no compartimento frontal de um Tesla. A discussão aborda as evidências apresentadas pela acusação, incluindo o uso de ferramentas para ocultar o crime, a existência de DNA no local e as acusações de abuso sexual e mutilação de restos mortais. O relato traz detalhes sobre a cronologia dos fatos, desde o lançamento do álbum do músico até a investigação da polícia de Los Angeles.

Journalist Neil Mercer examines the case of Josephine Greensill, a retired teacher wrongfully convicted of historical child sexual abuse driven by long-held childhood grudges and potential financial motives. The episode explores the devastating psychological and financial aftermath of her conviction and the lasting stigma that remains even after exoneration. The discussion further investigates broader systemic failures in the Australian legal system, highlighting the role of unreliable forensic experts, coerced confessions, and prosecutorial misconduct in high-profile cases such as those involving Henry Keogh, Gene Gibson, and Andrew Mallard. The episode concludes by reflecting on the complexities of seeking legal redress amidst changing political leadership.

In this episode of Australian True Crime, journalist Neil Mercer discusses his book, Falsely Convicted, which explores nine cases of wrongful convictions in Australia. The conversation delves into the systemic failures that allowed individuals to be imprisoned for crimes they did not commit, focusing on the role of unreliable expert testimony and flawed police investigations. The discussion highlights the case of Henry Keogh, whose conviction rested on the discredited evidence of a pathologist acting as a charlatan, and the tragic story of Andrew Mallard, whose conviction was overturned after forensic evidence linked another inmate to the crime. The episode examines the profound human cost of judicial error and the devastating impact these legal failures have on the lives of the exonerated.

The hosts of True Crime Tonight discuss various true crime documentaries, including 'The Cape,' which covers a disappearance in Australia, and 'The Trial,' regarding a Scottish murder case. The episode also features an interview with Stephen Myers, author of 'The Treehouse.' Myers recounts his time as an accomplice to the 'Hollywood Bandit' during a series of 1990s bank robberies. He describes the meticulous planning, use of disguises, and the psychological game played against authorities, concluding with the account of the final robbery and the death of his partner, Scott Scurlock.

Stephen Myers discusses his partnership with Scott Scurlock, the 'Hollywood Bandit,' detailing their meticulous and non-violent approach to bank robberies in the 1990s. He explains how they used psychological tactics, careful research, and the sanctuary of the 'Treehouse' to evade detection while challenging large institutions. The episode covers the intense planning behind their operations and the chaotic final getaway involving a violent police pursuit and an alleged ambush. Myers reflects on the aftermath, including the eventual suicide of Scurlock and the discrepancy between Scurlock's public image as a folk hero and his actual history as a high-level criminal.

In this episode of Australian True Crime International, host Michelle Laurie interviews Stephen Myers, author of The Treehouse, regarding his involvement in the 1990s bank robbery spree led by Scott Scurlock, known as the Hollywood Bandit. Myers details his transition from a successful sculptor to an accomplice in a series of meticulously planned, non-violent robberies across Seattle. The conversation explores the psychological motivations behind the crimes, the use of elaborate disguises, and the technical challenges of evading police surveillance and electronic ProNet tags. The episode concludes with the dramatic account of their final getaway, the intense police pursuit, and the eventual death of Scurlock.

This episode features an interview with Nicole Morris, founder of the Australian Missing Persons Register, regarding her book 'Lost' and the alarming statistics surrounding missing persons and youth homelessness in Australia. The discussion explores the mysterious disappearance of computer genius Attila Bogar and various theories regarding his vanishing. The conversation further delves into the complexities of missing person investigations, including digital traces, unidentified remains, and the challenges posed by the vast Australian landscape. The speakers also address specific cold cases, potential racial biases in investigation rewards, and the profound psychological impact of 'ambiguous loss' on families.

In this episode of Australian True Crime, host Michelle Laurie interviews Nicole Morris, founder of the Australian Missing Persons Register, regarding her new book, Lost. The conversation explores the staggering statistics surrounding missing persons in Australia, noting that approximately 49,000 people are reported missing annually. The discussion delves into the intersection of homelessness and missing persons, specifically focusing on the vulnerability of young people and the systemic failures in addressing youth displacement. Morris also addresses the profound psychological impact of ambiguous loss on families and the critical importance of DNA technology in identifying remains.

This episode of True Crime Tonight explores several harrowing criminal cases, beginning with the 1973 Australian murder spree led by Archie McCafferty and the legacy of Melbourne crime matriarch Kath Pettingill. The episode also investigates the tragic TikTok-related murder-suicide of Sarah Gilson and Sean Duffy, examining how social media posts regarding alleged misconduct preceded the fatal incident.

This episode explores the tragic murder-suicide of Sarah Gilson by her estranged husband, Jeremiah Sean Duffy, following a period of public tension shared on TikTok. The discussion delves into the investigation regarding allegations of misconduct against Duffy and the devastating impact of the violence on the children present in the home. The hosts also examine the role of social media and potential warning signs in domestic violence cases before shifting to a broader debate on gun violence in America versus Australia, using a recent shooting at an In-N-Out burger chain as a case study for the utility of armed citizens.