True Crime

Two Crime Besties

Debriefing true crime stories with crime buffs Meg and Emma. Each week we take a look at a different case and discuss our thoughts and opinions with a touch of humour and respect.

Latest Episodes:

Episode 15 - The Easey Street Murders Sep 23, 2024

Show notes

Summary

**We start this episode with an update on this case! Just mere days before releasing this episode a 65 Yr Old man was arrested in Rome in connection to the Easey Street murders. We await his extradition and then a trial. We will continue to update this case as more information comes to light. Also to note, the man who has been arrested is a Greek and Australian national, however there is no connection between this man and Baby Gregory's father, it is pure coincidence that they are both Greek. Melbounre had a very large Greek population at the time of the murders.**

The Easey Street murders occurred in Melbourne in 1977, where two young women, Susan Bartlett and Suzanne Armstrong, were brutally killed in their home. The case remains unsolved. The initial perception of the victims as prostitutes hindered the investigation. The women were independent and traveled extensively. The crime scene was a small workers cottage with a unique layout, making it difficult for neighbors to hear any disturbance. The forensic evidence, including seminal fluid, was mishandled and lost for many years, raising questions about its reliability. Several witnesses reported hearing suspicious noises on the night of the murders. The investigation into the Easey Street Murders was plagued by a lack of thoroughness and missed opportunities. The police failed to properly canvass the neighborhood and interview potential witnesses. Key witnesses, such as Gladys Coventry and Peter Sellers, were dismissed or not interviewed at all. The bodies of the victims were not discovered until three days after their deaths, further complicating the investigation. The primary suspects in the case were journalist John Grant, the tobacco salesman, and an ex-police officer. However, none of them were convicted and the case remains unsolved.

Takeaways

The Easy Street murders remain unsolved, highlighting the challenges of investigating cases with limited evidence and misconceptions about the victims.

The victims, Susan Bartlett and Suzanne Armstrong, were independent women who traveled and lived on their own, challenging societal norms at the time.

The unique layout of the crime scene and the hot weather on the night of the murders may have contributed to the lack of witnesses or disturbance reports.

The mishandling and loss of forensic evidence, including seminal fluid, raises doubts about its reliability and potential impact on the investigation.

Witness accounts of suspicious noises and a man carrying a knife provide potential leads for further investigation. The investigation into the Easy Street Murders was marred by a lack of thoroughness and missed opportunities.

Key witnesses were dismissed or not interviewed, and the bodies were not discovered until three days later.

The primary suspects were journalist John Grant, the tobacco salesman, and an ex-police officer, but none were convicted.

The case remains unsolved, but there is still a $1 million reward for information leading to an arrest.

Links to Sources

Life and Crimes with Ansrew Rule: The horror at Easey Street

Casefile Presents: The Easey Street Murders with Helen Thomas

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Chapters

00:00 Brief Update - An Arrest Has Been Made

03:24 Introduction

07:42 The Easy Street Murders Case

16:26 Discovery of the Crime Scene

23:37 Investigation and Forensic Evidence

35:30 Witness Testimonies

39:13 The Investigation: Missed Opportunities

48:29 The Suspects: Journalist, Tobacco Salesman, and Ex-Police Officer

01:11:12 The Evidence: Knife and Face Washer

Episode 14 - Martin Bryant & The Port Arthur Massacre Sep 16, 2024

Show notes

Summary

In this episode, we discuss the Port Arthur massacre and the life of Martin Bryant, the perpetrator. We explore Martin's troubled childhood, his eccentric behavior, and the tragic events that led to the massacre. We also touch on the impact of his father's death and his relationship with Helen, a woman who became his friend and caretaker.

We provide insights into Martin's mindset and the warning signs that were missed. The episode ends with the events leading up to the massacre and Martin's methodical actions on the day. The Port Arthur massacre in Australia led to significant gun reform in the country. The gunman, Martin Bryant, planned the attack and carried it out at the Broad Arrow Cafe in Port Arthur, killing 35 people and injuring 23 others.

The massacre prompted immediate action from then-Prime Minister John Howard, who implemented a buyback scheme and stricter gun laws. Since the reforms, Australia has not experienced a mass shooting and has seen a significant reduction in gun-related homicides and suicides.

Takeaways

The Port Arthur massacre was a tragic event in Australian history, resulting in the deaths of 35 people and injuries to 23 others.

Martin Bryant, the perpetrator, had a troubled childhood and exhibited eccentric behavior throughout his life.

The death of his father and the loss of his caretaker, Helen, had a significant impact on Martin's mental state.

There were warning signs and missed opportunities for intervention in Martin's life.

The events leading up to the massacre were methodically planned by Martin.

The Port Arthur massacre led to significant policy changes in Australia. The Port Arthur massacre in Australia led to significant gun reform, including a buyback scheme and stricter gun laws.

The massacre prompted immediate action from then-Prime Minister John Howard, who implemented gun reforms within 12 days.

Since the reforms, Australia has not experienced a mass shooting and has seen a significant reduction in gun-related homicides and suicides.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Nervousness

06:09 Warning: Full-On Story

18:43 Martin Bryant's Troubled Childhood and Eccentric Behavior

29:49 Spending Sprees and Eccentric Dressing

35:30 The Impact of Maurice Bryant's Death

42:16 Martin Bryant's Plan and Interactions

48:09 The Port Arthur Massacre

51:48 Shooting at the Cafe

01:00:24 Horrific Acts and Heroic Acts

01:15:40 Gun Reform in Australia

01:21:21 The Need for Improved Mental Health Support

Episode 13 - Melissa Caddick Sep 09, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, we discuss the case of Melissa Caddick, a woman who conned her friends and family out of millions of dollars. We explore Melissa's background, her lies and manipulations, and her extravagant lifestyle. We also touch on her relationships with two men named Tony.

The episode highlights Melissa's narcissistic personality and the devastating consequences of her deceit. Melissa Caddick, a "financial advisor", was involved in a Ponzi scheme that defrauded investors of millions of dollars.

She lived a lavish lifestyle with her husband, Anthony Koletti, who we believe to be unaware of her illegal activities. After authorities raided their home, Melissa disappeared, leaving behind her phone, wallet, and keys. Her foot was later found on a secluded beach, but the cause of her death remains unknown.

The investigation into the missing funds is ongoing, and efforts are being made to recoup the investors' losses.

Keywords

Melissa Caddick, con artist, lies, manipulations, extravagant lifestyle, relationships, narcissistic personality, Melissa Caddick, Ponzi scheme, fraud, disappearance, lavish lifestyle, raid, missing funds

Takeaways

Melissa Caddick conned her friends and family out of millions of dollars by pretending to be a successful financial advisor and promising high returns on investments.
She lived an extravagant lifestyle, spending money on luxury items, lavish holidays, and designer clothes.
Melissa's lies extended to her personal life, including cheating on her first husband and fabricating stories of abuse to gain sympathy.
Melissa exhibited signs of narcissistic personality disorder and sociopathic behavior, prioritizing her own needs and manipulating others for personal gain. Melissa Caddick was involved in a Ponzi scheme that defrauded investors of millions of dollars.
After authorities raided their home, Melissa disappeared, leaving behind her personal belongings.

Her foot was later found on a secluded beach, but the cause of her death remains unknown.
Efforts are being made to recoup the investors' losses from the Ponzi scheme.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction and Recording Setup

00:39 - Melissa's Deceptive Journey Begins

02:17 - Melissa's Lavish Lifestyle and Olympic Banter

04:46 - Melissa's Lies and Financial Fraud

06:24 - Melissa's False Qualifications and Lies

09:24 - Melissa's Rise to Prominence and Wise Investments

11:38 - Melissa's Financial Advisor Role and Lies

15:13 - Melissa's Conning of Friends and Family

16:58 - Melissa's Manipulation of Superannuation Funds

19:19 - Melissa's False Trading Accounts and Fraudulent Documents

23:48 - Melissa's Personal Life and Relationship with Tony

26:52 - Melissa's Affair and Escape from England

30:46 - Melissa's Relationship with Anthony Koletti

33:45 - ASIC's Raid and Melissa's Undoing

35:46 - The Unveiling of the Ponzi Scheme

39:32 - Returning the Stolen Funds

41:41 - The Mysterious Disappearance

48:52 - Anthony's Unusual Actions

56:39 - The Discovery of Melissa's Foot

01:04:28 - Recouping the Stolen Funds

01:10:37 - Casual Banter and Audio Level Testing

01:10:45 - Discussing Favorite Songs by Paws Off

01:11:04 - Analyzing Paws Off's Albums

01:11:57 - The Value of Luxury Items

Episode 12 - Golden State Killer Sep 02, 2024

Show notes

The conversation discusses the Golden State Killer case, a notorious criminal who committed a series of burglaries, rapes, and murders in California in the 1970s and 1980s. The killer, Joseph James DeAngelo, was a former police officer and used his knowledge of law enforcement procedures to evade capture for years. He targeted victims in their homes, often binding and torturing them before committing his crimes. The conversation highlights the horrific nature of the crimes and the psychological trauma inflicted on the victims. The killer's escalating behavior and his ability to research and stalk his victims are also discussed. The Golden State Killer, Joseph DeAngelo, evaded capture for over 40 years while committing 13 murders, rapes, and countless burglaries. The case was passed between detectives in different areas, leading to multiple names for the same perpetrator. Detective Paul Holes eventually connected the cases and identified commonalities, such as the use of single-story houses and strategic parking. DeAngelo was a non-secretor, meaning his body fluids did not secrete antigens characteristic of his blood group, narrowing the pool of suspects. He was arrested in 2018 after DNA evidence from a discarded item matched his profile.Chapters

00:00 - Introduction and Technical Setup

03:50 - Discussion of the Golden State Killer Case Begins09:36 - Joseph James DeAngelo's Background and Early Crimes

14:46 - In-Depth Look at DeAngelo's Crimes and Pseudonyms

19:20 - The Sadistic Nature of DeAngelo's Crimes

27:46 - DeAngelo's Targeting of a Town Meeting Speaker

30:03 - Survivor's Account of the Attack

33:08 - The Tactics and Methods of the Golden State Killer

35:55 - The Statute of Limitations and the Impact on Justice

38:19 - The Role of Bonnie and the Ex-Girlfriend Connection

41:32 - The Strength and Resilience of the Survivors

43:47 - The Brutal Murder of Janelle Lisa Cruz

52:46 - The Breakthrough: Using Genealogy Websites to Identify the Killer

01:01:40 - Justice Served: The Sentencing of Joseph D'Angelo

Episode 11 - Anne Hamilton Byrne and The Family Cult Aug 26, 2024

Show notes

Anne Hamilton-Byrne, the leader of a cult known as The Family, manipulated and brainwashed her followers for 60 years. She claimed to be the reincarnation of Jesus and used LSD to control and indoctrinate her followers. The cult had influential members from various sectors, and Anne amassed a wealth of $50 million. The cult operated from compounds in Victoria, Australia, and engaged in child abduction and abuse. Anne's upbringing was marked by her mother's mental illness and her father's absence. The cult's practices included injecting followers with LSD and staging appearances to make Anne appear divine. The conversation delves into the life of Anne Hamilton-Byrne, the leader of the cult known as The Family. We explore her background, the methods she used to recruit members, and the abuse and manipulation that took place within the cult. The conversation also touches on the lack of legal consequences for Hamilton-Byrne and the long-lasting impact on the children who were raised in the cult.Chapters

00:00 - Introduction and Podcast Equipment

00:16 - The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders

05:45 - Anne Hamilton-Byrne: The Cult Leader

08:04 - Child Abuse in the Cult

12:35 - Introduction and Background

18:04 - Yoga and Spiritual Influence

29:19 - LSD and the Belief in Anne as Jesus

32:02 - Illegal Adoption and Child Theft

36:24 - Abuse, Isolation, and the Chosen Ones

40:32 - The Wealth and Properties of Anne Hamilton-Byrne

44:11 - Failures of Oversight: The Education Department's Inaction

48:45 - The Lasting Trauma of the Cult's Survivors

51:52 - The Cult's Lingering Presence: A Dwindling Membership

58:13 - The Connection Between the Cult and the CIA's MK Ultra Program

Episode 10 - Phillip Island Aug 19, 2024

Show notes

In this episode we discuss the Phillip Island murder and the surrounding mystery. The main themes include the affair between Fergus Cameron and Beth Barnard, the strained marriage between Fergus and Vivian Cameron, and the impact on their family.

The conversation also touches on the prominent Cameron family, the penguin parade, and the general atmosphere of Phillip Island. The timeline of events and the lack of concrete evidence are highlighted as challenges in solving the case. In this part of the conversation, we discuss the events surrounding the night of the crime. We talk about Fergus's arrival back home, his argument with Vivian, and the injuries he sustained. We also discuss Marnie's presence at the house and her statement. The conversation then shifts to the murder of Beth, describing the brutal nature of the crime and the possible meaning behind the carved letter 'A' on her body. We also mention the lack of blood at the crime scene and the potential involvement of a woman in the crime. The conversation explores the events leading up to and following the murder of Beth Barnard, as well as the disappearance of Vivian Cameron.

The principal themes include the involvement of Vivian and Fergus in the murder, the credibility of witness statements, the possibility of Vivian's suicide, and the lack of evidence linking Vivian to the crime scene. The conversation raises doubts about Vivian's guilt and highlights the need for further investigation. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the complexity of the case and the difficulty in determining the truth.Chapters

00:00 - Introduction and Personal Updates

04:34 - The Phillip Island Murder Case

08:40 - The Cameron Family and Phillip Island

12:31 - Fergus's Affair with Beth Barnard

20:28 - The Argument and Hospital Visit

24:25 - Nurses' Observations and Vivian's Disappearance

25:51 - Inconsistencies and Suspicious Behavior

33:04 - The Brutal Murder of Beth

43:44 - Questioning Fergus's Involvement

48:11 - The Inconclusive Evidence Surrounding Vivian Cameron's Involvement

50:11 - Questioning the Theory of Vivian's Disappearance

51:04 - Examining Fergus Cameron's Role in the Events

58:25 - The Importance of Credibility and Reliability in the Case

01:13:09 - The Complex Relationships and Sexual Affairs

01:13:34 - The Theory of Fergus' Rage and Murder

01:15:43 - Examining the Evidence: The Knife and DNA

01:16:00 - Possible Tampering and Planting of Evidence

01:19:00 - The Frustration of Uncertainty in the Case

01:20:14 - Engaging the Audience: Listener Theories and Thoughts

Episode 9 - The Menendez Brothers Aug 12, 2024

Show notes

Summary

In this episode we discuss the Menendez family, focusing on the parents, Jose and Kitty, and their two sons, Lyle and Eric. Jose was a wealthy and successful man, while Kitty was a homemaker. However, behind the facade of a perfect family, there were dark secrets. Both Lyle and Eric were sexually abused by their father from a young age, and the abuse continued until shortly before the murders. The conversation also touches on the financial aspect of the case, as Jose's estate was worth millions of dollars, but the whereabouts of the money remains unknown. The principal themes of the conversation include the abusive upbringing of the Menendez brothers, their pursuit of tennis as a sport, their extravagant spending after the murders, the lack of consequences in their lives, the premeditation of the murders, the involvement of Dr. Jerome Oziel, and the defense strategy during the trial. In this final part of the conversation, we discuss the trials and convictions of the Menendez brothers. We explore the jury's inability to reach a verdict in the first trial, the exclusion of sexual abuse testimony in the second trial, and the brothers' ultimate conviction for first-degree murder. We also discuss the possibility of a retrial based on new evidence of sexual abuse. The conversation concludes with some interesting tidbits.

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Chapters

00:00 - Introduction to the Menendez Family

17:09 - Sexual Abuse in the Menendez Family

35:53 - The Purchase of the Shotguns

36:41 - The Meticulous Planning of the Menendez Brothers

40:28 - The Shocking Confession and Spending Spree

57:16 - The Trial: Defending the Menendez Brothers

01:00:11 - The Legacy of Abuse: A Motive for Murder

01:03:17 - Societal Perceptions of Incest -

01:05:31 - The Impact of Abuse on the Menendez Brothers

01:06:44 - The Trial and Conviction01:09:25Manslaughter vs. First-Degree Murder

01:11:39 - The Brothers' Marriages and Lives in Prison

01:15:16 - Possibility of a Retrial

01:19:34 - A Lighthearted Note

Episode 8 - The Staircase Part Two Aug 05, 2024

Show notes

Summary

In part two we dive back into the details of The Staircase. We explore the theory that Kathleen fell down the stairs and examine the blood spatter evidence. The prosecution presents a blow poke as the potential weapon used, but it is later found and tested, ruling it out as the murder weapon. We also discuss the problematic nature of the blood spatter expert, Duane Deaver, and the impact of his testimony on the trial.

After Michael Peterson was granted a retrial, he was released on bail under house arrest. During his time in prison, he had aged significantly and appeared frail. His defense attorney, David Rudolph, did an excellent job in presenting reasonable doubt in the case. However, the jury may have been swayed by their disapproval of Michael's bisexuality.

The American judicial system, with elected judges and politically motivated district attorneys, played a role in the outcome of the trial. Eventually, Michael was able to negotiate an Alford plea and was released on time served.

The conversation explores the inconclusive evidence and ethical concerns surrounding the second autopsy conducted on Liz Ratliff.

The possibility of an owl attack as the cause of Kathleen Peterson's death is discussed, along with the criticism of the investigation process. The personalities and behaviors of Michael Peterson and the impact on the case are examined. The conversation concludes with a call for audience feedback and suggestions for future cases.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction

03:02 - Examining the Blood Spatter Evidence

11:15 - The Blow Poke Theory

15:45 - The Problematic Blood Spatter Expert

23:46 - The Defense Attorney's Strong Case

25:31 - The Influence of Bias on the Jury

30:24 - The Role of the American Judicial System

32:47 - Negotiating an Alford Plea

42:47 - Inconclusive Evidence and Ethical Concerns

48:18 - Criticism of the Investigation Process

50:11 - Examining Michael Peterson's Personality and Behavior

58:52 - Call for Audience Feedback and Suggestions

Episode 7 -The Staircase Part 1 Jul 29, 2024

Show notes

Summary

In this episode of Two Crime Besties, we discuss the infamous case known as The Staircase.

The Staircase, a Netflix documentary series that follows the trial of Michael Peterson, who was accused of murdering his wife Kathleen. We share our initial thoughts and theories about the case. We discuss the biased nature of the documentary and the challenges of finding accurate information about the case. They also touch on the complex family dynamics and the questionable behavior of Michael's sons. The conversation delves into the motives and circumstances surrounding Kathleen's death, including Michael's bisexuality and potential financial stress. The 911 calls and the behavior of Michael during the calls are also analyzed.The episode ends with a cliffhanger as we prepare to delve deeper into the case in the next episode.

Keywords

Two Crime Besties, feedback, weather, children, The Staircase, Michael Peterson, Kathleen Peterson, documentary series, guilt, bias, family dynamics, sons, Michael Peterson, Kathleen Peterson, The Staircase, domestic violence, infidelity, deception, bisexuality, financial stress, 911 calls

Takeaways

The Staircase is a complex and controversial case
The documentary series may have a biased perspective
Family dynamics and personal relationships play a significant role in the case
The behavior of Michael's sons raises questions about their involvement
Accurate information about the case is difficult to find The case of Michael Peterson and the death of his wife Kathleen involves complex issues of infidelity and deception.
The portrayal of the case in the Netflix series 'The Staircase' and the performances of the actors are discussed.
Michael's bisexuality and potential financial stress are explored as possible motives for Kathleen's death.
The 911 calls made by Michael and his behavior during the calls are analyzed.
Part two of the discussion will delve further into the theories and aftermath of the case.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Feedback

04:23 The Case of Michael Peterson: 'The Staircase'

11:10 The Peterson Family Dynamics

15:22 Liz Ratliff's Death and Initial Investigation

23:39 The Potential Paternity of Martha

26:21 Troubled Behavior of Todd and Clayton

28:47 Michael's Compulsive Lying and Questionable Activities

32:46 Tension and Dysfunction Within the Family

38:18 The Escort Email Correspondence

45:16 Did Kathleen Know?

50:51 Analyzing Michael's 911 Calls

Episode 6 - Jaidyn Leskie Jul 22, 2024

Show notes

Welcome to another gripping episode of Two Crime Besties, where we dive into some of the most intriguing and perplexing cases. Today, we're exploring the heartbreaking and mysterious story of Jaidyn Leskie, a case that has haunted Australia for over two decades.

In June 1997, 14-month-old Jaidyn Leskie disappeared from his babysitter's home in the small town of Moe, Victoria. The months that followed saw an intense search and a flood of media coverage, as a community was gripped by the search for answers. Tragically, Jaidyn's body was discovered in January 1998, but the questions surrounding his death only multiplied.

Join us as we unravel the complex web of events, suspects, and theories in the Jaidyn Leskie case. We'll delve into the controversial investigation, the key players involved, and the lasting impact this case has had on the community and the nation. Get ready for a detailed and thoughtful examination of a case that remains one of Australia's most enduring mysteries.

Keywords

Jayden Leskey, murder, Victoria, Moe, broken families, complex relationships, Blue Rock Dam, evidence, single mothers, power stations, disposal of body, relationships, timeline, injuries, babysitter, doubt, trial, criminal case, conviction, innocent, wrongful imprisonment, manipulation, abusive behavior, tragic loss, child, mother, involvement, neighbor, pig's head incident.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction and Personal Updates

00:22 - Overview of the Jaidyn Leskie Case

05:13 - Content Warning and Introduction to Jaidyn Leskie

06:08 - Background Information on the Town of Moe

08:40 - Health Issues and Developmental Delays in Moe

10:05 - The Complex Relationships in the Case

11:27 - Discussion about the Characters in the Case

13:37 - The Intricate Web of Relationships

15:40 - Brett Leskie's Involvement and Departure

17:52 - Greg's Creepy Fascination with Jaidyn

18:49 - Reports of Physical Abuse during Babysitting