True Crime

True Crime Conversations

True Crime Conversations explores the world’s most notorious crimes by speaking to the people who know the most about them. Hosted by Gemma Bath.

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Four Children, Three Murders: Kathleen Folbigg’s Story Jun 24, 2020

Show notes

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.

CREDITS
Guest: Dr Xanthe Mallett https://bit.ly/motherswhomurder

Host: Jessie Stephens
Producer: Elise Cooper
RESEARCH

‘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 truecrime@mamamia.com.au

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

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Fake Diving Resort Jun 17, 2020

Show notes

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 sky
But 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 truecrime@mamamia.com.au

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

Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Blood On The Tracks: What Happened To Mark Haines Jun 10, 2020

Show notes

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 Stephens
Producer 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 truecrime@mamamia.com.au

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

Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Who Killed Jeffrey Epstein Jun 03, 2020

Show notes

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.

CREDITS
Guest: Diane Dimond
Host: Jessie Stephens
Producer: 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 truecrime@mamamia.com.au

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/subscribe

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Salvation, Miracles And 900 Dead: Inside The Jonestown Massacre May 27, 2020

Show notes

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 Stephens
Executive 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/subscribe

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Husband And Wife Serial Killers: Part Two May 20, 2020

Show notes

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 Stephens
Technical Producer: Luca Lavigne
Executive Producer and Editor: Elise Cooper

CONTACT US

Tell us what you think of the show via email at truecrime@mamamia.com.au

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

Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Husband And Wife Serial Killers: Part One May 13, 2020

Show notes

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 Stephens
Technical Producer: Luca Lavigne
Executive 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 truecrime@mamamia.com.au

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/subscribe

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"Born With The Devil In Me": America's First Serial Killer May 06, 2020

Show notes

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 truecrime@mamamia.com.au

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/subscribe

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Mystery Of Beenham Valley Road Apr 29, 2020

Show notes

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.

CREDITS
Guest: Jamie Pultz
Host: Jessie Stephens
Technical Producer: Luca Lavigne
Executive 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 truecrime@mamamia.com.au.

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/subscribe

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Untold Story Of The Bali Nine Apr 22, 2020

Show notes

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 Stephens
Technical Producer: Luca Lavigne
Executive 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 truecrime@mamamia.com.au.

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/subscribe

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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