True Crime Conversations

Tara Costigan was a hard working mum, friend, close with her family and liked by those who she met. She was also killed by her partner one week after giving birth to their daughter. In this episode we speak with Heidi Lemon, that author of The First Time He Hit Her: the shocking true story of the murder of Tara Costigan, the woman next door. Heidi spent the past few years devoted to writing the book, and worked closely with the Costigan family during the project.  Tara’s story is devastating. It is also not an anomaly. Heidi has worked to share Tara’s story in the hopes that more public conversations will continue to be had about Australia’s problem with domestic violence.  CREDITS Guest: Heidi Lemon author of The First Time He Hit HerHost: Jessie StephensProducer: Elise Cooper RESEARCH ‘The First Time He Hit Her: the shocking true story of the murder of Tara Costigan, the woman next door’ book by Heidi Lemon https://bit.ly/tara-costigan-book  ‘Tara Costigan: The Life and Death of a Victim of Domestic Violence’, 7:30 Report, ABC TV https://bit.ly/tara-730-report ‘A man, who murdered his ex-girlfriend with an axe while she was cradling their baby daughter, has been sentenced to at least 26 years in jail.’ Nine News https://bit.ly/3ePTo2h  CONTACT US Tell us what you think of the show via email at [email protected]   Join our closed Facebook community to discuss this episode. Just search True Crime Conversations on Facebook or follow this link https://bit.ly/tcc-group  If any of the contents in this episode have cause distress know that there is help available via Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 If any parts of this episode raise issues for you please seek help via the resources below Family Violence 1800 RESPECT - that’s 1800 737 732 Safe Steps in Victoria - 24 hour response line- safesteps.org.au National services https://www.dvrcv.org.au/support-services/national-services Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kathleen Folbigg is thought to be one of the most infamous serial killing women in Australia. She was found guilty of the murder of her three infant children, Patrick aged eight months, Sarah aged 10 months and Laura aged 19 months, between 1989 and 1999. She was also convicted of the manslaughter of her first child Caleb in 1989. The main evidence used against Kathleen were her personal diary entries, however there was very little physical forensic evidence to support the prosecution's case against her. Dr Xanthe Mallett is a trained forensic scientist and criminologist who has met Kathleen, and covered her case for her book Mothers Who Murder: And Infamous Miscarriages of Justice. Xanthe joins this episode to explore Kathleen’s upbringing, the death of her children, and the court cases and inquiry that followed. CREDITSGuest: Dr Xanthe Mallett https://bit.ly/motherswhomurder  Host: Jessie StephensProducer: Elise CooperRESEARCH ‘Mothers Who Murder: And Infamous Miscarriages of Justice‘ by Xanthe Mallett https://bit.ly/motherswhomurder  Justice NSW Kathleen Folbigg Report Published 2019 Media Release https://bit.ly/justice-nsw-folbigg  ‘Guilty Of Killing Her Own Children? Has Kathleen Folbigg Been Wrongly Convicted? Australian Story, ABC TV https://bit.ly/aus-story-kathleen-folbigg  LINKS The Tragic Story Of Dean Shillingsworth And Rachel Pfitzner https://bit.ly/dean-shillingsworth  CONTACT US Tell us what you think of the show via email at [email protected]   Join our closed Facebook community to discuss this episode. Just search True Crime Conversations on Facebook or follow this link https://bit.ly/tcc-group  If any of the contents in this episode have cause distress know that there is help available via Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the 1980s, a brochure was printed across the world, for an idyllic holiday resort called Arous. It was a diving resort on the Red Sea, in the Sudanese desert. The brochure featured pictures of chalets on a bright beach, the sea almost the same colour as the skyBut what guests of the resort didn’t know was that Arous wasn’t really a holiday resort. At least not primarily. And the staff weren’t really managers, or diving instructors, or waitresses. Once the sun went down, those who worked at the hotel were part of a top secret mission, that not even their own families were aware of. And if the Sudanese government found out, it would cost them their lives. Raffi Berg is the Middle East editor for BBC News Online. He has extensive experience reporting on Israel and the wider region. His book 'Red Sea Spies: The True Story Of Mossad’s Fake Diving Resort' was written in collaboration with secret agents involved in the operation and tells the complete story of the case for the first time. CREDITS: Guest: Raffi Berg Host: Jessie Stephens Producer and editor: Elise Cooper RESEARCH ‘Red Sea Spies: The True Story Of Mossad’s Fake Diving Resort’ by Raffi Berg https://bit.ly/redseaspies-book  ‘Red Sea Diving Resort: The holiday village run by spies’, Raffi Berg for BBC News, Tel Aviv https://bit.ly/redseaspies-bbc  ‘Saving The Forgotten Jews’ BBC News https://bit.ly/forgotten-jews-bbc-news ‘The Daring Rescue of Ethiopian Jews From Sudan’, Israel First TV https://bit.ly/30Q77lR  CONTACT US Tell us what you think of the show via email at [email protected]  Join our closed Facebook community to discuss this episode. Just search True Crime Conversations on Facebook or follow this link https://bit.ly/tcc-group  If any of the contents in this episode have cause distress know that there is help available via Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples should be aware that this episode contains the names of people who have passed away. In 1988 the death of Mark Haines just outside of Tamworth in regional NSW was barely investigated by local police. The 17-year-old’s body was found on train tracks outside of town, but law enforcement treated his death as less than suspicious. You have only to pull on the threads of the case to find that the truth could be very far from that. Allan Clarke is a Muruwari man and an award winning investigative journalist, producer and presenter. Allan worked closely with Mark Haines’ family and friends for five years fighting for justice, and answers, culminating in the investigation of the case for the ABC podcast Unravel: Blood On The Tracks. Allan joins this episode to explore the case, the mis-steps by law enforcement, and the racial prejudices that hindered initial, and even ongoing, investigations. CREDITS:Guest: Allan Clarke Host: Jessie StephensProducer and editor: Elise Cooper RESEARCH Unravel: Blood On The Tracks, ABC Podcasts https://bit.ly/unravel-podcast  ‘Footsteps On The Tracks’ by Allan Clarke https://bit.ly/footsteps-allan-clarke  State Crime Command will investigate Mark Haines death  ‘Blood on the Tracks Pt 1: Murder or misadventure, who killed Mark Haines?’ Australian Story, ABC TV https://bit.ly/aus-story-part-1  'Blood on the Tracks Pt 2: Unraveling Tamworth's body on the train tracks mystery’ Australian Story, ABC TV https://bit.ly/aus-story-part-2  Mark Haines’ family 2017 petition for the state government to offer a reward for information relating to Mark Haines’ death https://bit.ly/markhaines-family-plea  CONTACT US Tell us what you think of the show via email at [email protected] Join our closed Facebook community to discuss this episode. Just search True Crime Conversations on Facebook or follow this link https://bit.ly/tcc-group  If any of the contents in this episode have cause distress know that there is help available via Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jeffrey Epstein was a financier of global influence and moved in powerful social circles. He was also an alleged child sex trafficker, a convicted criminal who served time for soliciting a prostitute; an underage child in 2008. Epstein was arrested again in July of 2019 on charges of sex trafficking and conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking. While he awaited trial he was found dead in his jail cell on August 10th 2019.  Diane Dimond is an award winning investigative journalist, author and syndicated columnist who writes about the ever-evolving and fascinating world of crime and justice. She speaks to us about the case of Epstein and her work for the Investigation Discovery documentary examining the crimes and suspicious death of Epstein. CREDITSGuest: Diane DimondHost: Jessie StephensProducer: Elise Cooper The following episode includes discussion of child sex trafficking, sexual assault, and alleged suicide. Listener discretion is advised. If any of the contents in this episode have cause distress know that there is help available via Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 RESEARCH ‘Who Killed Jeffrey Epstein’, Investigation Discovery, FOXTEL Australia FBI opens investigation into Epstein's long-time friend | Nine News Australia https://bit.ly/ghislaine-maxwell  Prince Andrew & the Epstein Scandal: The Newsnight Interview - BBC News https://bit.ly/princeandrew-bbc  Special Report: Jeffrey Epstein Found Dead In Jail Cell | NBC News https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3DiXSAPFbHE ‘How Miami Herald's investigation & Jeffrey Epstein survivors helped blow up a sweetheart deal’ Miami Herald, https://bit.ly/miamiherald-epstein  CONTACT US Tell us what you think of the show via email at [email protected] Join our closed Facebook community to discuss this episode. Just search True Crime Conversations on Facebook or follow this link https://bit.ly/3982S5PBecome a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jim Jones was a charismatic pastor, preaching of salvation and a bountiful life for all those who followed him. He also was the man responsible for one of the largest incidences of loss of human life in modern American history. Author and podcaster Jo Thornely has researched Jim Jones and his cult of followers for her book Zealot. She joins us for this episode to explain Jones’ psychology, the power of his charisma, and the terrible chain of events that lead to the deaths of more than 900 people. This episode contains discussion of suicide. Please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 if the contents of this episode raises any issues for you. CREDITS   Guest: Jo Thornely, author of ‘Zealot’Host: Jessie StephensExecutive Producer and Editor: Elise Cooper RESEARCH ‘Zealot: A Book About Cults’ by Jo Thornely https://bit.ly/zealot-jo-thornely  Jo Thornely’s interview about Anne Hamilton Byrne and the cult The Family, https://bit.ly/thefamily-jothornely  ‘Guyana/USA: Jonestown Massacre 20 Years On’, AP Archive https://bit.ly/ap-jonestown  ‘The Jonestown Massacre: Paradise Lost’, Real Stories https://bit.ly/paradiselost-jonestown  ‘Escaping Jonestown’, CNN https://bit.ly/cnn-jonestown ‘Return To Jonestown’, Sunday Night, Channel 7 Network https://bit.ly/sundaynight-onestown Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the second episode of our two part series on the life and crimes of serial killers David and Catherine Birnie, we examine the crimes the pair carried out. Journalist and author Andrew Byrne explores further the motivations and machinations of the Birnie’s utterly maniacal and evil crimes. As Andrew is still working on his book he asks that if you or anyone you know has any information on the Birnies to contact him via his LinkedIn profile https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewkbyrne/  You can hear episode one here https://bit.ly/tcc-part-one  CREDITS Guest: Andrew Bryne Host: Jessie StephensTechnical Producer: Luca LavigneExecutive Producer and Editor: Elise Cooper CONTACT US Tell us what you think of the show via email at [email protected] Join our closed Facebook community to discuss this episode. Just search True Crime Conversations on Facebook or follow this link https://bit.ly/tcc-group  If any of the contents in this episode have cause distress know that there is help available via Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In November 1986, police visited a quiet residence on a suburban Perth street. The occupants of that house, lifelong lovers David and Catherine Birnie were arrested soon after. That house will be forever synonymous with five unimaginable crimes, known to history as the Moorhouse Murders. Catherine will never be released from jail. She is only the third woman in Australian history to be given this sentence Andrew Byrne is an acclaimed journalist and author. He reported on the Birnies for a television documentary series, and is currently working on a book about the serial killing husband and wife. In this episode we delve deep into the upbringings of David and Catherine; how their traumatic and violent childhoods could have led to their depraved actions in adulthood. As Andrew is still working on his book he asks that if you or anyone you know has any information on the Birnies to contact him via his LinkedIn profile https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewkbyrne/  CREDITS Guest: Andrew Bryne Host: Jessie StephensTechnical Producer: Luca LavigneExecutive Producer and Editor: Elise Cooper RESEARCH ‘Beyond The Darklands’, Episode 1 Seven Network ‘The Moorhouse Horrors’, Crime Investigation Australia, Season 1 Episode 6, Seven Network CONTACT US Tell us what you think of the show via email at [email protected] Join our closed Facebook community to discuss this episode. Just search True Crime Conversations on Facebook or follow this link https://bit.ly/3982S5P If any of the contents in this episode have cause distress know that there is help available via Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636  Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Henry Howard Holmes was America’s first serial killer. The charismatic criminal lured his victims to his hotel dubbed “the murder castle” during the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair. The building was riddled with trap doors and booby traps, a crematorium and gas chambers. The rumours of his depravity were far reaching and propelled H. H. Holmes to infamy. However the man dubbed America’s first serial killer may not have been responsible for the murders of as many people as he claimed. As director and author John Borowski explains,  Holmes derived pleasure from the planning of his crimes, not necessarily carrying them out. Borowski has written a book about Holmes, and directed a true crime documentary following his life and crimes. Once arrested, Holmes was prolific in claiming murders to have been by his hand, though some alleged victims came forward to attest that they were very much alive and unharmed.  Fuelled by desire for fame, or bloodlust, the case of H. H. Holmes and the murder hotel has as many twists and turns as the hotel in which they were carried out. CREDITS Guest: John Borowski http://johnborowski.com/  Host: Jessie Stephens Technical Producer: Luca Lavigne Executive Producer and Editor: Elise Cooper RESEARCH Borowski, John (November 2005). Estrada, Dimas (ed.). The Strange Case of Dr. H. H. Holmes. West Hollywood, California: Waterfront Productions https://bit.ly/hhholmesdoco  ‘Holmes Cool To The End; Under the Noose He Says He Only Killed Two Women. New York Times Archive https://bit.ly/hhholmes  ‘Murders By Doctors; The Great Tragedies of the Century Have Medical Men as Their Central Figure.’  The Anaconda standard. May 01, 1896, p. 12. via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov. https://bit.ly/murderbydoctors  CONTACT US Tell us what you think of the show via email at [email protected] Join our closed Facebook community to discuss this episode. Just search True Crime Conversations on Facebook or follow this link https://bit.ly/3982S5P If any of the contents in this episode have cause distress know that there is help available via Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Kirra McLoughlin died on a property on Beenham Valley Road near Gympie, Queensland, law enforcement and medical examiners were baffled. Kirra’s former partner would claim she went to sleep after a fight and simply didn’t wake up. Family said there had been a party at the property the night before, but neighbours disputed that. Kirra’s body had 105 signs of bruising, and there was a 12 hour period where emergency services weren’t contacted about her rapidly declining state. Former police officer Jamie Pultz met Kirra McLoughlin before her death. His podcast Beenham Valley Road investigates the case, talking to Kirra’s friends and family, and looking into the events leading up to and following her death. CREDITSGuest: Jamie PultzHost: Jessie StephensTechnical Producer: Luca LavigneExecutive Producer and Editor: Elise Cooper RESEARCH Beenham Valley Road: The Kirra McLoughlin Story podcast https://www.six10mediagroup.com/beenhamvalleyroad  ‘Kirra McLoughlin, 27, may have lain up to 12 hours in house after being critically injured in fight’ Courier Mail ‘Young mum allegedly died after hitting her head, so why was she covered in bruises?’ Courier Mail  CONTACT US Tell us what you think of the show via email at [email protected]. Join our closed Facebook community to discuss this episode. Just search True Crime Conversations on Facebook or follow this link https://bit.ly/3982S5P If any of the contents in this episode have cause distress know that there is help available via Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On 17 April 2005, nine young Australians were arrested in Bali on charges of drug trafficking. Known as the 'Bali 9', some members received the death penalty for their crimes, while others are serving lengthy jail sentences.  It seemed like a case burnt into the Australian consciousness. However, more than 15 years later the same crimes are being carried out, with just as devastating effects. Journalists Cindy Wockner and Madonna King were present at the trials and sentencing of The Bali 9. They used their investigative skills to piece together the whole story, from arrest to jail to the harrowing final journey for their book, Bali 9: The Untold Story. Madonna King joins Jessie Stephens to take us through the case of the Bali 9, the lives of those involved, why they took on such a huge risk, and the now controversial role of the Australian Federal Police. CREDITS Guest: Madonna King, co-author of ‘Bali 9: The Untold Story’ http://bit.ly/bali-nine Host: Jessie StephensTechnical Producer: Luca LavigneExecutive Producer and editor: Elise Cooper RESEARCH ‘Nine Australians arrested in Bali on suspicion of smuggling heroin’ AP ARCHIVE  https://bit.ly/aparchivebali9  ‘AFP Unapologetic Over Bali Nine’ Studio 10, Channel 10 https://bit.ly/studio10bali9  ‘Final appeal for Chan and Sukumaran’ ABC News Australia , ABC 2010 https://bit.ly/2XQ9hjW  ‘Renae Lawrence pleads for reduced sentences for remaining Bali 9 prisoners’ 7:30 ABC News Australia, https://bit.ly/abcnews-renae ‘Final goodbye for Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran’ Nine News Perth, Nine Nework, https://bit.ly/finalgoodbye-ninenews CONTACT US Tell us what you think of the show via email at [email protected]. Join our closed Facebook community to discuss this episode. Just search True Crime Conversations on Facebook or follow this link https://bit.ly/3982S5P If any of the contents in this episode have cause distress know that there is help available via Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The rise and fall of Keith Raniere and the now defunct NXIVM cult is one of the most disturbing scandals of our age. What began as a purported self-help group spiralled into a dark, secretive world of illicit sex, money laundering, and exploitation, all at the hands of founder Keith Raniere and his accomplices. Additionally, several women involved with the NXIVM founder died or disappeared under suspicious circumstances. A former NXIVM publicist turned investigative journalist Frank Parlato explores the case in this episode. Frank’s documentary The Lost Women Of NXIVM, takes a deep dive to answer the questions surrounding the tragic deaths and mysterious disappearances of four women who all had connections to NXIVM and its founder Keith Raniere. CREDITSGuest: Frank ParlatoHost: Jessie StephensTechnical Producer: Luca LavigneExecutive Producer and Editor: Elise Cooper RESEARCH The Lost Women Of NXIVM, Frank Parlato, Investigation Discovery, FOXTEL https://bit.ly/lostwomen  Allison Mack Pleads Guilty In Alleged NXIVM 'Sex Cult' Case, CBS New York https://bit.ly/2Vagt8x NXIVM Sex Cult Conviction News Conference, CBS New York https://bit.ly/lostwomen2 CONTACT US Tell us what you think of the show via email at [email protected]. Join our closed Facebook community to discuss this episode. Just search True Crime Conversations on Facebook or follow this link https://bit.ly/3982S5P If any of the contents in this episode have cause distress know that there is help available via Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When 26-year-old school teacher Stephanie Scott disappeared days before her wedding, her fiance immediately knew something was wrong. She wasn’t the type of person to vanish without a trace, or get cold feet. An immense manhunt was swiftly organised with locals of the small town of Leeton, where Stephanie lived. It would be a devastating four days until Stephanie’s fiance and family were given the worst possible news. In this episode, we speak with Leeton local Monique Patterson who was one of the journalists who covered Stephanie’s disappearance.  She has since written a book on the case of Stephanie Scott, titled; ‘United In Grief: The Tragic Story of Stephanie Scott's Murder and the Effect it had on the Small Town of Leeton NSW’.  CREDITS Guest: Monique Patterson, author of United In Grief Host: Jessie Stephens Producer and editor: Elise CooperRESEARCH United In Grief: The Tragic Story of Stephanie Scott's Murder and the Effect it had on the Small Town of Leeton NSW, book by Monique Patterson, https://bit.ly/34klKNJ  Stephanie Scott Missing, 7 News Sydney https://bit.ly/2VaEbjN  Man charged with murder of missing NSW teacher, SBS world News, https://bit.ly/2XjFkZi  Stephanie Scott Murder Arrest, 9 News Adelaide  https://bit.ly/3e5Rgna Stephanie Scott Murder timeline, SBS News https://bit.ly/3e3PDGy CONTACT US Tell us what you think of the show via email at [email protected]. Join our closed Facebook community to discuss this episode. Just search True Crime Conversations on Facebook or follow this link https://bit.ly/3982S5P If any of the contents in this episode have cause distress know that there is help available via Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It was November 1994 and Jan Balmain was confused. She was waiting for her 22-year-old daughter Revelle to get off the train from Sydney to Newcastle. Revelle was supposed to be visiting before heading off to Japan for a career changing modelling gig.  But Revelle never got off the train. Instead, hours earlier Revelle, who was working as a sex worker as well as a model, allegedly finished her shift at a client’s house, was dropped at a nearby bar, and was never heard from again. Her possessions littered the streets of Bellevue Hill where she lived.  In this episode we speak with award winning journalist and author Caroline Overington.  Caroline investigated the disappearance of Revelle in the late 1990s for the Good Weekend Magazine. She has also covered high profile missing person’s cases such as the disappearance of William Tyrell for The Australian podcast ‘Nowhere Child’. Her work as a journalist has made her a revered fixture in the Australian media landscape. CREDITS Guests: Caroline Overington https://www.carolineoverington.com/  Host: Jessie Stephens Producer and editor: Elise Cooper RESEARCH ‘The Secret Life Of Revelle Balmain’ Caroline Overington for Good Weekend Magazine, The Sydney Morning Herald, 1999 https://www.carolineoverington.com/revelle-balmain ‘Revelle Balmain murder: The night the 22-year-old model went missing’ Mamamia https://www.mamamia.com.au/revelle-balmain-murder/ ‘A double bombshell’: Final hours of missing Sydney model Revelle Balmain’, Daniela Elsa for News.com.au https://bit.ly/2WZM9ig  CONTACT US Tell us what you think of the show via email at [email protected] or on the PodPhone 02 8999 9386.  Join our closed Facebook community to discuss this episode. Just search True Crime Conversations on Facebook or follow this link https://bit.ly/3982S5PBecome a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It was the afternoon of April 15, 2003, when residents of Lorne, a seaside town on the shoreline of the Great Ocean Road, noticed something they’d never seen before.  It was a cargo ship. Of course, they saw big ships everyday but this was something different. The 106 metre long vessel came to within 500 metres of the rocks scattered along the coastline. What no one knew at the time, was that the ship knew precisely where it was going. And that the following day, a search of the beach at Boggaley Creek would show up the lifeless body of a man, alongside a small dinghy. Who was he? And where had he come from?  The Australian Federal Police already had an idea. But they could not have known how far, and how deep, this case was about to run.  Richard Baker is a journalist and host of the podcast The Last Voyage of Pong Su. He joins this episode to take us through the case of the Pong Su, after exploring it for The Age and Sydney Morning Herald.  CREDITS Guests: Richard Baker, host of The Last Voyage Of Pong Su Host: Jessie Stephens Producer and editor: Elise Cooper RESEARCH The Last Voyage of the Pong Su https://www.theage.com.au/pong-su Forensic Investigators: Operation Sorbet https://bit.ly/2wA3zY5  ‘Heroin Trail Leads to North Korea’. Washington Post https://wapo.st/2xqki0c  ‘That pong in the bay is from a ship under a cloud’ - The Sydney Morning Herald https://bit.ly/2UhN2RN  ‘Korean freighter Pong Su to be scuttled’ - The Sydney Morning Herald https://bit.ly/3blPnAL  ‘Pong Su crew members deported’- The Age https://bit.ly/3atOeqw Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When a shark vomited up a tattooed arm in the Coogee Aquarium in 1935, onlookers were horrified. This arm would be the catalyst for exposing the seedy underbelly of Sydney’s grimy and cut throat crime scene. Phillip Roope and Kevin Meagher sit down with Jessie Stephens to explore the shark arm case. Together, the former high school history and english teachers collaborated on the book Shark Arm; A Shark, A Tattooed Arm, and Two Unsolved Murders, exposing one of the most baffling and fascinating cases in the history of Australia’s early 20th century crimes.  CREDITS Guests: Phillip Roope and Kevin Meagher, authors of Shark Arm; A Shark, A Tattooed Arm, and Two Unsolved Murders https://bit.ly/39XvgIN  Host: Jessie Stephens Producer and editor: Elise Cooper RESEARCH ‘Shark Arm’ book by Phillip Roope and Kevin Meagher https://bit.ly/2UjhJ7J  Shark Arm murders: Jimmy Smith death a Sydney mystery, News.com.au  Shark Arm murder 1935   - Dictionary Of Sydney photo archives https://bit.ly/33u1iJW  The ‘shark arm murder’ mystery that shocked Australia Dolly Stolze and Strange Remains  https://bit.ly/3de4uxG  CONTACT US Tell us what you think of the show via email at [email protected] or on the PodPhone 02 8999 9386.   Join our closed Facebook community to discuss this episode. Just search True Crime Conversations on Facebook or follow this link https://bit.ly/3982S5PBecome a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Qandeel Baloch was dubbed Pakistan’s answer to Kim Kardashian but her story is very different. Her older brother murdered her for bringing dishonour to her family. Journalist and author Sanam Maher pieced together Qandeel’s life from her birth in rural Pakistan to her incarnation as a social media sensation; and she documents the public response to Qandeel’s shocking death, for her book, A Woman Like Her. In her research she spoke to Qandeel’s parents, family, friends and work colleagues.  Sanam takes us through Qandeel’s life, her rise to fame, and the impact her murder had on Pakistan and the global community more broadly. CREDITS Guest: Sanam Maher, author of A Woman Like Her, The Short Life of Qandeel BalochHost: Jessie StephensProducer and editor: Elise Cooper RESEARCH A Woman Like Her; The Short Life of Qandeel Baloch by Sanam Maher https://bit.ly/3cL3xg6  Qandeel Baloch: Pakistan's social media celebrity - BBC News https://bit.ly/39PpkkQ  ‘She feared no one': the life and death of Qandeel Baloch, The Guardian https://bit.ly/3aSBdXJ  Qandeel Baloch’s Murder: One Year On, BBC Stories https://bit.ly/2xk4pYU  Qandeel Baloch: Brother of murdered social media star jailed BBC  Brother of Qandeel Baloch, Pakistani Internet Star, Gets Life Term for Her Murder The New York Times Pakistan: Brother sentenced to life for Qandeel Baloch's killing Al Jazeera Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Van Breda family appeared to be the perfect picture of success. So how did three of the five family members end up murdered in their family home on the De Zalze estate in South Africa?  Martin Van Breda was an entrepreneurial, hardworking and kind man. His wife Teresa was a loving mother, heavily invested in the lives of her three children; Marli, Henri and Rudi.   In 2014, the family sold their home in Buderim, on the Australian Sunshine Coast, for 2.5 million dollars and returned to their native South Africa, where they moved into a home in a gated community.  The golf estate in Stellenbosch where they resided, was said to be one of the safest places in the country.  But one night in January 2015, everything went terribly wrong.  Paramedics would respond to an emergency call in the early hours of January 27 to find a crime scene they would describe as the worst of their careers.  Three people were dead. One was clutching to life. And another had sustained serious injuries.  The emergency operator was told there had been a home invasion but there was so much more to this story. In this episode we speak to South African journalist and author Julian Jansen, about the case that has become known as the De Zalze, Van Breda Murders.  Julian has written about the attack in his book The De Zalze Murders, The Story Behind The Brutal Axe Attack, and covered the case as it was unfolding in South Africa’s high courts. CREDITSGuest: Julian Jansen author of The De Zalze Murders, The Story Behind The Brutal Axe AttackHost: Jessie StephensExecutive Producer and editor: Elise CooperRESEARCH Unpacking The de Zalze Murders by Julian Jansen SABC Digital News https://bit.ly/2TzRyt8  Who is the real Henri van Breda: baby-faced innocent or monster? - Sunday Times by Julian Jansen  https://bit.ly/2TDpq8t  Western Cape: Judge Desai says Van Breda case is of 'innate cruelty' - SABC Digital News  https://bit.ly/3cC3YJV  'It was a cold blooded murder': Watch the moment Henri van Breda is sentenced - NEWS 24 https://bit.ly/2ImUHHD  Henri Van Breda murder judgment - Interview with Julian Jansen, SABC Digital News https://bit.ly/2vExopY  Why did Henri van Breda murder his family? | 60 Minutes Australia  - 60 Minutes Australia, https://bit.ly/3czgqK4    LISTEN: Van Breda's chilling emergency call, Times LIVE https://bit.ly/2POiAfh  Blood spatter expert gives evidence in South Africa axe murder trial AP Archive https://bit.ly/2PLEcsC  'It was a cold blooded murder': Watch the moment Henri van Breda is sentenced, News 24 https://bit.ly/2VKNyIR  CONTACT US Tell us what you think of the show via email at [email protected] or on the PodPhone 02 8999 9386.   Join our closed Facebook community to discuss this episode. Just search True Crime Conversations on Facebook or follow this link https://bit.ly/3982S5PBecome a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It was February 2016, dry and uncomfortably warm, when 23-year-old Brazilian backpacker Beatriz meets a German backpacker of the same age named Lena. The two travellers strike up a friendship and decide to head to Melbourne from Adelaide via the Great Ocean Road.  They put an ad on Gumtree asking for a lift and 59-year-old Roman Heinze replied. Little did the women know they had just accepted a lift with a man who was planning a vile and terrifying attack. Jessie speaks with Sean Fewster, chief court reporter for the Adelaide Advertiser and best selling author of City Of Evil. Sean covered the case of the Salt Creek attacks at the time the case was brought before the South Australian courts.  CREDITS Guest: Sean Fewster @seanfewster, Chief Court Reporter for The Adelaide Advertiser and best selling author of City Of Evil Host: Jessie StephensProducer and Editor: Elise Cooper RESEARCH “Salt Creek monster: Lifting the veil off the secret life of Roman Heinze” Sean Fewster for The Adelaide Advertiser https://bit.ly/3a6HP4k  “Salt Creek kidnapper sentencing: Roman Heinze jailed for 22 years” Sean Fewster for The Adelaide Advertiser https://bit.ly/2PqlUNm  “Family of Salt Creek kidnapper Roman Heinze say he is harassing them from prison to raise money for new High Court appeal” Sean Fewster for The Adelaide Advertiser https://bit.ly/2HXYs5X  A Current Affair Australia’s Real Life Wolf Creek Horror Story, Channel 9, https://bit.ly/2TeWgwn  9 News Adelaide: Salt Creek Update, Channel 9, https://bit.ly/2VysAgz  7NEWS Melbourne: Salt Creek Attacker Identity Revealed, Channel 7 https://bit.ly/2TsY8Sn  CONTACT US Tell us what you think of the show via email at [email protected] or on the PodPhone 02 8999 9386.   Join our closed Facebook community to discuss this episode. Just search True Crime Conversations on Facebook or follow this link https://bit.ly/3982S5P Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Erie, Pennsylvania is a city on the south shore of Lake Erie, halfway between New York and Ohio. It was August the 28th, 2003, when a man named Brian Welles arrived at a local pizzeria where he worked as a pizza delivery driver. For 10 years he had been one of their most loyal employees, only ever missing one day of work, following the death of his beloved cat. But this day, an order placed from a payphone to 8631 Peach Street, only a few kilometres from the pizzeria, would change the course of multiple lives.  Once he arrived at the address, a collar bomb would be placed around his neck, fitted with a timer. He would also be handed a seven page letter, outlining a bizarre scavenger hunt he was ordered to complete. The words, “Act now, think later or you will die” were scrawled at the bottom of the instructions.  Was the collar bomb even real? How did it end up around Brian Welles’ neck? And what was this really all about? What took place over the next few hours has been described by CNN as the only crime of its kind, and "one of the most complicated and bizarre crimes in the annals of the FBI". We speak to investigative reporter Rich Schapiro, author of a long form piece on the Collar Bomb Heist for WIRED and researched the case extensively in the process. He is also an investigative journalist for NBC news in the United States. CREDITS Guest: Rich Schapiro @richschapiro Host: Jessie Stephens Producer/Editor: Elise Cooper CONTACT US Tell us what you think of the show via email at [email protected] or on the PodPhone 02 8999 9386.  Join our closed Facebook community to discuss this episode. Just search True Crime Conversations on Facebook or follow this link https://bit.ly/3982S5P  RESEARCH The Incredible True Story of the Collar Bomb Heist by Rich Schapiro https://www.wired.com/2010/12/ff-collarbomb/  Unsolved Crimes USA - The Exploding Pizzaman https://bit.ly/2SULcnQ  ‘Pizza Bomber’ Case Is Subject Of New Netflix Docuseries ‘Evil Genius’ | Megyn Kelly TODAY https://bit.ly/2vK5I2L  Sentencing Day in Bizarre Bank Robbery Case, Fox News Insider https://bit.ly/39Mlk4d Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In December 1932, a woman named Iris Marriott prepared dinner in a small flat in Sydney’s East.  It was the peak of the Great Depression and the Australian economy had collapsed. The unemployment rate had hit an unbearable 32 per cent.  While she cooked a lamb shank and vegetables, her partner sat at the kitchen table, looking through job ads.  It was Iris who financially supported them both. And so, she applied her make up with a firm powder puff and after sitting down for dinner, she threw on a forest green dress and pinned back her hair. Just after 9pm, she said goodbye and left for work.  The 33-year-old walked out her front door on Renny Street in Paddington, and headed towards Oxford Street. That would be the last time her partner would ever see her alive.  Less than 12 hours later, her body would be found within view of a row of houses, in Queens Park, Sydney. A popular park with families, Iris had somehow been murdered without anyone noticing.  But Iris wasn’t the first body to be found in Sydney’s Eastern suburbs. And she wouldn’t be the last. Before long, Sydney’s serial killer would be on the front pages of newspapers all over the state.  We speak to Dr Tanya Bretherton author of The Killing Streets; Uncovering Australia’s First Serial Murderer about a series of crimes that plagued Sydney for decades. CREDITS Guest: Tanya Bretherton author of The Killing Streets; Uncovering Australia’s First Serial Murderer Host: Jessie Stephens Producer/Editor: Elise Cooper CONTACT US Tell us what you think of the show via email at [email protected] or on the PodPhone 02 8999 9386.  Join our closed Facebook community to discuss this episode. Just search True Crime Conversations on Facebook or follow this link https://bit.ly/3982S5P  RESEARCH The Killing Streets: Uncovering Australia’s First Serial Murderer by Tanya Bretherton https://bit.ly/2HkqhoU  Shocking Murder in Sydney, The Recorder, Port Pirie Newspaper, Mon 12th December 1932 https://bit.ly/31OOkFO  Eric Craig Third Trial on Murder Charge, The Sydney Morning Herald, Wed 7th June 1933 https://bit.ly/2uwXtXC Eric Craig taken to Bathurst Gaol, The Sydney Morning Herald, Sat 20th January 1934 https://bit.ly/2tTEx4X Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rebecca Zahau was in the bathroom when she heard a bang.  It was July 11, 2011, and the 32-year-old was caring for six-year-old Max Shacknai, the son of her 54-year-old boyfriend, Jonah Shacknai.  Jonah was a millionaire and the CEO of a successful pharmaceutical group and Rebecca had been dating him for two years. At first she thought the bang was a dog barking but when she ran towards it, she set off an unthinkable chain of events that would eventually lead to the loss of two innocent lives. In this episode Jessie sits down with Derrick Levasseur, a retired police sergeant and licensed private investigator from Rhode Island in the United States.  Over the course of his career, Derrick has received multiple awards, including the Medal of Valor, which is the highest honour a police officer can receive.  Derrick also researched the case of Rebecca Zahau, who was found hanging naked from the balcony of her boyfriend, Jonah’s, mansion in California 2011. Her death would divide investigators and law enforcement. CREDITS Guest: Derrick Levasseur Hotst: Jessie Stephens Producer/Editor: Elise Cooper CONTACT US Tell us what you think of the show via email at [email protected] or on the PodPhone 02 8999 9386.  Join our closed Facebook community to discuss this episode. Just search True Crime Conversations on Facebook or follow this link https://bit.ly/3982S5P  RESEARCH Breaking Homicide, hosted by Derrick Levasseur, Investigation Channel, Foxtel Australia https://bit.ly/2RWW5pY ABC 10 NEWS USA Rebecca Zahau's boyfriend testifies https://bit.ly/2RY3ULT NBC 7 San Diego “Adam Shacknai Answers "Did You Kill Rebecca Zahau?"  https://bit.ly/397e2YE ABC 10 NEWS USA Coronado Mansion Deaths Ruled Accident & Suicide, https://bit.ly/2v6yUjQ Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It was 6am on March 1, 2000, when John Price’s neighbour noticed his car was still in the driveway. It struck him as unusual.  John’s supervisor noticed his absence at work too. An off-handed comment he’d made the day before made his co-workers feel uneasy. At 8:10am, Officer Matthews and Officer Furlonger arrived at John’s home.  His front door was locked. The two police men decided to walk around the side of the house, and break in through the back door. What they saw has been described as one of the worst scenes in Australian criminal history. A judge would later refer to what happened as “beyond contemplation in a civilised society”. The horrific actions of Katherine Knight resulted in her being one of the few women in Australia’s criminal history to be handed a sentence that will see her imprisoned for the term of her natural life. Jessie Stephens sits down with journalist and author Sandra Lee to look into the mind of Katherine Knight, to find out what lead her to murder her ex-partner in such a horrific manner.  You can find Sandra’s writing on Katherine Knight, Beyond Bad: The Life and Times of Katherine Knight at all good bookstores. RESEARCH Beyond Bad: The Life And Times Of Katherine Knight by Sandra Lee https://bit.ly/3176Usn  Inside Story: Twisted Minds, Season 1 Episode 8, 9 Network https://bit.ly/2ta6YLy  Crimes That Shook Australia: Katherine May Knight https://imdb.to/2O7qDDg  R v Knight [2001] NSWSC 1011 (8 November 2001), Supreme Court (NSW, Australia). https://bit.ly/36CQN6W  CREDITS Guest: Sandra Lee Hotst: Jessie Stephens Producer/Editor: Elise Cooper CONTACT US Tell us what you think of the show via email at [email protected] or on the PodPhone 02 8999 9386. Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Claremont was a buzzing, wealthy suburb, about 20 minutes from Perth, Western Australia. With pubs and bars along wide, safe streets.  It was known for its nightlife, with patrons often spilling out onto the footpath in the early hours of the morning.  But that all changed in 1996 when the disappearance of three young women made national headlines.  Claremont would become the backdrop for one of Western Australia’s biggest, longest-running and expensive investigations, which as of yet, has not been solved. But more than 23 years later, as this episode is published, a man is sitting on trial, facing eight charges for the murders of Sarah Jane Spiers, Jane Louise Rimmer, and Ciara Eilish Glennon.  Journalist Natalie Bonjolo speaks to Jessie about the case of the Claremont Serial Killer. Natalie is an executive producer on the Claremont Serial Killings podcast for the West Australian where she has been following the trial as it unfolds and working alongside journalists who've been reporting on the case since the first woman, Sarah Spiers, went missing on a January night in 1996. CREDITS Guest: Natalie Bonjolo Host: Jessie Stephens Producer and Editor: Elise Cooper RESEARCH CLAREMONT: The Claremont Serial Killings podcast from The West Australian https://bit.ly/2sLouFD  7 News Perth, Accused Claremont serial killer Bradley Edwards has pleaded guilty to five of eight charges against him 7 Network https://bit.ly/2G9XimX  7 News Perth, Victim statement in court about the night she was raped by Bradley Robert Edwards, 7 Network https://bit.ly/2unFIt2 CONTACT US If you have a case you'd like to hear on True Crime Conversations send us an email at [email protected] Join our Facebook group True Crime Conversations here https://bit.ly/2xrjAMZ Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode of True Crime Conversations is part of our 2019/2020 Holiday series. We've handpicked episodes from throughout the year that we though deserved another listen. In 2014 Simon Gittany was found guilty of throwing his 30 year old fiancé Lisa Harnum from the balcony of their shared 15th floor apartment. Simon maintained his innocence, saying that Lisa climbed over the railing of the balcony and fell to her death.  Amy Dale was a court reporter at the time of this case and has subsequently written a book titled The Fall about Lisa’s murder. Jessie Stephens sits down with Amy to take us through the case, from the infamous CCTV footage of Simon in the apartment building lift moments after Lisa was killed, the images of Simon dragging Lisa back into their apartment, the couples abusive relationship, and Simon’s insistence of his innocence.  This episode contains discussions of domestic violence. If you or someone you know is experiencing an abusive relationship please seek help via Lifeline and the Domestic Violence Alert portal on their website. https://www.dvalert.org.au/  The Lisa Harnum foundation is a resource giving a voice to women experiencing domestic violence. You can visit them at their website https://www.lisahf.org.au/ Join our Facebook group True Crime Conversations here https://bit.ly/2xrjAMZ  CREDITS GUEST: Amy Dale HOST: Jessie Stephens PRODUCER: Elise Cooper RESEARCHThe Fall by Amy Dale https://bit.ly/2ksg6GZ  Court Documents; R v Gittany, Trial by judge alone https://bit.ly/2ktnkuk  Joan Harnum Exclusive Interview A Current Affair Nine Network https://bit.ly/2lD5KnI  Ex Detectives Speak About Simon Gittany’s Explosive Temper Sunrise 7 Network https://bit.ly/2lUwgJr Simon Gittany’s Secret Life, Sunday Night 7 Network https://yhoo.it/2lEPaDZ  Simon Gittany Found Guilty Of Murdering Fianceé Lisa Harnum 10 Eyewitness News Channel 10 https://bit.ly/2ksg2ad  Simon Gittany Loses Appeal 7 News Sydney Channel 7 https://bit.ly/2lwUIka  Balcony Killer Simon Gittany Loses Appeal Against Conviction For Murdering Lisa Harnum, The Daily Telegraph, Amy Dale Simon Gittany’s Violent Past Revealed  ABC NEWS Joan Harnum Hopes Daughter’s Case Will Be A “Powerful Wake-Up Call” ABC NEWS  https://bit.ly/2lxdt72  GET IN TOUCH: Call the PodPhone on 02 8999 9386. Email the show at [email protected]    True Crime Conversations is a podcast by Mamamia. Find more shows herehttps://www.mamamia.com.au/podcastsBecome a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode of True Crime Conversations is part of our 2019/2020 Holiday series. We've handpicked episodes from throughout the year that we though deserved another listen Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander listeners should be advised that this episode contains the naming of deceased people, and the recounting of the circumstances leading to their deaths. Colleen Walker, Evelyn Greenup and Clinton Speedy-Duroux. These are the names of three children from the town of Bowraville who were murdered over five months across 1990 and 1991. There has only ever been one suspect in their murders but to this day they’ve never stood trial for those crimes. Author Dan Box covered the case and he joins us to explore what could have happened to these three kids. And why Australia still doesn’t care enough about the lives of these Indigenous children to bring justice to the families and the Bowraville community. Join our Facebook group True Crime Conversations here https://bit.ly/2xrjAMZ  CREDITS GUEST: Dan Box HOST: Jessie Stephens PRODUCER: Elise Cooper RESEARCH ‘Bowraville’ by Dan Box - https://bit.ly/2LczKCK  ABC News ‘Unsolved Bowraville Murders to be Reconsidered’ - https://bit.ly/2XDgPaM  NITV ‘Justice, Just Us’ Bowraville Special Forum https://bit.ly/2Xzc8i0  NSW Aboriginal Land Rights Council Bowraville protest  https://bit.ly/2G4VbBj  NITV News ‘Failed By The System: The Bowraville Children’s Murders’ https://bit.ly/2SeSfHr  GET IN TOUCH: Call the PodPhone on 02 8999 9386. Email the show at [email protected] True Crime Conversations is a podcast by Mamamia. Find more shows here https://www.mamamia.com.au/podcastsBecome a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode of True Crime Conversations is part of our 2019 Holiday series. We've handpicked episodes from throughout the year that we though deserved another listen. Christopher Wilder is the Australian serial killer responsible for the biggest man hunt in US history. Wilder lured his victims by posing as a talent agent and model scout and beauty pageants across America. His modus operandi of kidnapping, torture, sexual assault and ultimately murder, spoke so deeply of his utter hatred of women. In recent years it’s been speculated that Wilder is also responsible for one of the biggest cold cases in NSW criminal history; the Wanda Beach murders. Author Andrew Byrne has researched and documented the crimes of Wilder in his latest book The Pretty Girl Killer. He joins host Jessie Stephens to explore the pure evil that was Christopher Wilder You can buy Andrew Byrne’s book The Pretty Girl Killer online and at all good book stores. CREDITS GUEST: Andrew Byrne HOST: Jessie Stephens SENIOR PRODUCER/EDITOR: Elise Cooper Research The Pretty Girl Killer by Andrew Byrne https://bit.ly/2OW7vLh  Serial Killers; Christopher Wilder, The Beauty Queen Killer FBI: The Untold Stories - The Kidnapping of Tina Risico Mystery and a Spree Killer. Law and Ordnance. July 22, 2009 New York Daily News “Beauty Queen Killer” 1984 GET IN TOUCH: Call the PodPhone on 02 8999 9386. Email the show at [email protected]    True Crime Conversations is a podcast by Mamamia. Find more shows here.Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

15 hostages remain. For some, 10 hours of terror still awaits them.  On the afternoon of December 15, 2014, offices were evacuated and rumours spread of bombs planted all around Sydney city, while hostages remained trapped inside the Lindt Cafe in Martin Place.  One of Sydney’s most bustling pedestrian thoroughfares, which sat on the doorstep of the Lindt Cafe, was empty and deathly silent. Terrified men and women could be seen inside the large windows, a stark contrast to the festive Christmas decorations that hung beside them.  Even though Man Monis, a radicalised terrorist, had forced hostages to turn in their mobile phones, some had hidden theirs within the cafe, meaning messages were slowly trickling out.  Monis’ demands were not being met by police, radio stations or the Prime Minister at the time, Tony Abbott, and he was becoming increasingly agitated.  But it was when three men escaped, that Monis’ temper reached a crescendo. With a gun to hostage Louisa Hope’s back, he threatened to shoot.  These wouldn’t be the last hostages to escape over the course of the 16 hour siege, and it wouldn’t be the last time Monis threatened to shoot.  In part two, we begin with the second escape, and the response of Monis, who was becoming more agitated by the minute. Listen to part one of our Sydney Siege series here  https://www.mamamia.com.au/podcasts/true-crime-conversations/the-sydney-siege/  Click through to our website for photos and maps to accompany this episode. https://www.mamamia.com.au/lindt-cafe-sydney-siege/ Mia Freedman has also interviewed siege survivor Louisa Hope on the No Filter podcast. You can listen to that full interview here https://www.mamamia.com.au/podcasts/no-filter/louisa-hope-sydney-siege/. Be part of our big annual podcast survey -  https://surveys.globaltestmarket.com/survey/selfserve/1aab/13100768/13100768_CS   Join our closed Facebook group where episodes are discussed by searching True Crime Conversations on Facebook. GUEST: Deborah Snow HOST: Jessie Stephens PRODUCER: Elise Cooper ADDITIONAL AUDIO AND RESEARCH “Siege: The powerful and uncompromising story of what happened inside the Lindt Cafe and why the police response went so tragically wrong” by Deborah Snow https://bit.ly/38n1tJ9  4 Corners “The Siege: Part Two - A Four Corners special two-part investigation” ABC Television https://bit.ly/2LZDIxl  60 Minutes Australia “The Siege Survivors” Channel 9 Network https://bit.ly/2M1PS8S  Sky News Australia “Two more hostages escape Sydney cafe siege” Sky Network Television https://bit.ly/2S99k7F  Euronews “Sydney siege: Five hostages flee cafe” Euro News NetworkBecome a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It was looking to be a warm, busy day when Tori Johnson arrived at work just after 6am on a Monday morning in December 2014. The 34-year-old was in charge at the Lindt cafe in Martin Place, and the lead up to Christmas was always chaotic, with customers purchasing gifts, like the iconic chocolate Lindt balls, for friends and family. At 7:30am, the doors opened, with customers flooding in. Among them were 38-year-old barrister Katrina Dawson, with colleagues Julie Taylor and Stefan Balafoutis. They were seated next to a mother and daughter, Robin and Louisa Hope, who even remarked on Katrina’s beautiful shoes.  But just after 8:30am, a broad shouldered man with a baseball cap and backpack walked in, at first completely unnoticed. It was only when we he demanded some time afterwards that every door be immediately locked, that the 18 people inside the cafe realised something was seriously wrong. Click through to our website for photos and maps to accompany this episode. https://www.mamamia.com.au/lindt-cafe-sydney-siege/ Mia Freedman has also interviewed siege survivor Louisa Hope on the No Filter podcast. You can listen to that full interview here https://www.mamamia.com.au/podcasts/no-filter/louisa-hope-sydney-siege/. Join our closed Facebook group where episodes are discussed by searching True Crime Conversations on Facebook. GUEST: Deborah SnowHOST: Jessie StephensPRODUCER: Elise Cooper RESEARCH“Siege: The powerful and uncompromising story of what happened inside the Lindt Cafe and why the police response went so tragically wrong” by Deborah Snow https://bit.ly/38n1tJ9  7:30 Report “Sydney siege inquest builds picture of Man Haron Monis' 'bizarre, delusional' world” Australian Broadcasting Corporation  https://ab.co/35hMXRb Arirang News “Australian PM says gunman was known to authorities, but not on watch list” https://bit.ly/2LG1Vs7  10 Eyewitness News, Amirah Droudis Found Guilty Of Murdering Man Haron Monis’ Ex Wife, Channel 10 https://bit.ly/2YyyE7V The Telegraph Sydney Siege: 'Islamist gunman' holds hostages inside cafe https://bit.ly/3456aUK  60 Minutes Australia: “The Siege Survivors” Channel 9 Network  “'Spiritual healer' Man Haron Monis charged with an extra 40 sexual offences”, October 13th  2014, Nick Ralston for The Sydney Morning Herald Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On a winter evening in July, 2018, West Pennant Hills sounded different. Usually quiet, the Thursday evening was polluted by blasting police sirens, all headed towards Hull Rd. When emergency personnel arrived, they came across a scene they wouldn’t ever forget.  An hour later, 36-year-old Olga Edwards arrived home from work to find her house surrounded by police and paramedics. When she was told what had happened inside, she collapsed from “severe shock”. Her children, 15-year-old Jack Edwards, and 13-year-old Jennifer Edwards, had been murdered.  The family murder which took place in West Pennant Hills shook Australia. And six months later, the story became ever more tragic.  We speak to Crime Reporter for The Sydney Morning Herald, Sally Rawsthorne, who covered the case as it unfolded.  Please contact Lifeline is the contents of this episode bring up any issues for you on 13 11 14 https://www.lifeline.org.au/ GUEST: Sally Rawsthorne https://twitter.com/sallyrawsthorne HOST: Jessie StephensPRODUCER: Elise Cooper RESEARCH “Killer John Edwards’ Secret Family”, Sally Rawsthorne and Angus Thompson for Sydney Morning Herald https://bit.ly/35SdrIK  “How A Father Planned The Execution Of His Two Children” Lucy Cormack and Sally Rawsthorne for Sydney Morning Herald https://bit.ly/2YcQ5Lj  7 News Sydney “West Pennant Hills father John Edwards shot dead his children Jack and Jennifer in July before taking his own life” 7 Network https://bit.ly/2OLX3DJ “When John Edwards murdered his children, schoolmates couldn’t believe it — but his sister could” Jane Fife-Yeomans & Danielle Gusmaroli for The Daily Telegraph https://bit.ly/34PpBSG  9 News Sydney “The shooting murder of two West Pennant Hills teenagers by their father has brought the issue of gun control firmly to the table.” Channel 9 https://bit.ly/2DOsruZ  INTERNATIONAL COUNSELLING AND SUPPORT SERVICES USA - https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ UK - https://www.supportline.org.uk/ NZ - https://www.lifeline.org.nz/Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In late Spring, 1987, 17-year-old Ursula Barwick, stepped off the platform, and boarded a train from Tuggerah on the Central Coast, bound for Sydney. The journey would take a little more than two hours and land her in Kings Cross. She’d told her parents she had work and accommodation lined up, and would call them as soon as she arrived. Her father, Peter, planned to come down that weekend to help get her settled in. It would be her first time living properly out of home. But that phone call from Ursula, saying she’d arrived safe and sound, never arrived. And it would be 30 years before they would finally learn why. An episode of Australian Story titled ‘Forever Young’, which aired on November 25, 2019, explores the case of Ursula Barwick. We speak to the producer of Australian Story, award-winning journalist Winsome Denyer, about what happened to Ursula back in October, 1987. GUEST: Winsome Denyer https://www.abc.net.au/news/winsome-denyer/7991864  HOST: Jessie Stephens PRODUCER: Elise Cooper RESEARCH ‘Forever Young’ for Australian Story, ABC https://www.abc.net.au/austory/forever-young/11724732  Lost Then Found: The disappearance of Ursula Barwick, Winsome Denyer for abc.net.au https://ab.co/2OrTId6  'For 30 years, Ursula's family thought she was missing. She had been buried under the wrong name' Jessica Staveley for Mamamia https://www.mamamia.com.au/ursula-barwick/Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It was mid-October, 1976, when Suzanne Armstrong, 27, and Susan Bartlett, 28 moved in to number 147, Easey St. The three-bedroom house was perfect for the two of them, as well as Armstrong’s 16-month-old son, Gregory.  Then, in early 1977, neighbours would watch emergency workers and police swarm the property, after the bodies of the two women were found three days after they’d been killed.   Helen Thomas is a journalist and author who was a cub reporter at Melbourne newspaper The Age at the time of the double homicide.  She has since researched the case and profiled it in her book ‘Murder On Easey Street: Melbourne’s Most Notorious Cold Case.’ Jessie sits down with Helen to walk us through the case, and find out if there’s any potential for justice for the families of Suzanne Armstrong and Susan Bartlett. If this episode brings up any issues for you please reach out to the National Sexual Assault and Family Violence Hotline on 1800 RESPECT, that’s 1800 737 732. GUEST: Helen Thomas HOST: Jessie Stephens PRODUCER: Elise Cooper RESEARCH‘Murder On Easey Street: Melbourne’s Most Notorious Cold Case’ book by Helen Thomas https://www.blackincbooks.com.au/books/murder-easey-street  ‘Original Easey St murders article that triggered call from possible murderer’ from Independent Australia https://bit.ly/2CUcDXt   Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Anne Hamilton-Byrne is a name that Australians won’t soon forget. What started out as a series of yoga teachings by the woman who believed she was the reincarnation of Jesus Christ, would end up becoming one of our country’s most sinister cults.  The Family, as it would come to be known, included a number of children with dyed blonde hair, who believed Anne Hamilton-Byrne was their mother. For all but one of them, she was not.  Jessie Stephens sits down with journalist and author Jo Thornely to take a look into the mind of Anne Hamilton-Byrne, the founder of ‘The Family’, who kidnapped children and drugged her followers. If this episode brings up any issues for you please reach out to the National Sexual Assault and Family Violence Hotline on 1800 RESPECT, that’s 1800 737 732. GUEST: Jo Thornely HOST: Jessie Stephens PRODUCER: Elise Cooper RESEARCH ‘Zealot’ by Jo Thornely https://www.hachette.com.au/jo-thornely/zealot-a-book-about-cults   GET IN TOUCH: Call the PodPhone on 02 8999 9386. Email the show at [email protected]    True Crime Conversations is a podcast by Mamamia. Find more shows here https://www.mamamia.com.au/podcastsBecome a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It was May 20, 2005, when a retiree named Jerry Jackson cast his fishing line from a bridge over the Grand Marais Canal, located on the fringe of Jennings, Louisiana. The temperature was rising when Jackson noticed something below him, floating in the canal. Jackson had discovered the body of a 28-year-old woman named Loretta Lynn Lewis Chaisson. She would be the first of what would come to be known as the Jeff Davis eight.  In this bonus episode of True Crime Conversations Jessie talks to the executive producer of Murder In The Bayou; the 5 part docu-drama looking into the unsolved murders of eight women in and around the town of Jennings in Louisiana, USA. Portions of this bonus episode may be a little hard to understand due to audio quality and so we have made the episode transcript available here https://bit.ly/34R3Wsy . You can watch Murder In The Bayou on Stan in Australia and via Showcase in other regions. GUEST: Matthew Galkin HOST: Jessie Stephens PRODUCER: Elise Cooper RESEARCH Murder In The Bayou TV Docu-drama available on Stan https://www.stan.com.au/watch/murder-in-the-bayou  Murder In The Bayou book Ethan Brown https://bit.ly/34MNDwV  'Murder in the Bayou’: A docuseries about eight unsolved murders aims to expose police corruption Deanna Paul for the Washington Post https://wapo.st/34YahCX  GET IN TOUCH: Call the PodPhone on 02 8999 9386. Email the show at [email protected]    True Crime Conversations is a podcast by Mamamia. Find more shows here https://www.mamamia.com.au/podcastsBecome a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Friday March 9, 2011, a suitcase was found in a canal next to Meadowbank Park, located about 30 minutes from Sydney’s central business district. Inside it, was the body of Tosha Thakkar, a 24-year-old student, who had been living in a boarding house in Croydon for six months.  Her boyfriend, Ali Syed had reported her missing two days prior, after she failed to meet him for lunch. When he went to her Elvin St address, her room was in disarray, and he noticed that her nightdress was missing.  Author and Associate Editor of the Good Weekend, Greg Callaghan, talks us through the day Tosha Thakkar lost her life at the hands of the man who lived beside her; Daniel Stani-Reginald. His feature ‘My Neighbour My Killer’ was published in 2014 in the Good Weekend as well as The Sydney Morning Herald.  If this episode brings up any issues for you please reach out to the National Sexual Assault and Family Violence Hotline on 1800 RESPECT, that’s 1800 737 732. GUEST: Greg Callaghan HOST: Jessie Stephens PRODUCER: Elise Cooper RESEARCH 'My Neighbour My Killer', Greg Callaghan for Fairfax Press https://bit.ly/2Cn6bIc  GET IN TOUCH: Call the PodPhone on 02 8999 9386. Email the show at [email protected]    True Crime Conversations is a podcast by Mamamia. Find more shows here https://www.mamamia.com.au/podcastsBecome a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

11-year-old Gerard Ross went missing in October 1997 while on a family holiday in the WA town of Rockingham. Two weeks later a horse trainer was out exercising his horses when he discovered Gerard’s body dumped in a pine plantation 20 kms from town. While police have always had suspects in the case, no one has ever been convicted of the 11-year-old’s abduction and murder. Award winning investigative journalist Kristin Shorten has spent her career covering the case. Ahead of a new documentary series for The West Australian, Kristin speaks to host Jessie Stephens about what we know about the boy in the blue cap, and how confident she is that his killer will be brought to justice. You can watch The Boy In The Blue Cap: The Gerard Ross Story on The West Australian website. If this episode brings up any issues for you please reach out to the National Sexual Assault and Family Violence Hotline on 1800 RESPECT, that’s 1800 737 732 GUEST: Kristin Shorten HOST: Jessie Stephens PRODUCER: Elise Cooper RESEARCH The Boy In The Blue Cap: The Gerard Ross Story, The West Australian GET IN TOUCH: Call the PodPhone on 02 8999 9386. Email the show at [email protected]    True Crime Conversations is a podcast by Mamamia. Find more shows here https://www.mamamia.com.au/podcastsBecome a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Leonard Fraser was the very embodiment of a monster. He was sentenced to life on the 7th of September 2000 for the abduction rape and murder of 9-year-old Keyra Steinhardt in the Queensland town of Rockhampton. Prior to that Fraser had spent almost two decades behind bars for the rape of other women, including his defacto partner who was terminally ill with cancer. Fraser kept trophies from his victims. Police found the ponytails of three different women in Fraser’s flat but were not able to link them to any of the rapists known victims. Journalist and author Paula Doneman covered the case as Fraser’s crimes were brought before the courts. She profiled him extensively in her reporting for The Courier Mail and subsequently compiled a book covering his extensive and heinous crimes, titled Things A Killer Would Know: The True Story Of Leonard Fraser. Is He Australia’s Worst Serial Killer? Jessie speaks with Paula to walk through the case and crimes of Leonard Fraser, his utterly heinous acts of violence upon both “random” victims and those he lured into his orbit. For pictures and maps from today’s episode on Leonard Fraser,, visit the Mamamia website, right here.  https://www.mamamia.com.au/the-rockhampton-rapist/  If this episode brings up any issues for you please reach out to the National Sexual Assault and Family Violence Hotline on 1800 RESPECT, that’s 1800 737 732 GUEST: Paula DonemanHOST: Jessie StephensPRODUCER: Elise Cooper RESEARCH Things A Killer Would Know: The True Story Of Leonard Fraser. Is He Australia’s Worst Serial Killer? By Paula Doneman The Predator: Leonard John Fraser, Crime Investigation Australia,  Channel 7  GET IN TOUCH: Call the PodPhone on 02 8999 9386. Email the show at [email protected]    True Crime Conversations is a podcast by Mamamia. Find more shows here https://www.mamamia.com.au/podcastsBecome a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It was a warm spring day when two young boys were playing at Mandurama reserve in the Sydney suburb of Ambarvale. It was a place where families and friends could have a picnic, or cycle on bike paths. As the boys rode their bikes, something caught their eye. It looked like a suitcase, floating near the edge of a nearby duck pond. What they discovered was the body of two-year-old Dean Shillingsworth. Dr Xanthe Mallett is a forensic anthropologist and criminologist at the University of Newcastle, Australia, who is internationally renowned for her work. She has written about and researched the case of Dean’s mother, Rachel Pfitzner, who pled guilty to the manslaughter of her son. She profiled the story for her book and TV series, Mothers Who Murder.  Xanthe speaks to Jessie about the case, how the public bodies responsible for ensuring Dean’s safety were scrutinised during the trial, and how something so utterly tragic could ever have happened. For photos, maps and further detail on the case you can join our closed Facebook group dedicated to the podcast. Just search for True Crime Conversations on Facebook. GUEST: Dr Xanthe Mallett HOST: Jessie Stephens PRODUCER: Elise Cooper RESEARCH Mothers Who Murder the book by Xanthe Mallett Mothers Who Murder, Channel 10, hosted by Xanthe Mallett GET IN TOUCH: Call the PodPhone on 02 8999 9386. Email the show at [email protected]    True Crime Conversations is a podcast by Mamamia. Find more shows here https://www.mamamia.com.au/podcasts  Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The case of the Somerton Man is one of the most baffling cases in modern criminal history. In 1948 the body of a man was found on Somerton Park Beach just south of Adelaide in South Australia. Despite a global effort to identify the remains, we still do not know who the man was, why he was there, and how he died. Fiona Ellis-Jones is a reporter and producer for the ABC. She speaks to Jessie Stephens about the case which is currently explored on her podcast, The Somerton Man Mystery and will be the subject of Monday’s episode of Australian Story.  For photos, maps and further detail on the case you can join our closed Facebook group dedicated to the podcast. Just search for True Crime Conversations on Facebook. GUEST: Fiona Ellis-Jones HOST: Jessie Stephens PRODUCER: Elise Cooper RESEARCH The Somerton Man - Australian Story ABC air date Monday 14th October 2019 The Somerton Man Mystery - ABC Radio National https://ab.co/313IJcC  Inside Story "The Somerton Beach Mystery" for ABC August 1978 https://bit.ly/2orZa5i  GET IN TOUCH: Call the PodPhone on 02 8999 9386. Email the show at [email protected]    True Crime Conversations is a podcast by Mamamia. Find more shows here https://www.mamamia.com.au/podcastsBecome a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Levi Bellfield has been charged and found guilty of the murder of Milly Dowler, Marsha McDonnell, Amelie Delagrange and the attempted murder of Kate Sheedy. Women who were linked by nothing other than the man who chose to kill them. Bellfield’s murders were baffling in their lack of motive, hindering law enforcement from figuring out who was responsible. Geoffrey Wansell is a London based journalist and author who has written and researched extensively the crimes of Levi Bellfield - who the public would come to know as the Bus Stop Killer. When writing the book The Bus Stop Killer Geoffrey undertook a full year of research and spent every day of Levi Bellfield’s trial in court, piecing together the details of the killer’s life and crimes. Speaking with Jessie from his home in London, Geoffrey takes us through the case of one of the UK’s most violent serial killers in modern times.  For photos, maps and further detail on the case you can join our closed Facebook group dedicated to the podcast. Just search for True Crime Conversations on Facebook. GUEST: Geoffrey Wansell HOST: Jessie Stephens PRODUCER: Elise Cooper RESEARCH The Bus Stop Killer: Milly Dowler, Her Murder and the Full Story of the Sadistic Serial Killer Levi Bellfield. https://amzn.to/2oDXKEE  GET IN TOUCH: Call the PodPhone on 02 8999 9386. Email the show at [email protected]    True Crime Conversations is a podcast by Mamamia. Find more shows here https://www.mamamia.com.au/podcastsBecome a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The disappearance of The Beaumont Children is burned into the collective conscious of Australia. It’s one of the longest running cases in the nation’s history and has baffled law enforcement for more than half a century. Stuart Mullins grew up down the road from the Beaumont children in Adelaide. Over the years he has researched and co authored investigative writing into their disappearance. He walks us through the case, and why he believes he knows just who is responsible for the disappearance of Jane, Arnna and Grant on Australia Day in 1966. For photos, maps and further detail on the case you can join our closed Facebook group dedicated to the podcast. Just search for True Crime Conversations on Facebook. GUEST: Stuart MullinsHOST: Jessie StephensPRODUCER: Elise CooperRESEARCH The Satin Man: Uncovering the mystery of the Beaumont Children, Alan Whiticker and Stuart Mullins https://bit.ly/2leQGNx  Mother of missing Beaumont children, Nancy Beaumont, dies aged 92 - ABC News https://ab.co/2lfjDsE  The Beaumont Children: What Really Happened, Channel 7  https://bit.ly/2lNMVyE  The Beaumont Children Mystery: Crime Investigation Australia, Channel 7 https://bit.ly/2mIlwyu  Beaumont children search: Police end today’s dig, having found no human remains, The Adelaide Advertiser https://bit.ly/2lbGUvr  GET IN TOUCH: Call the PodPhone on 02 8999 9386. Email the show at [email protected]    True Crime Conversations is a podcast by Mamamia. Find more shows here https://www.mamamia.com.au/podcasts  Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the sun set over Uluru on August 17th, 1980, Lindy and Michael Chamberlain put their two month old baby Azaria to bed.  What happened next is burnt into the collective consciousness of not just Australia but the world. This won’t be like most episodes of True Crime Conversations, mostly, because in this case there was no crime.  Instead, it was one of the most significant and devastating miscarriages of justice Australia has ever seen. So impactful was the handling of this case that forensic science in Australia was completely overhauled and as a result we’re now one of the leading countries in the field.  Host Jessie Stephens speaks to legal scholar, criminologist and historian Katherine Biber about the case of Lindy Chamberlain and the death of her daughter Azaria. Katherine co-authored the book The Lindy Chamberlain Case: Nation, Law, Memory. CREDITS GUEST: Katherine BiberHOST: Jessie StephensPRODUCER: Elise Cooper Research  Staines, D., Arrow, M., & Biber, K. (Eds.) (2009). The Chamberlain case: nation, law, memory. Melbourne, Vic.: Australian Scholarly Publishing. Dingo’s Got My Baby: Trial By Media, Retro Report; The New York Times Confronting Lindy Chamberlain: A Dingo Stole My Baby; 60 Minutes Australia Nine Network The Azaria Chamberlain Story, This Fabulous Century, Prime Network Azaria Chamberlain 4th Inquest Findings Live Broadcast ABC News 24, ABC TV 4th Coronial Inquest into the death of Azaria Chamberlain Alternative Law Journal (2012) 37(3) AltLJ 207 GET IN TOUCH: Call the PodPhone on 02 8999 9386. Email the show at [email protected]    True Crime Conversations is a podcast by Mamamia. Find more shows here https://www.mamamia.com.au/podcastsBecome a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It is speculated that Ivan Milat's days are numbered. Australia’s most notorious serial killer is. Milat is serving 7 concurrent life sentences for his horrific crimes. In this episode we take a look at the life of Ivan, to get inside the mind of one of our country’s worst serial killers. Mark Whittaker co-authored ‘Sins Of The Brother’, the most definitive work on the life and crimes of Ivan Milat.  He joins Jessie Stephens to take us into the mind of one of the worst murderers in Australian criminal history. Join our Facebook group True Crime Conversations here https://bit.ly/2NgL9mQ  CREDITSGUEST: Mark WhittakerHOST: Jessie StephensPRODUCER & EDITOR: Elise Cooper RESEARCH Sins Of The Brother: Mark Whittaker and Les Kennedy https://amzn.to/2FzMVt4 Blood Territory podcast I Survived A Serial Killer - 60 Minutes Australia https://bit.ly/2NgmPRO  Australian Families Of Crime: Ivan Milat: Backpacker Bloodshed  https://bit.ly/2ZPc76o  Photo of Ivan’s girlfriend Chalinder Hughes wearing the same jersey jumper as Carolyn Clarke https://www.mamamia.com.au/ivan-milat-murders/  Caroline Overington on The Latest Panel - 7 News Australia https://bit.ly/2FxyCoQ  GET IN TOUCH: Call the PodPhone on 02 8999 9386. Email the show at [email protected] True Crime Conversations is a podcast by Mamamia. Find more shows here. AUSTRALIA: Lifeline Crisis Support: 13 11 14 Beyond Blue: Depression and anxiety support: 1300 22 46 36 Rape & Domestic Violence Services: 1800 737 732 Men's Line: 1300 78 99 78 Headspace: Youth Mental Health Foundation: see headspace.org.au for your local centre Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 2014 Simon Gittany was found guilty of throwing his 30 year old fiancé Lisa Harnum from the balcony of their shared 15th floor apartment. Simon maintained his innocence, saying that Lisa climbed over the railing of the balcony and fell to her death.  Amy Dale was a court reporter at the time of this case and has subsequently written a book titled The Fall about Lisa’s murder. Jessie Stephens sits down with Amy to take us through the case, from the infamous CCTV footage of Simon in the apartment building lift moments after Lisa was killed, the images of Simon dragging Lisa back into their apartment, the couples abusive relationship, and Simon’s insistence of his innocence.  This episode contains discussions of domestic violence. If you or someone you know is experiencing an abusive relationship please seek help via Lifeline and the Domestic Violence Alert portal on their website. https://www.dvalert.org.au/  The Lisa Harnum foundation is a resource giving a voice to women experiencing domestic violence. You can visit them at their website https://www.lisahf.org.au/ Join our Facebook group True Crime Conversations here https://bit.ly/2xrjAMZ  CREDITS GUEST: Amy Dale HOST: Jessie Stephens PRODUCER: Elise Cooper RESEARCHThe Fall by Amy Dale https://bit.ly/2ksg6GZ  Court Documents; R v Gittany, Trial by judge alone https://bit.ly/2ktnkuk  Joan Harnum Exclusive Interview A Current Affair Nine Network https://bit.ly/2lD5KnI  Ex Detectives Speak About Simon Gittany’s Explosive Temper Sunrise 7 Network https://bit.ly/2lUwgJr Simon Gittany’s Secret Life, Sunday Night 7 Network https://yhoo.it/2lEPaDZ  Simon Gittany Found Guilty Of Murdering Fianceé Lisa Harnum 10 Eyewitness News Channel 10 https://bit.ly/2ksg2ad  Simon Gittany Loses Appeal 7 News Sydney Channel 7 https://bit.ly/2lwUIka  Balcony Killer Simon Gittany Loses Appeal Against Conviction For Murdering Lisa Harnum, The Daily Telegraph, Amy Dale Simon Gittany’s Violent Past Revealed  ABC NEWS Joan Harnum Hopes Daughter’s Case Will Be A “Powerful Wake-Up Call” ABC NEWS  https://bit.ly/2lxdt72  GET IN TOUCH: Call the PodPhone on 02 8999 9386. Email the show at [email protected]    True Crime Conversations is a podcast by Mamamia. Find more shows herehttps://www.mamamia.com.au/podcastsBecome a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UPDATE:  Since recording this episode, murderer and serial paedophile, Michael Guider, the man responsible for Samantha's death, has been released from jail.When Tess Knight got home on a winter’s night in August of 1986 her nine-year-old daughter Samantha was nowhere to be found.  It wasn’t until 14 years later in February 2001 that a man named Michael Guider pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of the young Bondi school girl. Guider, who was serving a sentence at the time for 60 child sex offences, told law enforcement that he had abducted and assaulted Samantha and in the process accidentally killed her. Her body has never been found. Journalist Mark Morri was a reporter at the time of Samantha’s disappearance, and developed a close relationship with the young girl’s mother, Tess. He joins Jessie for this episode to take us through the case, and the emotional toll it has taken on a mother who has never been able to know what happened to her daughter. Michael Guider has almost served his full sentence for the charges laid against him, and unless a judge intervenes, he could walk free in the coming days and weeks. CREDITS GUEST: Mark Morri https://bit.ly/2ZyrPWY  HOST: Jessie Stephens PRODUCER: Elise Cooper RESEARCH Samantha Knight: Never Forgotten 60 Minutes Nine Network Tess Knight speaking to reporters appealing for Guider to remain behind bars The Australian June 4th 2019 https://bit.ly/30GLPnD  Samantha Knight: A New Twist A Current Affair Nine Network https://bit.ly/2NCQOlQ  When The Spider Bites Sydney Morning Herald August 2002 https://bit.ly/2HuC7gq  GET IN TOUCH: Call the PodPhone on 02 8999 9386. Email the show at [email protected]    True Crime Conversations is a podcast by Mamamia. Find more shows here https://www.mamamia.com.au/podcastsBecome a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kathleen Pettingill had ten children. All of them are either incarcerated, in witness protection, or dead. So, how did Kathleen become the head of one of the most prolific and violent crime families in modern Australian history? Jessie speaks with author Adrian Tame about the life and crimes of Kathleen Pettingill - a woman who throughout his years profiling her he has come to count as a friend. You can buy Adrian Tame’s book The Matriarch online and at all good book stores. CREDITS GUEST: Adrian Tame HOST: Jessie Stephens RESEARCH The Matriarch by Adrian Tame Australian Families Of Crime | Mother of Evil: Kath Pettingill  National Nine News, 12 October 1998. National Film Sound Archive title: 51653. Courtesy: Nine Network. Suburban Gangsters: Stewart Regan and Dennis Allen - The Psychos, Nine Network Police Under Fire: The Walsh Street Killings Seven Network GET IN TOUCH: Call the PodPhone on 02 8999 9386. Email the show at [email protected]    True Crime Conversations is a podcast by Mamamia. Find more shows here https://www.mamamia.com.au/podcasts   Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christopher Wilder is the Australian serial killer responsible for the biggest man hunt in US history. Wilder lured his victims by posing as a talent agent and model scout and beauty pageants across America. His modus operandi of kidnapping, torture, sexual assault and ultimately murder, spoke so deeply of his utter hatred of women. In recent years it’s been speculated that Wilder is also responsible for one of the biggest cold cases in NSW criminal history; the Wanda Beach murders. Author Andrew Byrne has researched and documented the crimes of Wilder in his latest book The Pretty Girl Killer. He joins host Jessie Stephens to explore the pure evil that was Christopher Wilder You can buy Andrew Byrne’s book The Pretty Girl Killer online and at all good book stores. CREDITS GUEST: Andrew Byrne HOST: Jessie Stephens SENIOR PRODUCER/EDITOR: Elise Cooper Research The Pretty Girl Killer by Andrew Byrne https://bit.ly/2OW7vLh  Serial Killers; Christopher Wilder, The Beauty Queen Killer FBI: The Untold Stories - The Kidnapping of Tina Risico Mystery and a Spree Killer. Law and Ordnance. July 22, 2009 New York Daily News “Beauty Queen Killer” 1984 GET IN TOUCH: Call the PodPhone on 02 8999 9386. Email the show at [email protected]    True Crime Conversations is a podcast by Mamamia. Find more shows here.Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Roger Rogerson is one of the only Australian killers with a badge. A fraudster, drug dealer, and killer, he was finally stopped in a murder plot now known as one of the most recorded murder cases in Australian history. How did a celebrated detective not check where CCTV cameras were before murdering Jamie Gao? Why did those who stood in his way start to “disappear”? Duncan McNab is a former police person turned author and journalist who quite literally wrote the book on Roger Rogerson. He joins Jessie for this episode to take us through the life and crimes of Rogerson, and why McNab believes Rogerson to be a truly evil man. You can buy Duncan McNab’s book Roger Rogerson; From Decorated Policeman to Convicted Criminal at all good bookstores and online. CREDITS GUEST: Duncan McNab HOST: Jessie Stephens SENIOR PRODUCER/EDITOR: Elise Cooper Research Roger Rogerson; From Decorated Policeman To Convicted Criminal by Duncan McNab NSW Police Force Press Conference Channel 10 Eyewitness News Police escort Roger Rogerson from Sydney home 2011 The Life and Times of Roger Rogerson: Beyond Blue Murder 60 Minutes Australia: Bad Cop Good Cop 1986 National Channel 9 News GET IN TOUCH: Call the PodPhone on 02 8999 9386. Email the show at [email protected]   True Crime Conversations is a podcast by Mamamia. Find more shows here. Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When two-year old Khandalyce Pearce went missing police couldn’t understand why her mother wasn’t looking for her. But Khandalyce’s mother Karlie would never know her daughter was missing; Karlie's body was found in Belanglo State Forest eight years before her daughter’s name made national headlines. Author Ava Benny Morrison joins Jessie to step through the case of Karlie and Khandalyce and explain how law enforcement agencies around the country managed to solve the case of The Lost Girls. Join our Facebook group here https://bit.ly/2xrjAMZ  CREDITSGUEST: Ava Benny Morrison HOST: Jessie StephensSENIOR PRODUCER/EDITOR: Elise Cooper RESEARCH The Lost Girls by Ava Benny Morrison https://bit.ly/2V5K68F  Sentencing remarks from Supreme Court NSW South Australia Police Youtube Channel https://bit.ly/2YscRRZ  9 News Adelaide Karlie and Khandalyce Laid To Rest https://bit.ly/2SRhC29  GET IN TOUCH: Call the PodPhone on 02 8999 9386. Email the show at [email protected].  True Crime Conversations is a podcast by Mamamia. Find more shows here.Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Danny Rolling would become one of the most violent serial killers in modern America’s history. His crimes, spree-like in nature, inspired the 1996 horror film Scream. Rolling’s hatred of women, violent and abusive upbringing, and idolatry of Ted Bundy were all just elements that would contribute to his horrific crimes. Author and pop-culture journalist Maria Lewis takes us through the case of Danny Rolling - who would be dubbed The Gainesville Ripper - and just how truly violent and despicable his crimes were. See images and information relating to this case in our Facebook group True Crime Conversations here https://bit.ly/2xrjAMZ  CREDITS GUEST: Maria Lewis https://www.marialewis.com.au/  HOST: Jessie Stephens PRODUCER: Elise Cooper ADDITIONAL RESEARCH: Madeleine Boucherie RESEARCH Oxygen “The Twisted Tale Of 'Gainesville Ripper' Killer Danny Rolling, Who Murdered And Mutilated College Kids” https://oxygen.tv/2JMXlI1  Office of the Clark County Prosecuting Attorney https://bit.ly/2Z5rZBS  Forensic Factor: Killing Spree https://imdb.to/2M9HzJ6  Discovery HD - The Gainesville Ripper: Danny Rolling  GET IN TOUCH: Call the PodPhone on 02 8999 9386 Email the show at [email protected]  True Crime Conversations is a podcast by Mamamia. Find more shows here https://www.mamamia.com.au/podcasts  Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.