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Crime Central Australia

Motive & Method

A True Crime podcast Explicit

#21 in True Crime · 🇦🇺
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About the show

Motive & Method is an expert-led Australian true crime podcast. Join Dr Xanthe Mallett and criminal psychologist Tim Watson-Munro as they unpack what really makes the offenders behind some of history’s most notorious cases tick, and also react and unpack crimes as they hit the headlines. You will also hear from victim survivors, investigators and advocates for change analysing motive, and method.

Newest episodes

Facing Evil: Serial Killers and Cults with Mike King

39 min

He’s sat face-to-face with some of the world’s most dangerous killers. And what they’ve told him is chilling. From hunting serial predators across American highways to raiding notorious cults and interviewing religiously obsessed killers, veteran investigator and profiler Mike King has spent decades getting inside the minds of some of the world’s most dangerous criminals.  In this episode, he reveals how geography, victim profiling and behavioural clues can expose a predator’s hunting ground.  Plus, how he became involved in the cold case Brisbane murder of Betty Shanks, and the extraordinary phone call Mike received from a man claiming to know who killed her.  Tim & Xanthe recorded this episode ahead of Mike King’s Australian tour: ‘The Psychology of Cults’. Get your tickets here: Click this link See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

VIP EPISODE pt2: Michael Kirby on Humanity, Love & The Future of Justice

29 min

In the second part of our conversation with former High Court Justice Michael Kirby, he takes us beyond Australia’s courtrooms and into some of the biggest challenges facing the world.  From his work investigating human rights abuses in North Korea to fighting the stigma surrounding the HIV/AIDS epidemic. He also explains why AI must never replace human judgement, why Australia needs a national charter of human rights, and why he believes world leaders need to recognise just how precious and fragile our planet is.  Justice Kirby shares the profound influence of his partner, Johan Van Vloten, and the love and support that’s shaped his life and career. When asked to preserve just one piece of writing from his extraordinary career, Kirby’s answer is surprisingly simple: a one-page message about love. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

VIP EPISODE: The Honorable Justice Michael Kirby

36 min

Former High Court Justice Michael Kirby AC CMG is one of Australia’s most influential legal minds. During his 13 years on the High Court he stood at the centre of some of the nation’s most significant human rights battles. In the first part of this very special interview with Tim & Xanthe, Justice Kirby shares how his family, schooling and experience as a gay man shaped his understanding of justice, equality and human rights.  He reflects on his involvement in several major Australian wrongful conviction cases -  Kathleen Folbigg case and  Andrew Mallard - and explains why Australia desperately needs an independent criminal case review. Known as the Great Dissenter, Justice Kirby’s career was defined by his willingness to stand alone. This is a remarkable conversation about challenging authority, standing by your convictions and recognising that even the highest courts can get things wrong.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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All episodes

Facing Evil: Serial Killers and Cults with Mike King

39 min

He’s sat face-to-face with some of the world’s most dangerous killers. And what they’ve told him is chilling. From hunting serial predators across American highways to raiding notorious cults and interviewing religiously obsessed killers, veteran investigator and profiler Mike King has spent decades getting inside the minds of some of the world’s most dangerous criminals.  In this episode, he reveals how geography, victim profiling and behavioural clues can expose a predator’s hunting ground.  Plus, how he became involved in the cold case Brisbane murder of Betty Shanks, and the extraordinary phone call Mike received from a man claiming to know who killed her.  Tim & Xanthe recorded this episode ahead of Mike King’s Australian tour: ‘The Psychology of Cults’. Get your tickets here: Click this link See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

VIP EPISODE pt2: Michael Kirby on Humanity, Love & The Future of Justice

29 min

In the second part of our conversation with former High Court Justice Michael Kirby, he takes us beyond Australia’s courtrooms and into some of the biggest challenges facing the world.  From his work investigating human rights abuses in North Korea to fighting the stigma surrounding the HIV/AIDS epidemic. He also explains why AI must never replace human judgement, why Australia needs a national charter of human rights, and why he believes world leaders need to recognise just how precious and fragile our planet is.  Justice Kirby shares the profound influence of his partner, Johan Van Vloten, and the love and support that’s shaped his life and career. When asked to preserve just one piece of writing from his extraordinary career, Kirby’s answer is surprisingly simple: a one-page message about love. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

VIP EPISODE: The Honorable Justice Michael Kirby

36 min

Former High Court Justice Michael Kirby AC CMG is one of Australia’s most influential legal minds. During his 13 years on the High Court he stood at the centre of some of the nation’s most significant human rights battles. In the first part of this very special interview with Tim & Xanthe, Justice Kirby shares how his family, schooling and experience as a gay man shaped his understanding of justice, equality and human rights.  He reflects on his involvement in several major Australian wrongful conviction cases -  Kathleen Folbigg case and  Andrew Mallard - and explains why Australia desperately needs an independent criminal case review. Known as the Great Dissenter, Justice Kirby’s career was defined by his willingness to stand alone. This is a remarkable conversation about challenging authority, standing by your convictions and recognising that even the highest courts can get things wrong.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

16. Ivan Milat: The Taxi Shooting He Was Never Charged Over

36 min

A hostile former top cop, stonewalled families and an explosive revelation about Ivan Milat’s crimes. In this series finale for 2026, Xanthe and Tim sit down with NSW MP Jeremy Buckingham fresh off the fiery climax of the parliamentary inquiry into unsolved homicides and missing persons. Buckingham pulls no punches as he addresses heated clashes with a former NSW Police Assistant Commissioner who dismissed the hearings. The conversation dives into the inquiry’s most shocking revelation: Police linked a 1962 shooting of a taxi driver to serial killer Ivan Milat - yet never charged him. Buckingham also takes aim at systemic double standards in missing persons searches highlighted by recent cases like Yvonne Weir. He also confronts the inquiry’s glaring omission: the painful lack of First Nations family testimony and the lasting trauma of the Bowraville murders. Looking ahead to next year's interim report, Buckingham explains why this fight is far from over and his push to reinstate legal powers to compel key witnesses, top brass, and convicted killers to answer under oath. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

MAFS, Mistaken Identity, Missing: The Katie Walker Case with Josh Fox

23 min

It started with a case of mistaken identity - and led to a global search for answers. When media outlets falsely reported that a Married at First Sight producer had vanished near Bondi, reality TV commentator Josh Fox planned to make a quick awareness post. Instead, he wound up unravelling a baffling real-life mystery surrounding the actual missing woman, Katie Walker. The trail plunged Josh into a chilling web of shady spiritual retreats, reports of a terrifying encounter with a stalker from Dubai and confusing witness statements and evidence. Now, he is pushing back against official theories of suicide in the search for answers for Katie’s family. Josh sat down with Tim and Xanthe to record this episode after meeting at the NSW Parliamentary Inquiry into Unsolved murders and long-term missing persons cases in New South Wales between 1965 and 2010. Listen to the podcast ‘Where is Katie Walker’ here If you,  or anyone else you know, needs support help is available.You can reach Lifeline Australia 24/7 for free, confidential crisis support by phone, text, or online chat.Call: 13 11 14 (24/7, anonymous)Text: 0477 13 11 14 (24/7, confidential SMS support)Online Chat: Start a session on the Lifeline Crisis Chat page See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

15. Searching For Elaine: Does A Sinister Arcade Hold The Clue?

16 min

Could dark secrets at a games arcade in 1980’s Cronulla hold the key to solving this cold case? This episode, journalist Kate Kachor joins Tim and Xanthe to discuss her investigation into the 1980 disappearances of Sydney teenagers Elaine Johnson and Kerry Ann Joel.  Kate’s podcast Out From the Cold: Searching For Elaine, has unearthed vital new leads, including a mysterious white car sighting and harrowing witness testimony regarding a sinister local arcade.She exposes major flaws in the original police investigation, including mismanaged and allegedly lost missing person files. Plus why two friends who vanished on the very same day were treated as separate investigations.Despite 46 years having passed, she believes a growing groundswell of public awareness and new witness accounts could finally bring long-overdue answers to the grieving families. Listen to the podcast Out From the Cold: Searching For Elaine. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

49,000 Reports| Who Is Looking For Australia's Missing

28 min

What happens behind the scenes when someone disappears? In this episode, Tim and Xanthe sit down with AFP Commander Joanne Cameron to discuss how Australia tackles some 49,000 missing persons reports every year.  The conversation dives deep into high-risk demographics, the impact of ambiguous loss on families and why going missing is often the "canary in the coal mine" for deeper vulnerabilities. This year marks 20 years of the National Missing Persons Coordination Centre and  Commander Cameron details how modern tools like forensic facial age progression are breathing new life into long-term cold cases. Plus, why every clue matters and how a unified community response is crucial to bringing the missing home. Find out more about the NMPCC here. If you have any information about a missing person, or crime, You can contact Crime Stoppers Australia anonymously by calling the national hotline at 1800 333 000 or by submitting a report online via Crime Stoppers Australia.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

14. Two Teenage Girls Vanished: A Sister’s 46-Year Search For Answers

22 min

It’s been 46 years since 16-year-old Elaine Johnson vanished alongside her friend Kerry-Ann Joel. But Elaine’s little sister, Helen Cooper, refuses to let her become a forgotten statistic. Her relentless search for answers has taken her to local brothels, into confrontations with bikies and chasing down a mysterious 42-page letter claiming to contain a deathbed confession. In this episode, Helen sits down with Tim and Xanthe after giving evidence at the final 2026 hearing of the NSW Parliamentary Inquiry into unsolved murders and long-term missing persons. She told the committee of decades of baffling police failures - from initially treating the girls as runaways to allegedly failing to link their disappearances for 20 years. Despite repeated requests for a reward denied, Helen refuses to give up, and has been pursuing answers and leads through the podcast: ‘Out From The Cold: Searching For Elaine’. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You Asked, We Answered: Serial Killers, Psychopaths & Bizarre Murder Methods

31 min

In our first ever Q & A episode Tim and Xanthe are answering your questions about the inside world of true crime, forensics and criminal psychology.From the top personality traits of psychopaths, to why most serial killers are men, to the psychology behind mothers who murder. In this very special episode learn more about your favourite true crime hosts and the cases that have stuck with them.GOT A QUESTION FOR US? Drop your questions in the comments below or message us on Instagram for a chance to have them answered on our next Q&A episode!  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How To Rob A Bank: The Thief & The Agent Who Caught Him

54 min

They were on opposite sides of the law -  one robbing banks, the other hunting him.  In this extraordinary interview, bank robber Steven Meyers and former FBI agent Shawn Johnson sit down with Tim & Xanthe to share their side of the case and the chase. In 1990s Seattle, Meyers was part of a crew that pulled off 19 bank heists alongside the elusive mastermind known as “Hollywood”. Johnson spent four years tracking them, analysing their every move and eventually setting a trap that would bring the crime spree to a violent end.  This episode, the two men reveal the inside story of the robberies, the FBI chase and the shocking final heist. Their high-stakes game of cat and mouse has been retold in the Netflix documentary How to Rob a Bank. Find Steven Meyers’ book ‘The Treehouse’ here See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Did An Innocent Man Hang? The Execution Australia Tried to Stop

31 min

Was an innocent man sent to the gallows in Australia’s most infamous - and final - execution?On February 3, 1967, Ronald Ryan was hanged for the murder of a prison guard during a chaotic escape from Melbourne’s Pentridge Prison - an execution that shocked the nation and would ultimately help bring an end to capital punishment across Australia. Just over a year earlier, Ryan had escaped Pentridge, triggering a 19-day manhunt. After his capture, he was convicted of murder and sentenced to death, despite conflicting evidence surrounding the fatal shooting. When the countdown to the gallows began, Premier Henry Bolte refused to grant clemency, igniting a wave of outrage across the country - newspapers campaigned against the execution and protesters filled the streets. But Ronald Ryan was hanged and his death helped fuel the movement that would ultimately see capital punishment abolished across Australia. More than 50 years later, the question remains: was Ronald Ryan guilty of murder - or did Australia execute an innocent man? Follow us on YouTube Crime Central Australia HERE. Follow us on Instagram HERE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

13. Nadine Haag: The Note That Said 'He Did It' 

20 min

Her death was ruled a suicide. But was crucial evidence missed that could point to foul play?When Nadine Haag was found dead in her Sydney apartment in 2009, police immediately treated her death as suicide. But her family refused to accept it and began their own investigation, uncovering evidence they say police had missed, including the words “He did it”. Four years later, a Coroner overturned the police ruling - handing down an open finding.Now, Nadine’s sister Tasia Haag is using her experience to support other families and push for change. She joins us after giving evidence to the NSW Parliamentary Inquiry into unsolved missing and murdered cases and explains why she believes too many families are still left fighting for answers. If you or anyone you know needs help, support is available:Lifeline -  13 11 14 or text 0477 13 11 14DV Connect Womensline - 1800 811 811Beyond Blue - 1300 224 6361800 RESPECT -  1800 737 732  or text 0458 737 732If you are concerned for your safety or the safety of others, seek immediate assistance by calling Triple Zero (000) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fatal Sex Trend: Teens Learning From Porn & Social Media

23 min

Australia is seeing a disturbing trend of teenagers engaging in extremely dangerous, and potentially fatal, sexual acts. After a 16-year-old girl reportedly died during a suspected sexual strangulation act, experts are warning how mainstream these practices have become. Research shows more than 50% of young Australians under 35 have engaged in the dangerous sexual practice of strangulation. In this episode Tim and Xanthe investigate how social media and pornography are shaping views of risky sex among teens, and ask who is ultimately responsible for addressing misogyny, consent and youth safety.Follow us on YouTube Crime Central Australia HERE. Follow us on Instagram HERE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

12. The Case of Janine Vaughan: A Red Car, CCTV Clues & The Lost Evidence

30 min

After 25 years, could forensic experts uncover new leads from the final clue in this case?In December 2001, Janine Vaughan was seen on CCTV getting into a red car outside a Bathurst nightclub - then she vanished. In this episode, her brother Adam and sister Kylie reveal how missed witnesses, unexamined evidence and the destruction of a blood-and-hair-covered knife may have cost investigators crucial answers. After speaking at the Parliamentary Inquiry into unsolved cases in NSW, they sat down with Tim & Xanthe to share what it’s been like to investigate their own sister’s disappearance for almost 25 years. Plus, what it means to have the police finally agree to hand over crucial CCTV evidence for advanced analysis. With a million-dollar reward still on the table, Janine’s family is asking the police to give anyone who comes forward with answers immunity from prosecution. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

11. Ivan Milat's Accomplice & Questions Of Lost Files

29 min

Did Ivan Milat really act alone? And could lost documents link him to unsolved murders?The Crown prosecutor who put Ivan Milat behind bars believes the notorious serial killer may have had help with some of the murders. This episode, Tim and Xanthe take you inside the latest NSW parliamentary hearing into unsolved murders and missing persons where crucial questions were asked, and answered. The hearing revisited two unsolved cases - Peter Letcher and Dianne Pennacchio -  with questions raised over whether a missing brief of evidence could contain a link to Milat. And the head of the state’s Homicide Squad concedes, with 400 boxes of archived evidence, there could be more answers buried in the files. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lindsay Clancy: A Hung Jury In The Case That Gripped The World

34 min

She killed her three children. But was she in control of what she was doing?The Lindsay Clancy case has gripped the world - a mother accused of killing her three young children, and a trial that ended in a dramatic hung jury after weeks of conflicting evidence about postpartum psychosis, medication and criminal responsibility. In this episode, emergency physician and trauma expert Dr Josh McConkey takes us inside the medical evidence, examining what we know about Clancy’s mental state, the medications she was prescribed, the injuries to the children and the question of whether psychosis can coexist with planning and intent. We explore the warning signs families and clinicians may miss, how quickly postpartum psychosis can develop and where the line lies between documented medical evidence and speculation. With the charges still standing and a crucial court hearing ahead, what happens next could reignite one of the most closely watched criminal cases in the world. Watch the full video episode on YouTube at Crime Central Australia HERE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Murders Of Karlie & Khandalyce

32 min

Two unidentified bodies were found years apart and thousands of kilometres away from eachother- Then came the chilling discovery that they were a mother and her young daughter. When the remains of a young woman were discovered in the notorious Belanglo State Forest, no one knew who she was. Her identity remained a mystery for five years, until the horrific discovery of a toddler's body on the side of a highway, and the heartbreaking truth they were mother and daughter. This episode, Xanthe takes us through why Karlie Pearce-Stevenson and her daughter Khandalyce were never reported missing - and how they were finally identified. Plus the depraved actions of the man who killed them - and his calculated deception designed to convince family and police they were still alive.  Watch the full video episode on Youtube at Crime Central Australia HERE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Forgery & Foul Play: Who Killed Les Ball?

37 min

Leslie Ball didn't just disappear, someone went to extraordinary lengths to erase him.But a trail of forged signatures, fraud and burnt evidence couldn't keep this 33-year-old cold case buried forever.In this episode Xanthe and Tim are joined by News.com.au investigative reporter Jo Townsend to untangle the mysterious 1993 disappearance of 71-year-old Leslie Ball. Townsend details her deep dive into her podcast Witness: Perfect Alibi, exposing how an ex-cop's web of fake documents and fabricated timelines obscured the reality of Ball's murder. Together, they explore the dark financial motives, the devastating emotional impact on Ball's daughter Le-Chelle and the haunting theory of where his remains may be hidden.   Learn more about the investigation here at news.com.auOr Listen to 'Witness: Perfect Alibi' on Spotify or Apple Podcasts Watch our full video episodes on YouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mr Rent-A-Kill: The Underworld Hitman Who Disappeared

38 min

For years, Christopher Flannery AKA 'Mr Rent-a-Kill' was the man Australian mobsters hired to make people disappear - until he became a target and vanished into thin air himself.In 1985, after becoming a volatile liability who simply knew too much about corrupt police and syndicate bosses, the feared assassin vanished without a trace. In this episode, Tim and Xanthe sit down with former detective and author Duncan McNab to unravel Flannery's violent trajectory from a troubled youth in Melbourne to the high-stakes underworld of Sydney. Together, they examine the infamous hit on police officer Mick Drury, his shady links to notorious corrupt cop Roger Rogerson and the lingering theories behind Australia's most enduring underworld disappearance. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

‘Falsely Convicted’ with Neil Mercer: True Stories of Injustice in Australia

48 min

From unvetted science to coerced confessions, catastrophic failures in Australia's justice system have stolen decades from innocent people for crimes they didn't commit. In this episode Xanthe and Tim sit down with Walkley Award-winning investigative journalist Neil Mercer to discuss his new book, Falsely Convicted. Mercer details how the Australian criminal justice system has catastrophically failed innocent people through police misconduct, prosecutorial oversights and unvetted expert testimony.Their conversation highlights heartbreaking real-world cases, including a former teacher jailed on biologically impossible abuse claims and a man who served 20 years for murder based on the testimony of an unqualified pathologist. They also examine the tragic case of Gene Gibson - a cognitively impaired Indigenous man coerced into a confession without an interpreter - underscoring the immense barriers vulnerable suspects face. Neil Mercer gives a sobering insight into the devastating personal toll of wrongful convictions and the extraordinary effort required to overturn them.  For more information on ‘Falsely Convicted’ visit allenandunwin.com Watch the full video episode on Youtube at Crime Central Australia HERE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Port Arthur: The Massacre That Changed Australia

37 min

The Port Arthur massacre remains the deadliest mass shooting in Australian history - a tragedy that shattered lives and transformed the country’s gun laws.On a quiet Sunday afternoon in April 1996, 35 people were killed and dozens more wounded when a gunman opened fire at the tourist site and continued on an hours-long deadly rampage. In this episode, Tim and Xanthe discuss how the events of that tragic day played out and the lasting legacy and impact of the massacre. They also delve into the life of the shooter, exploring his troubled upbringing, his bizarre relationship with a wealthy heiress, and the complex psychological questions that continue to surround one of Australia’s most infamous killers. For more information on ‘The Alannah & Madeline Foundation’ mentioned in this episode - click here.  Watch the full video episode on Youtube at Crime Central Australia HERE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Terror In The Outback: Can Peter Falconio’s Body Be Found?

36 min

On a remote highway Peter Falconio vanished forever - His murder became every outback travellers worst nightmare.25 years after one of Australia’s most infamous murders, the case is back in the spotlight with the release of never-before-seen police footage and investigation photos. In this episode, Xanthe and Tim retrace the events of that terrifying night and discuss the forensic evidence that secured Bradley John Murdoch’s conviction without a body. Plus, the psychology behind Joanne Lees’ remarkable survival and discuss the enduring mystery of what happened to Peter Falconio’s remains. Over the decades there has been widespread speculation, and many theories, surrounding what happened to Peter Falconio’s body. Did the truth die with the only man who has the answer? If you have information, you can contact Crime Stoppers anonymously across Australia by calling 1800 333 000 or submitting a report online via Crime Stoppers Australia.  Watch the full video episode on Youtube at Crime Central Australia HERE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

10. Painful Patterns: Inside The Grafton Hearing with Tim & Xanthe

29 min

At the second hearing of the NSW Parliamentary Inquiry into unsolved missing and murdered cases, Tim and Xanthe examine three more cases that expose troubling similarities in the experiences of families searching for answers. They discuss the unsolved murder of 16-year-old Lee Ellen Stace, the disappearance of Kylee-Ann Schaffer and the long-running mystery of Bronwyn Winfield, whose case has become one of Australia’s most high-profile missing persons investigations. Through the powerful evidence given by family members in Grafton, they explore recurring concerns about delayed investigations, poor police communication and a lack of resources.Although the cases are unrelated, the testimony reveals strikingly similar systemic failures that have shaped these investigations for decades. As the inquiry continues, Tim and Xanthe examine what these families hope must change to ensure others are not left waiting generations for answers.  You can read the full submissions from the family and friends who spoke at the hearings HERE If you or anyone else you know needs support please reach out for help:Lifeline: 13 11 14 (24/7) or text 0477 13 11 14Mental Health Line: 1800 011 5111800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

9. Andrew Inglis: The First Love Who Never Came Home

25 min

A teenager climbed into his red Datsun and drove off into the rain on Boxing Day 1985. He was never seen again.Nearly 40 years later, what happened to 18-year-old Andrew Inglis remains a mystery. In this episode, Tim and Xanthe are joined by Andrew’s then-girlfriend, Joanne Greensill, who shares the heartbreak of losing her first love. Although she doesn't believe he met with foul play, his disappearance has haunted her for decades and she believes critical opportunities to find answers were missed. After giving evidence to the NSW Parliamentary Inquiry into unsolved murders and missing persons, Joanne is hoping her story will help change how other missing persons cases are handled. Anyone with information about Andrew's disappearance is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au Watch the full video episode on Youtube at Crime Central Australia HERE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Thailand Suitcase Murder: An Australian Charged

25 min

A 17-year-old disappeared in Thailand after meeting an Australian man. Less than a day later her body was found inside a suitcase abandoned near railway tracks. In this episode Tim and Xanthe examine the evidence authorities allege they have against Australian man Simon Peter Carman, and how they say they tracked him through an extensive network of CCTV. Carman denies intentionally killing the teenager - Thanchanok Donhomla - claiming he acted in self-defence, and could face the death penalty if convicted under Thai law. You can read the Sydney Morning Herald article about Thanchanok Donhomla and her family, mentioned in this episode HERE Watch the full video episode on Youtube at Crime Central Australia HERE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

8. Narelle Cox: If Not Milat, Then Who?

27 min

Could an anonymous truck driver hold the key to solving this 50-year-old cold case?In this episode Tim & Xanthe sit down with Karen Cox, the sister of Narelle Cox, who vanished in 1977 while hitchhiking from Grafton to Noosa. She was just 21 years old and left a note saying she was visiting a friend for the weekend, but she never arrived and she never came home. Karen shares the devastating impact of Narelle’s disappearance, the police decisions they believe cost valuable time and the lost leads that have haunted them for nearly 50 years. Plus, why possible links to Ivan Milat, or another convicted killer, continue to raise troubling questions. Anyone with information about Narelle’s disappearance is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au Watch the full video episode on Youtube at Crime Central Australia HERE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

7. Marion Barter Pt. 2 - The Citizen Sleuth Who Found What Police Missed

34 min

No badge, no warrant and no official powers - yet she uncovered vital evidence in the search for missing schoolteacher Marion Barter.In this episode, we speak with citizen sleuth and social worker Joni Condos, whose relentless research from her own living room uncovered crucial evidence in the mysterious disappearance of Marion Barter. Joni reveals how she traced hidden identities, unearthed forgotten records and pieced together key movements that helped reshape the coronial inquest into one of Australia’s most baffling missing persons cases.She also shares why she believes collaboration between police and skilled civilian researchers could be the key to solving more cold cases. Watch the full video episode on Youtube at Crime Central Australia HERE. Anyone with information about Marion’s disappearance is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au For more information, follow the links below:The Lady Vanishes podcastThe Missing Matter podcastThe Green Seat Project   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

6. The Mysterious Disappearance of Marion Barter

30 min

She secretly changed her name. Hundreds of thousands of dollars disappeared from her bank account. A convicted conman was questioned for days at a coronial inquest, yet nearly three decades later, no one knows what happened to Marion Barter.In this episode, Tim & Xanthe are joined by Marion’s daughter Sally Leydon. She reveals the extraordinary twists in her mother’s disappearance, the police failures that left the case largely uninvestigated for years and the new leads that continue to emerge. Sally also reflects on her appearance before the NSW Parliamentary Inquiry into unsolved cases, where she’s fighting for reforms to ensure other families don’t endure the same devastating search for answers. Watch the full video episode on Youtube at Crime Central Australia HERE. Anyone with information about Marion’s disappearance is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au For more information, follow the links below.The Lady Vanishes podcastThe Missing Matter podcastThe Green Seat Project See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chopper Read: Australia’s ‘Celebrity’ Criminal

29 min

How a notorious criminal became a pop culture legend.Tim & Xanthe unpack the violent life and complicated mythology of Mark Brandon ‘Chopper’ Read -  the underworld figure immortalised in film, television, and true crime folklore. From prison violence and gangland crime to media fame and the cult success of 'Chopper', we examine how a brutal criminal transformed himself into an Australian icon. But beneath the stories, one-liners and legend lies a darker question: why are societies so fascinated by violent men like Chopper Read? Watch the full video episode on Youtube at Crime Central Australia HERE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Family Vanished: The 'Nannup Cult' Mystery

41 min

In 2007, four people vanished from a remote town in Western Australia - leaving behind an abandoned home, a cryptic note and a trail of unanswered questions. At the centre of the mystery was a self-styled spiritual leader, who had built an online doomsday cult. Over the past 20 years, as desperate family, police and coroners examined theories ranging from suicide pacts to staged disappearances, the truth behind the so-called “Nannup Four” only became more disturbing.In this episode, ABC journalist Dominique Bayens - behind the investigative podcast ‘Expanse: The Nannup Four’ -  joins Tim and Xanthe to examine this mystery, and discuss the disturbing psychology behind what has become one of Australia’s strangest and most unsettling cult cold cases. You can listen to the whole series by Dominique Bayens here: “Expanse: The Nannup Four” Watch our full video episodes on Youtube on the Crime Central Australia channel. Follow us on Instagram @Motive&Method See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bonus: Behind The Scenes With MP Jeremy Buckingham

30 min

In this bonus episode, Tim and Xanthe sit down with MP Jeremy Buckingham, the driving force behind the parliamentary inquiry examining some of Australia’s most notorious unsolved murders and missing persons cases. Buckingham reveals what sparked his decade-long push for answers, the systemic failures families say have left them abandoned and why he believes these cases deserve fresh scrutiny. He also explains what changes could come from the inquiry - and why families believe this may be their best chance yet at answers and accountability. More episodes of Australia's Killer Secrets coming soon... See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

5. Cheryl Grimmer: A Confession Ignored- A Child Killer Never Caught

29 min

A three-year-old disappears. A teenager confesses. Yet more than five decades later, Cheryl Grimmer’s family is still fighting for justice.Cheryl Grimmer vanished from a beach change room in 1970, and despite a detailed confession decades later, no one has ever been held accountable for her murder. In this powerful interview, Cheryl’s brothers, Paul Grimmer and Ricki Nash, share the devastating impact her disappearance has had on their family and their decades-long fight for justice. They raise troubling questions about missed investigative opportunities, a confession that was ultimately ruled inadmissible, and why they believe authorities failed to properly pursue Cheryl’s case. More than 50 years on, they continue to demand answers and the chance for their little sister to finally have her day in court. More episodes of Australia's Killer Secrets coming soon... See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

4. Keren Rowland: Was She Ivan Milat's First Victim?

32 min

What if Ivan Milat’s first victim was killed more than two decades before the backpacker murders?Keren Rowland was 5 months pregnant when she was brutally murdered and hidden in a pine forest in 1971. In this episode, Tim & Xanthe sit down with Keren's brother Steve Rowland and former UK detective Hugh Hughes.They detail years of fighting for answers, alleging police ignored crucial leads, withheld information and failed to properly investigate Milat despite mounting evidence linking him to Keren’s murder. More than 55 years on, the family is still asking the question that haunts this case: if police had done more back then, could Ivan Milat have been stopped before his backpacker killing spree began? More episodes of Australia's Killer Secrets coming soon...     See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

3. Kevin Docherty: 47 Years Searching For Answers

27 min

A twin brother's 47-year fight for answers, suspicious letters and a new witness who may hold the key to where Kay Docherty is buried.In this episode, Kevin Docherty shares the heartbreaking story of his sister Kay Docherty, who vanished alongside her friend Toni Cavanagh in 1979. Nearly five decades on, Kevin recalls the night they disappeared, the suspicious letters sent to their families days later, and the long fight for answers after police initially treated the case as a runaway. He also reveals new information from a recently emerged witness that may not only point to Ivan Milat, but to a potential burial site that has never been searched. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2. Ivan Milat's 11 Other Victims?

22 min

Families demand answers - police under scrutiny - and a revelation that could reshape the Milat case.At the first hearing into dozens of Australia’s unsolved murders and missing persons cases, police revealed a previously unheard list of potential additional victims linked to Ivan Milat. In this episode, forensic scientist and criminologist Dr Xanthe Weston and criminal psychologist Tim Watson-Munro take you inside the landmark parliamentary inquiry in Bowral, NSW. They unpack the heartwrenching testimony from families still searching for answers, and their sharp criticism of police. Plus, the expert evidence they presented to the inquiry about Ivan Milat’s motives, methods and the murders they believe he may have gotten away with. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

1. Australia's Killer Secrets: Milat, Murders & Missing

28 min

What if the full story behind Australia's most notorious serial killer Ivan Milat has never been told?In episode one of this special series of Motive&Method, forensic scientist Dr Xanthe Weston and criminal psychologist Tim Watson-Munro break down the unsolved missing & murdered cases being re-examined in a landmark parliamentary inquiry.Tim & Xanthe have been working for years, alongside family members, on many of these cases. Now they're being called to give their expert submissions, highlighting the evidence and potential links in some of the investigations.  In Australia's Killer Secrets, Tim & Xanthe are taking you inside the hearings to explore the evidence -  talking to family, police and politicians - in this new search for answers in some of Australia's most enduring mysteries.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Introducing: Australia's Killer Secrets

1 min

What if the full story behind Australia's most notorious serial killer Ivan Milat has never been told? And what if more recent cases point to a copycat killer - or worse?In this special series of Motive&Method, forensic scientist Dr Xanthe Weston and criminal psychologist Tim Watson-Munro take you inside a landmark parliamentary inquiry examining dozens of unsolved murders and disappearances.From new evidence to long-overlooked links, Australia’s Killer Secrets explores the mysteries that continue to haunt a nation. Series launches Wednesday June 10.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is There A Byron Bay Serial Killer?

34 min

Mysterious disappearances, unsolved deaths & terrifying stories - Is a killer stalking Byron Bay? And could there be more than one?In 2019, 18-year-old Belgian backpacker Theo Hayez vanished after a night out in Byron Bay and was never seen again. Since then, the disturbing death of Jackson Stacker and the mysterious cases of Hugo Palmer and Erwan Ferrieux, among others, have become part of a chilling theory that a serial killer may be stalking northern New South Wales. As social media speculation collides with real police investigations, stories of alleged close calls and suspicious encounters continue to emerge. Are these tragedies connected - or has internet-fuelled fear created a modern Australian myth? In this episode, Tim & Xanthe separate fact from speculation and explore the stories that continue to terrify locals and travellers alike.  Watch our full video episodes on Youtube on the Crime Central Australia channel. Follow us on Instagram @Motive&Method See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Horrific Crime In Campbelltown: Australia's DV Crisis

27 min

A mother & two young boys killed allegedly at the hands of their father - This tradegy has once again left an entire country asking how this keeps happening. The alleged murders in Campbelltown, Sydney have been described as among the most confronting domestic violence scenes seasoned investigators have encountered. Police allege the accused may have been inspired by another shocking family killing in Perth.In this episode, Tim & Xanthe unpack the allegations while examining the broader national crisis of domestic violence in Australia. Why do these tragedies keep happening - and what will it take for meaningful change? Click here for the petition calling for Royal Commission into the Killing of Australian Women and Girls 1800RESPECTCall: 1800 737 732Text: 0458 737 7321800respect.org.au/Lifeline Call: 13 11 14Text: 0477 13 11 14lifeline.org.au/ MensLine AustraliaCall: 1300 78 99 78 Kids HelplineCall: 1800 55 180024/7 support via phone and kidshelpline.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Youth Crime & 'Crimefluencing': Clicks, Clout & Coercion

30 min

Crimes for clicks, shares and online status - In this episode, Tim and Xanthe unpack the  dangerous new phenomenon “crimefluencing”. Australia’s top cop recently highlighted this “new and disturbing front in traditional gender-based violence” - with young people being drawn into online networks that encourage everything from petty offending to serious violence and exploitation. From livestreamed assaults to the coercion of vulnerable teenage girls, this episode explores how social media has gamified criminal behaviour. WATCH OUR FULL VIDEO EPISODES ON YOUTUBE AT 'CRIME CENTRAL AUSTRALIA'. Follow us on Instagram @Motive&Method See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Breakthrough: Body Found In Search for Jayden Penno-Tompsett

26 min

In December 2017, two young men took off on a drug-fuelled roadtrip to spend New Year's Eve in Cairns. One made it to the party - the other was never seen again. Now a shocking development could see this case finally solved. In the final episode of this special series for Outback Murder Highway, investigative journalist Amelia Oberhardt dissects the mysterious disappearance of 22-year-old Jayden Penno-Tompsett who vanished in a tiny town off the Flinders Highway. The coroner ruled out foul play - but Jayden’s mum isn’t convinced and hired a private investigator to find new evidence.  You can watch the Outback Murder Highway TV documentary series 8.30pm Wednesday on Channel 9  from April 22 to May 13.Or watch anytime here - on 9Now. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Wrong Man? Who Killed Leanne Holland

37 min

More than three decades after 12-year-old Leanne Holland was murdered in Ipswich, her case remains one of Australia’s most controversial unsolved killings. In this episode, Tim and Xanthe speak with former police officer turned private investigator Graeme Crowley, whose relentless investigation helped trigger a new coronial inquiry into the case. They unpack the disappearance and murder of Leanne, the quashed conviction of her sister’s boyfriend Graham Stafford and the unanswered questions that have haunted the case for 35 years.  Graeme reveals the new witness sightings, alternative suspects and investigative findings he believes could finally lead to the truth. As authorities prepare to re-examine the evidence once again, this episode explores how one of Queensland’s most contested murder cases is far from over. You can listen to Graeme's podcast 'Who Killed Leanne Holland' here. WATCH OUR FULL VIDEO EPISODES ON YOUTUBE HERE: 'CRIME CENTRAL AUSTRALIA'. Follow us on Instagram @Motive&Method See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bonus: Mark Jones [Extended Interview]

42 min

Mark Jones’ little brother Tony was hitchhiking to meet their other brother in 1982 when he made a final phone call back home & was never heard from again. In this extended interview from the documentary series Outback Murder Highway, Mark shares his disappointment in the police investigation. He is confident someone has more information about what happened to his brother, and is hopeful they’ll come forward and give his family answers after four decades of searching.  This interview was conducted by Jo Townsend for the television series Outback Murder Highway - On Channel 9 at 8.30pm on Wednesday nights - from April 22 to May 13.Or watch anytime here - on 9Now.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Outback Murder Highway: The Disappearance Of Tony Jones

26 min

In the early '80s a young hitchhiker vanished off the Flinders Highway - despite a mysterious tip-off in the mail, a killer’s confession, and growing rumours around one outback town, the truth remains hidden.  In this third episode for Outback Murder Highway, Tim, Xanthe and investigative journalist Amelia Oberhardt unpack the unsolved disappearance of 20-year-old Tony Jones who was on his way to meet his brother in Mt Isa but never arrived.  You can watch the Outback Murder Highway TV documentary series 8.30pm Wednesday on Channel 9  from April 22 to May 13.Or watch anytime here - on 9Now. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bonus: John Twaddle [Extended Interview]

17 min

John Twaddle thought he knew who murdered his brother Gordon, but the person he had suspected has been ruled out by police on multiple occasions. Almost 50 years after Gordon was found dead off Queensland’s Flinders Highway, alongside his girlfriend Karen and mate Tim, their families are no closer to the truth.  In this extended interview from the documentary series Outback Murder Highway, John shares what it was like to return home to New Zealand without answers, and spend decades waiting for a breakthrough. This interview was conducted by Callum Denness for the television series Outback Murder Highway - On Channel 9 at 8.30pm on Wednesday nights - from April 22 to May 13.Or watch anytime here - on 9Now. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Outback Murder Highway: Triple Murder At Spear Creek

24 min

In October 1978 three bodies are found at Spear Creek in remote outback Queensland - each has a single rifle shot to the head. Decades later a prime suspect is ruled out but did witnesses identify another man? In this special episode for Outback Murder Highway, Tim and Xanthe are joined again by investigative journalist Amelia Oberhardt to unpack the documentary investigation into the unsolved murders of Karen Edwards, Tim Thomson and Gordon Twaddle.  You can watch the Outback Murder Highway TV documentary series 8.30pm Wednesday on Channel 9  from April 22 to May 13.Or watch anytime here - on 9Now. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bonus: David Cunningham [Extended Interview]

24 min

For over fifty years, David Cunningham has been searching for the truth about his sister Anita, who vanished while hitchhiking Queensland’s notorious Flinders Highway in 1972. While her friend Robin was tragically found murdered, Anita’s fate remains one of the Outback's most enduring and haunting mysteries. In this powerful, extended interview from the documentary series Outback Murder Highway, David shares the grueling reality of a half-century search for justice. From the initial desperate weeks to the sudden breakthrough of new witnesses, he explores the theories, the suspects and his hope that someone who knows something will come forward. This interview was conducted by Jo Townsend for the television series Outback Murder Highway - On Channel 9 at 8.30pm on Wednesday nights - from April 22 to May 13.Or watch anytime here - on 9Now.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Outback Murder Highway: The Sensible Creek Killings

31 min

Two 18-year-old girls disappeared on the Flinders Highway in 1972. One was found murdered, the other has never been found. In this first episode of our special series for Outback Murder Highway, Tim & Xanthe are joined by investigative journalist Amelia Oberhardt to dissect the unsolved case of Anita Cunningham and Robin Hoinville-Bartram. Could police have missed crucial evidence all those years ago that could prove  they were victims of one of Australia's most notorious serial killers? You can watch the Outback Murder Highway TV documentary series 8.30pm Wednesday on Channel 9  from April 22 to May 13.Or watch anytime here - on 9Now. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Introducing: Outback Murder Highway

2 min

One Australian highway - 11 people dead or missingIn this special series, criminal psychologist Tim Watson-Munro and forensic criminologist, Dr Xanthe Weston are unpacking four major cases under investigation in the exclusive new television documentary series Outback Murder Highway. In each episode, Tim & Xanthe are joined by investigative journalist Amelia Oberhardt to dissect the history of these unsolved cases along Australia's notorious Flinders Highway, and the new developments revealed in the documentary series. Plus, we'll be releasing bonus extended interviews from the documentary series. Launching April 23.  Watch Outback Murder Highway every Wednesday night from April 22 - May 13 at 8.30pm on Channel 9 or catch up anytime on 9Now.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ted Bundy Bonus Episode: DNA Breakthrough In Serial Killer Case

33 min

Breaking news on notorious serial killer Ted Bundy decades after his execution -  A DNA breakthrough has linked Ted Bundy to another cold case murder, proving his story may not be as closed as once believed. In this bonus episode, Xanthe and Tim unpack the breakthrough and what it reveals about the enduring power of forensic science. Also, how rapid advances in DNA technology are cracking long-cold cases here in Australia and driving fresh arrests. From infamous killers to unknown offenders, this episode explores how science is reshaping investigations and what secrets might still be waiting to surface. You can watch our full video episodes on Youtube - click here! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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