Australian True Crime

This week on True Crime Tonight we discuss:

Hosted by Meshel Laurie, True Crime Tonight airs Sundays from 6-7pm on KIIS, breaking down the biggest crime stories, documentaries and cases everyone’s talking about.

Got a question or comment you want played on the show? Get involved by sending us a voice message on our True Crime Hotline here.

Do you have information regarding any of the cases discussed on this podcast? Please report it on th...

Content warning: This episode discusses child sexual abuse, grooming and childhood trauma.

Louise Edmonds is a survivor advocate and founder of Grooming Recognition, a training platform helping people recognise the warning signs of grooming and prevent child sexual abuse.

Drawing on her own lived experience, Louise works to improve understanding of how grooming happens and how it can be stopped.

You can learn more about Louise's work at www.groomingrecognition.com/

You can watch our episodes by visiting our Youtube Channel here.

Join our Facebook Group here.

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This is a "Shortcut" episode. It’s a shortened version of this week’s more detailed full episode, which is also available on our feed.

Content warning: This episode discusses child sexual abuse, grooming and childhood trauma.

Louise Edmonds is a survivor advocate and founder of Grooming Recognition, a training platform helping people recognise the warning signs of grooming and prevent child sexual abuse.

Drawing on her own lived experience, Louise works to improve understanding of how grooming happens and how it can be stopped.

You can learn more about Louise's work...

In 2005, German backpacker Simone Strobel was murdered in Lismore, NSW, but nobody has ever been convicted of her death.

Investigative journalist Richard Baker re-examines the case in the ABC’s Unravel: Lies in Lismore, exploring alleged confessions, unanswered questions and new revelations.

Richard Baker joins us to discuss Simone’s death and his search for answers.

You can listen to Unravel:Lies in Lismore wherever you get your podcasts.

ATC Plus subscribers can listen to this episode ad free here.

You can watch our episodes by visiting our Youtube Chann...

This is a "Shortcut" episode. It’s a shortened version of this week’s more detailed full episode, which is also available on our feed.

In 2005, German backpacker Simone Strobel was murdered in Lismore, NSW, but nobody has ever been convicted of her death.

Investigative journalist Richard Baker re-examines the case in the ABC’s Unravel: Lies in Lismore, exploring alleged confessions, unanswered questions and new revelations.

Richard Baker joins us to discuss Simone’s death and his search for answers.

You can listen to Unravel:Lies in Lismore wherever you get your...

This week on True Crime Tonight we discuss:

Hosted by Meshel Laurie, True Crime Tonight airs Sundays from 6-7pm on KIIS, breaking down the biggest crime stories, documentaries and cases everyone’s talking about.

Got a question or comment you want played on the show? Get involved by sending us a voice message on our True Crime Hotline here.

Do you have information regarding any of the cases di...

Did you know a strangulation episode during a violent attack can kill months later? Even if it leaves no visible marks? Many victims don't even realise they've been strangled.

Betty Taylor is the CEO of the Red Rose foundation in Brisbane that works to address the high number of domestic violence related deaths and suicides in the community.

One of their main areas of focus is educating the community and first responders about non-fatal strangulation.

This episode was originally published in March, 2022.

You can learn more about the work of the Red Rose ...

Today, we’re bringing you a recent episode from our friends at Law the Podcast.

John Silvester, better known as “Sly of the Underworld”, joins Lex and Greg to reflect on more than four decades covering Melbourne’s criminal underworld, its most notorious figures and the stories behind some of Australia’s biggest crimes.

You can read Naked City here: https://www.theage.com.au/topic/naked-city-jbi

Listen to Naked City wherever you listen to podcasts.

You can watch our episodes on Youtube here.

Hosts: Lex Lasry AM and Greg Barns...

This is a "Shortcut" episode. It’s a shortened version of this week’s more detailed full episode, which is also available on our feed.

Professor Stephen Cordner AM has been at the forefront of forensic medicine for decades.

His expert evidence has played a role in some of Australia’s most controversial cases, including those of Lindy Chamberlain and Kathleen Folbigg.

He joins us to discuss his book Wrongful Convictions in Australia: Addressing Issues in the Criminal Justice System and why he believes wrongful convictions are a significant and largely unmeasured problem in Aus...

Professor Stephen Cordner AM has been at the forefront of forensic medicine for decades.

His expert evidence has played a role in some of Australia’s most controversial cases, including those of Lindy Chamberlain and Kathleen Folbigg.

He joins us to discuss his book Wrongful Convictions in Australia: Addressing Issues in the Criminal Justice System and why he believes wrongful convictions are a significant and largely unmeasured problem in Australia.

You can purchase your copy here.

ATC Plus subscribers can listen to this episode ad free here.

You can wa...

This week on True Crime Tonight we discuss:

Hosted by Meshel Laurie, True Crime Tonight airs Sundays from 6-7pm on KIIS, breaking down the biggest crime stories, documentaries and cases everyone’s talking about.

Got a question or comment you want played on the show? Get involved by sending us a voice message on our True Crime Hotline here.

Do you have information regarding any of...

Few areas of forensic medicine are more sensitive, or more consequential, than the question of how a baby suffered a serious brain injury. 

Journalist Michael Bachelard explores the controversial science behind shaken baby syndrome in his podcast Diagnosing Murder, investigating cases where parents and carers have been accused of harming their children. 

You can listen to Diagnosing Murder wherever you get your podcasts.

You can watch our episodes by visiting our Youtube Channel here.

Join our Facebook Group here.

Do you have information regarding any of the cases discussed on...

This is a "Shortcut" episode. It’s a shortened version of this week’s more detailed full episode, which is also available on our feed.

Few areas of forensic medicine are more sensitive, or more consequential, than the question of how a baby suffered a serious brain injury. 

Journalist Michael Bachelard explores the controversial science behind shaken baby syndrome in his podcast Diagnosing Murder, investigating cases where parents and carers have been accused of harming their children. 

You can listen to Diagnosing Murder wherever you get your podcasts.

You can watch our ep...

In 2022, teenager Mac Holdsworth was the victim of an online sexual extortion scam.

When Mac couldn’t meet the demands for money, nude photos of him were shared with his contacts. The results of that night were catastrophic.

His father, Wayne Holdsworth, has since dedicated himself to telling Mac’s story. He founded SmackTalk, a charity focused on suicide prevention and online safety, and works to educate young people, parents and communities about the dangers of online sexual extortion.

ATC Plus subscribers can listen to this episode ad free here.

You can...

This is a "Shortcut" episode. It’s a shortened version of this week’s more detailed full episode, which is also available on our feed.

In 2022, teenager Mac Holdsworth was the victim of an online sexual extortion scam.

When Mac couldn’t meet the demands for money, nude photos of him were shared with his contacts. The results of that night were catastrophic.

His father, Wayne Holdsworth, has since dedicated himself to telling Mac’s story. He founded SmackTalk, a charity focused on suicide prevention and online safety, and works to educate young people...

This week on True Crime Tonight we discuss:

Hosted by Meshel Laurie, True Crime Tonight airs Sundays from 6-7pm on KIIS, breaking down the biggest crime stories, documentaries and cases everyone’s talking about.

Got a question or comment you want played on the show? Get involved by sending us a voice message on our True Crime Hotline here.

Do you have information regarding any of the cases discussed on...

John Herbert describes himself as prison adjacent. 

He's a Sydney-based boxing trainer who spent decades running a gym in Merrylands, where he worked with young men at risk of heading into crime or prison.

His book Crossroads tells the firsthand stories of 13 Australian men whose lives have involved crime, incarceration, sport and adversity, exploring the pivotal moments that changed the course of their lives and their paths towards redemption.

You can purchase your copy of Crossroads here.

You can watch our episodes by visiting our Youtube Channel here.

Join o...

This is a "Shortcut" episode. It’s a shortened version of this week’s more detailed full episode, which is also available on our feed.

John Herbert describes himself as prison adjacent. 

He's a Sydney-based boxing trainer who spent decades running a gym in Merrylands, where he worked with young men at risk of heading into crime or prison.

His book Crossroads tells the firsthand stories of 13 Australian men whose lives have involved crime, incarceration, sport and adversity, exploring the pivotal moments that changed the course of their lives and their paths towards redem...

Recently, our friends at Law The Podcast recorded an episode with Helen Garner, and we thought it was too good not to share with our Australian True Crime audience. Enjoy!

Show notes:

Acclaimed Australian writer Helen Garner discusses her fascination with crime and how encounters with real-life cases have influenced her writing.

You can watch our episodes on Youtube here.

Hosts: Lex Lasry AM and Greg Barns SC

Guest: Helen Garner

Editor: Michael Tankard

Produced by: Bravecasting Media

Original music by Justin Humphries - P...

In 1977, teacher Rob Hunter and his nine students were taken hostage at a rural Victorian school by convicted kidnapper and prison escapee Edwin John Eastwood.

Rob joins us to recount what happened, the people who helped bring the ordeal to an end, and how he spent the decades that followed coming to terms with the experience, as told in his book Day 9 at Wooreen.

ATC Plus subscribers can listen to this episode ad free here.

You can purchase your copy of Day 9 at Wooreen here.

You can learn more about Rob H...

This is a "Shortcut" episode. It’s a shortened version of this week’s more detailed full episode, which is also available on our feed.

In 1977, teacher Rob Hunter and his nine students were taken hostage at a rural Victorian school by convicted kidnapper and prison escapee Edwin John Eastwood.

Rob joins us to recount what happened, the people who helped bring the ordeal to an end, and how he spent the decades that followed coming to terms with the experience, as told in his book Day 9 at Wooreen.

ATC Plus subscribers can liste...

This week on True Crime Tonight we discuss:

Hosted by Meshel Laurie, True Crime Tonight airs Sundays from 6-7pm on KIIS, breaking down the biggest crime stories, documentaries and cases everyone’s talking about.

Got a question or comment you want played on the show? Get involved by sending us a voice message on our True Crime Hotline here.

Do you have information regarding any of the case...

Australia has suffered at least five domestic violence deaths in the last seven days. Way above our already appalling average.

We have two guests for today's episode:

Kylie Druett is a co-founder of Australian Voices for the Silenced, an advocacy organisation representing families affected by domestic violence-related homicides, and will speak about the long-term impact on those left behind.

Karen Bevan, CEO of Full Stop Australia, will discuss the recent spate of alleged domestic violence-related killings and what needs to change to better prevent and respond to domestic and family violence.

...

This week on True Crime Tonight we discuss:

Hosted by Meshel Laurie, True Crime Tonight airs Sundays from 6-7pm on KIIS, breaking down the biggest crime stories, documentaries and cases everyone’s talking about.

Got a question or comment you want played on the show? Get involved by sending us a voice message on our True Crime Hotline here.

Do you have information regarding any of the cases discussed on this podcast? Please report it on...

In April 1986, 30-year-old Rosslyn McQueen was found dead inside her home in Lockwood, near Bendigo, five months pregnant with her second child, with a toxicology report finding she had died from a massive dose of strychnine.

Her husband, Ray McQueen, was eventually charged with her murder, but the case never went to trial and he has always maintained his innocence.

Almost 40 years on, investigative journalist Hedley Thomas has revisited the evidence in his new podcast The Poisoned Wife.

You can watch our episodes by visiting our Youtube Channel here.

Join our...

This is a "Shortcut" episode. It’s a shortened version of this week’s more detailed full episode, which is also available on our feed.

In April 1986, 30-year-old Rosslyn McQueen was found dead inside her home in Lockwood, near Bendigo, five months pregnant with her second child, with a toxicology report finding she had died from a massive dose of strychnine.

Her husband, Ray McQueen, was eventually charged with her murder, but the case never went to trial and he has always maintained his innocence.

Almost 40 years on, investigative journalist Hedley Thomas has revi...

We are re-issuing this episode from 2019 given that James Vlassakis has been granted parole.

The shocking discovery of eight dismembered bodies in six barrels in the South Australian town of Snowtown made headlines around the world. In total there were 12 victims of a killing team of three men from the North Adelaide suburbs, led by the depraved John Bunting. 

Journalist Jeremy Pudney, who wrote the definitive book on these murders Snowtown: The Bodies in Barrels Murders joined us to talk about the dysfunction that set the scene for these crimes and the evil in the m...

This is a "Shortcut" episode. It’s a shortened version of this week’s more detailed full episode, which is also available on our feed.

We are re-issuing this episode from 2019 given that James Vlassakis has been granted parole.

The shocking discovery of eight dismembered bodies in six barrels in the South Australian town of Snowtown made headlines around the world. In total there were 12 victims of a killing team of three men from the North Adelaide suburbs, led by the depraved John Bunting. 

Journalist Jeremy Pudney, who wrote the definitive book on these...

This week on True Crime Tonight we discuss:

Hosted by Meshel Laurie, True Crime Tonight airs Sundays from 6-7pm on KIIS, breaking down the biggest crime stories, documentaries and cases everyone’s talking about.

Got a question or comment you want played on the show? Get involved by sending us a voice message on our True Crime Hotline here.

Do you have information regarding any of the cases discussed on th...

In 1985, Maggie Dawkins arrived in Katanning for what was supposed to be a short-term job.

Instead, she became an advocate for young people at the St Andrews Hostel, where convicted paedophile Dennis McKenna abused dozens of boys.

Maggie has spent the past 40 years fighting for survivors, and joins us to discuss her book To Be Believed: A West Australian Scandal and the story behind it.

ATC Plus subscribers can listen to this episode ad free here.

You can purchase your copy of To Be Believed: A West Australian Scandal here.

This is a "Shortcut" episode. It’s a shortened version of this week’s more detailed full episode, which is also available on our feed.

In 1985, Maggie Dawkins arrived in Katanning for what was supposed to be a short-term job.

Instead, she became an advocate for young people at the St Andrews Hostel, where convicted paedophile Dennis McKenna abused dozens of boys.

Maggie has spent the past 40 years fighting for survivors, and joins us to discuss her book To Be Believed: A West Australian Scandal and the story behind it.

You can...

This is a "Shortcut" episode. It’s a shortened version of this week’s more detailed full episode, which is also available on our feed.

In January 2022, Lindsay Clancy was accused of killing her three young children in their Massachusetts home before attempting to take her own life, in a case that has raised complex questions around postpartum mental illness and criminal responsibility.

Her children, Cora, 5, Dawson, 3, and Callan, 8 months, all died in the attack, and Clancy’s first trial ended in a mistrial after the jury was unable to reach a verdict.

Former...

In January 2022, Lindsay Clancy was accused of killing her three young children in their Massachusetts home before attempting to take her own life, in a case that has raised complex questions around postpartum mental illness and criminal responsibility.

Her children, Cora, 5, Dawson, 3, and Callan, 8 months, all died in the attack, and Clancy’s first trial ended in a mistrial after the jury was unable to reach a verdict.

Former prosecutor and trial attorney Margaret McLean joins us to discuss the case and what comes next.

You can check out The Margaret McLean Show he...

Today we're playing a new episode from Law The Podcast.

Lex and Greg discuss the mistrial in the Lindsay Clancy murder case, Australia's growing prison population and overcrowding, and the increasingly restricted role of character references in sentencing.

You can subscribe to Law The Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

Hosts: Lex Lasry AM and Greg Barns SC

Editor: Michael Tankard

Produced by: Bravecasting Media

Original music by Justin Humphries - Phoenix Sound Studios

Email the show at [email protected]

Abraham Kuol spent the first seven years of his life in Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya before his family came to Australia as refugees, a journey that would ultimately lead him to become a youth mentor, criminology researcher and community leader. 

Now Victoria’s Young Australian of the Year for 2026, Abraham joins us to talk about youth crime, early intervention and what we can do to keep vulnerable young people out of the justice system.

Abraham is also the Director of the Sandown Lions Foundation, which supports vulnerable young people through mentoring, education and community pro...

This is a "Shortcut" episode. It’s a shortened version of this week’s more detailed full episode, which is also available on our feed.

Abraham Kuol spent the first seven years of his life in Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya before his family came to Australia as refugees, a journey that would ultimately lead him to become a youth mentor, criminology researcher and community leader. 

Now Victoria’s Young Australian of the Year for 2026, Abraham joins us to talk about youth crime, early intervention and what we can do to keep vulnerable young people out of...

This week on True Crime Tonight we discuss:

Hosted by Meshel Laurie, True Crime Tonight airs Sundays from 6-7pm on KIIS, breaking down the biggest crime stories, documentaries and cases everyone’s talking about.

Got a question or comment you want played on the show? Get involved by sending us a voice message on our True Crime Hotline here.

Do you have information regarding any of the cases discussed on this podcast? Pl...

The Flinders Highway is an 800-kilometre stretch of road running through Queensland from Townsville to Mount Isa, and over the decades it has been linked to a disturbing number of disappearances and murders. 

On today's episode, we talk about some of the most haunting cases along the highway with investigative journalist, Amelia Oberhardt.

ATC Plus subscribers can listen to this episode ad free here.

You can watch Amelia on the new Channel Nine series Outback Murder Highway.

You can watch our episodes by visiting our Youtube Channel here.

Join o...

This is a "Shortcut" episode. It’s a shortened version of this week’s more detailed full episode, which is also available on our feed.

The Flinders Highway is an 800-kilometre stretch of road running through Queensland from Townsville to Mount Isa, and over the decades it has been linked to a disturbing number of disappearances and murders. 

On today's episode, we talk about some of the most haunting cases along the highway with investigative journalist, Amelia Oberhardt.

You can watch Amelia on the new Channel Nine series Outback Murder Highway.

You c...

This is a "Shortcut" episode. It’s a shortened version of this week’s more detailed full episode, which is also available on our feed.

For years, Queensland police officer Jason Somerville lived undercover as “Michael Bates”, infiltrating criminal networks while building cases against the people he was investigating. 

Jason joins us to discuss the realities and psychological toll of undercover policing, as explored in his memoir Undercurrent.

ATC Plus subscribers can listen to this episode ad free here.

Click here to purchase your copy of Undercurrent.

You can watch our...