Australian True Crime

Tracy Hall was in a long-term relationship with a man she knew as Max Tavita—until his 2017 arrest revealed he was actually serial con artist Hamish McLaren.   As explored in the hit podcast Who the Hell is Hamish? , McLaren defrauded victims worldwide of millions.   Tracy joins us to discuss her new book and the shocking discovery that she, too, had been one of his victims.  ...

The upcoming coronial inquest into the Bondi Junction stabbings and the renewed attention on Tiahleigh Palmer's case following the death of her killer, Rick Thorburn, in prison, have brought coronial inquests back into public focus.   In this episode, we explore why coronial inquests are conducted even when the perpetrator is known, examining their role in uncovering systemic issues, providin...

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 2001, Rachelle Childs was found murdered near the town of Gerroa, NSW. For years, her case went uninvestigated—until now.    Investigative Journalist Ashlea Hansen joins us to talk about Dear Rachelle , the new podcast that&rsq...

In 2001, Rachelle Childs was found murdered near the town of Gerroa, NSW. For years, her case went uninvestigated—until now.    Investigative Journalist Ashlea Hansen joins us to talk about Dear Rachelle , the new podcast that’s reignited the fight for justice.   Click here to visit the Dear Rachelle website and listen to their podcast.   Click here to subscribe to...

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.   Our guest host, Dr. Xanthé Mallett sits down with lawyer Iresha Herath and media researcher Maria Rae to chat about their soon to be released podcast Little Girl Lost .   They’ve spent the last year and a half diving deep into t...

Our guest host, Dr. Xanthé Mallett sits down with lawyer Iresha Herath and media researcher Maria Rae to chat about their soon to be released podcast Little Girl Lost .   They’ve spent the last year and a half diving deep into the 1921 murder of 12-year-old Alma Tirtschke, a case known as the “Gun Alley Murder.”   They explore how Alma’s story was twisted b...

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.   Craig Hughes-Cashmore is the CEO and co-founder of SAMSN—Survivors and Mates Support Network.   Founded in 2011 by a group of male survivors, SAMSN is now Australia’s leading organisation supporting men who’ve experienced c...

Craig Hughes-Cashmore is the CEO and co-founder of SAMSN—Survivors and Mates Support Network.   Founded in 2011 by a group of male survivors, SAMSN is now Australia’s leading organisation supporting men who’ve experienced child sexual abuse.   In this episode of Australian True Crime, Craig shares his powerful lived experience and the crucial role peer support plays in...

Meshel Laurie is joined by producer Matthew Tankard and criminologist Dr. Xanthé Mallett to unpack the panic around youth crime in Australia.   From Adolescence to alarming headlines, they explore what’s real, what’s exaggerated, and how the manosphere is influencing young minds.   Do you have information regarding any of the cases discussed on this podcast? Please rep...

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 2000, Holly Deane-Johns was arrested and later sentenced to 31 years in a Thailand prison.   It marked a turning point in a life shaped by trauma, heroin addiction, and loss.   After serving time in both Thailand and Australia, Holly...

In 2000, Holly Deane-Johns was arrested and later sentenced to 31 years in a Thailand prison.   It marked a turning point in a life shaped by trauma, heroin addiction, and loss.   After serving time in both Thailand and Australia, Holly has rebuilt her life and now works as a counsellor and speaker, using her story to support others facing addiction and adversity.   Click here to vi...

Marion Barter was a respected Australian teacher who disappeared on June 22, 1997, under circumstances that remain unresolved.   In this episode, guest host and criminologist Dr. Xanthé Mallett is joined by forensic DNA expert Dr. Jodie Ward, who shares insights from her humanitarian work, and Marian’s daughter, Sally Leydon, who discusses her ongoing efforts to uncover the truth...

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.   A crazed gunman unleashes chaos in 1919 Sydney, triggering a wild 15-hour siege.   A mysterious American cowboy strides in, demanding a gun and promising to end it all himself.   But who was "Arizona Ryan"? Michael Adams from the Forgot...

A crazed gunman unleashes chaos in 1919 Sydney, triggering a wild 15-hour siege.   A mysterious American cowboy strides in, demanding a gun and promising to end it all himself.   But who was "Arizona Ryan"? Michael Adams from the Forgotten Australia podcast joins us on this episode of Australian True Crime to tell his true story.   You can listen to "Forgotten Australia" wherever yo...

As a bonus episode for you all, Meshel and her producer, Matthew, sit down to discuss a few recent true crime headlines.   Content warning: This episode contains depictions of child sexual abuse.   Click here to subscribe to ATC Plus on Apple Podcasts and access all ATC episodes early and ad-free, as well as exclusive bonus episodes.   Join our Facebook Group here.   Do you hav...

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.   This is the conclusion of our three-part edition featuring notorious bank robber and escape artist, John Killick.   Today, we discuss John's last great escape—the 1999 prison break from Silverwater, where he was spirited away from the...

This is the conclusion of our three-part edition featuring notorious bank robber and escape artist, John Killick.   Today, we discuss John's last great escape—the 1999 prison break from Silverwater, where he was spirited away from the exercise yard in a helicopter hijacked by his girlfriend, Lucy.   Click here to view and purchase John Killick's books.   John is also a regular...

This is a preview of a full-lenth bonus episode for Australian True Crime Plus subscribers. To listen to all of our bonus episodes, plus early and ad-free access to every episode of the podcast, you can subscribe on either Apple Podcasts or at Acast.   Jonathan Todd Schwartz was a leading entertainment manager when he embezzled money from his superstar clients to feed his addictions.   A...

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.   This is part two of our three part series on infamous prison escapee, John Killick.   Click here to view and purchase John Killick's books.   Do you have information regarding any of the cases discussed on this podcast? Please report it...

This is part two of our three part series on infamous prison escapee, John Killick.   Click here to view and purchase John Killick's books.   Do you have information regarding any of the cases discussed on this podcast? Please report it on the Crime Stoppers website or by calling 1800 333 000.   Click here to subscribe to ATC Plus on Apple Podcasts and access all ATC episodes early...

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.   Former bank robber John Killick spent over 30 years behind bars and made headlines in 1999 when he escaped Sydney’s Silverwater prison by helicopter.   Across three episodes, he shares his incredible life story, from high-profile heist...

Former bank robber John Killick spent over 30 years behind bars and made headlines in 1999 when he escaped Sydney’s Silverwater prison by helicopter.   Across three episodes, he shares his incredible life story, from high-profile heists to encounters with Australia’s most notorious criminals.   Now an author of eight books, Killick reflects on love, crime, and survival inside...

In late 2024, Upper House member Jeremy Buckingham addressed the NSW state parliament with a shocking possibility—one of Australia’s most prolific serial killers may have never been identified.   There are up to 72 unsolved cases of missing and murdered persons along the NSW North Coast, spanning from 1977 to 2024.   In today’s episode of Australian True Crime , guest 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.   As we present this episode of Australian True Crime, a new dig begins in Adelaide.   Investigators are following new information in their search for clues into the 1966 disappearance of the Beaumont children Jane, Arnna and Grant.   To...

There are a number of big stories in true crime at the moment, including a new dig for clues in the 1966 disappearance of the Beaumont children.   Meanwhile, it's been a year since Ballarat’s Samantha Murphy vanished—even as a suspect has been charged, her remains remain missing.   Former NSW officer Beau Lamarre-Condon is heading to trial for the murders of Jesse Baird and h...