Australian True Crime

Task Force Argos is a world renowned branch of the Queensland Police Service, responsible for the investigation of online child exploitation and abuse.Our guests for this episode are Jon Rouse APM and Akhim Dev. Rouse was one of the founding members of the Argos Task Force, and Dev is a documentary film maker, whose film and podcast "The Children in the Pictures" featured the work of the Rouse's team. Next episode will feature Rouse and Dev answering our listeners' questions, but on this episode, we learn more about the most common threats to young people online today.Akhim Dev's documentary "The Children in the Pictures" can be viewed on SBS On Demand. His podcast of the same name is also available wherever you listen to your podcasts.For Support: Lifeline  on 13 11 1413 YARN on 13 92 76 (24/7 crisis support phone line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples)1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732CREDITS:Host: Meshel Laurie. You can find her on Instagram Guests: Jon Rouse APM & Akhim DevExecut

Introducing "Can We Be Real?" - our new podcast that delves deep into the realm of authenticity and vulnerability.Join us as we encourage our listeners to share their most intimate secrets, creating an atmosphere of connection and openness.In this episode, we're thrilled to unveil some of our favourite secrets shared by our incredible listeners so far. Prepare to be moved, entertained, and inspired as we explore the depths of human emotions and experiences.Simply search for "Can We Be Real?" on your favourite podcast app. Make sure to hit that subscribe and follow button, so you never miss an episode. Tune in every Tuesday for the latest episodes as we bring you authentic stories that will leave you pondering long after the episode ends.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/australiantruecrime. Become a subscriber to Australian True Crime Plus here: https://plus.acast.com/s/australiantruecrime. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is a "Just The Facts" episode. It’s a shortened version of this week’s more detailed full episode, which is also available on our feed. During the Great Depression, 32% of working age men were put out of work, with many of them resorting to drunken and violent lifestyles.During this time, there was a significant spike in Australia's murder rate, with many so called "monsters" being birthed from the era.Michael Adams from the "Forgotten Australia" podcast, joins us to tell us the story of one of those "monsters", William Moxley.Michael Adams' new book "The Murder Squad", which covers this case and many others from Australia's great depression, is available on the 25th of July. You can access and read a free extract here.For Support: Lifeline  on 13 11 1413 YARN on 13 92 76 (24/7 crisis support phone line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples)1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732CREDITS:Host: Meshel Laurie. You can find her on Instagram Co-Host: Emily Webb. You can find her on Instagram

During the Great Depression, 32% of working age men were put out of work, with many of them resorting to drunken and violent lifestyles.During this time, there was a significant spike in Australia's murder rate, with many so called "monsters" being birthed from the era.Michael Adams from the "Forgotten Australia" podcast, joins us to tell us the story of one of those "monsters", William Moxley.Michael Adams' new book "The Murder Squad", which covers this case and many others from Australia's great depression, is available on the 25th of July. You can access and read a free extract here.For Support: Lifeline  on 13 11 1413 YARN on 13 92 76 (24/7 crisis support phone line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples)1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732CREDITS:Host: Meshel Laurie. You can find her on Instagram Guests: Michael AdamsExecutive Producer/Editor: Matthew TankardGET IN TOUCH: Send us a question or comment on this episode to be used in our "Episode Download" series: https://www.speakpipe.c

This is a "Just The Facts" 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 a two part series with our anonymous guest. If you haven’t yet listened to our previous episode, we highly suggest you go and listen to that one first.Our guest is a recovering heroin addict, and in our previous episode, we delved into her early childhood years, and the chaos brought into her life at the hands of her mother. Concurrently to that, however, there was something else happening in her life. She and her younger sister, aged 8 and 6, were being groomed and sexually assaulted by their adult neighbour for almost 5 years. In fact, this particular part of her story motivated our guest to reach out to us initially, emphasizing the crucial fact that it's never too late to report abuse.For Support: Lifeline  on 13 11 1413 YARN on 13 92 76 (24/7 crisis support phone line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples)1800

This is part two of a two part series with our anonymous guest. If you haven’t yet listened to our previous episode, we highly suggest you go and listen to that one first.Our guest is a recovering heroin addict, and in our previous episode, we delved into her early childhood years, and the chaos brought into her life at the hands of her mother. Concurrently to that, however, there was something else happening in her life. She and her younger sister, aged 8 and 6, were being groomed and sexually assaulted by their adult neighbour for almost 5 years. In fact, this particular part of her story motivated our guest to reach out to us initially, emphasizing the crucial fact that it's never too late to report abuse.For Support: Lifeline  on 13 11 1413 YARN on 13 92 76 (24/7 crisis support phone line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples)1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732CREDITS:Host: Meshel Laurie. You can find her on Instagram Guests: AnonymousExecutive Producer/Editor: Matthew TankardGE

This is a "Just The Facts" episode. It’s a shortened version of this week’s more detailed full episode, which is also available on our feed. Today's episode is part one of a two part series. Part two will be available this coming Thursday.For reasons that will become apparent, our guest has chosen to remain anonymous.Raised mostly in a single father household alongside her sister, our guest's upbringing was far from ordinary. Her relationship with her turbulent mother added to the complexity of her early years, as her mother's attempts to be involved often resulted in further pain and confusion.Today, our guest is a law abiding citizen, who has had a long career in social work. Her past, however, was anything but. Despite being a smart kid, full of promise and adored by her father and teachers, she found herself developing a severe heroin addiction, and a subsequent lifestyle of crime to support that addiction.For Support: Lifeline  on 13 11 1413 YARN on 13 92 76 (24/7 crisis support phone line

Today's episode is part one of a two part series. Part two will be available this coming Thursday.For reasons that will become apparent, our guest has chosen to remain anonymous.Raised mostly in a single father household alongside her sister, our guest's upbringing was far from ordinary. Her relationship with her turbulent mother added to the complexity of her early years, as her mother's attempts to be involved often resulted in further pain and confusion.Today, our guest is a law abiding citizen, who has had a long career in social work. Her past, however, was anything but. Despite being a smart kid, full of promise and adored by her father and teachers, she found herself developing a severe heroin addiction, and a subsequent lifestyle of crime to support that addiction.For Support: Lifeline  on 13 11 1413 YARN on 13 92 76 (24/7 crisis support phone line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples)1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732CREDITS:Host: Meshel Laurie. You can find her on Instagram Co-Hos

Have you ever wondered if there is a dark side to your neighbour? The cashier at the supermarket? The delivery driver? The person that sleeps beside you?Delving into UK cases that are scarily close to home, They Walk Among Us explores both, lesser-known crimes committed by seemingly ordinary people, along with examining the infamous cases that are splashed across the headlines. The award-winning podcast has been praised by The Guardian, which called the show “a cult hit”; The Financial Times, referred to it as “sharply written”, and The Evening Standard applauded They Walk Among Us and its “expertly understated storytelling".You can listen to They Walk Among Us now on Acast, or anywhere you listen to podcasts.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/australiantruecrime. Become a subscriber to Australian True Crime Plus here: https://plus.acast.com/s/australiantruecrime. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is a "Just The Facts" episode. It’s a shortened version of this week’s more detailed full episode, which is also available on our feed. On the 20th of June, 2009, a heavily pregnant Krystal Fraser, 23 years old, checked herself out of hospital to go to a party in Pyramid Hill. A country town in the far north of Victoria. Krystal was intellectually disabled, and did not have any credit left on her phone to make any calls. One of the last sightings of Krystal that night, was meeting an unknown, well dressed man, who was waiting for her at the Pyramid Hill train station.For a long time, local police did not consider Krystal to be a victim of foul play, and wrongfully believed she was responsible for her own disappearance. Our guest today, Dennis O'Bryan, is a former police investigator, and author of "Last Train Home". A book in which he delves deep into the events and people involved in Krystal's disappearance.More info:Dennis O'Bryan's Last Train Home can be purchased at this link. Also at

On the 20th of June, 2009, a heavily pregnant Krystal Fraser, 23 years old, checked herself out of hospital to go to a party in Pyramid Hill. A country town in the far north of Victoria. Krystal was intellectually disabled, and did not have any credit left on her phone to make any calls. One of the last sightings of Krystal that night, was meeting an unknown, well dressed man, who was waiting for her at the Pyramid Hill train station.For a long time, local police did not consider Krystal to be a victim of foul play, and wrongfully believed she was responsible for her own disappearance. Our guest today, Dennis O'Bryan, is a former police investigator, and author of "Last Train Home". A book in which he delves deep into the events and people involved in Krystal's disappearance.More info:Dennis O'Bryan's Last Train Home can be purchased at this link. Also at Collins booksellers, or via the Help Us Find Krystal Fraser" Facebook groupWe encourage our listeners to join the "Help Us Find Krystal Fraser" Fa

Meshel recently went on Straight Talk with Mark Bouris, and a whole lot of their conversation was about true crime. So what we've done is edit together all of the true crime bits for an extra bonus episode this week. If you want to listen to their full episode, go check out "Straight Talk with Mark Bouris" wherever you get your podcasts.Straight Talk with Mark Bouris episode notes:Meshel Laurie is a name that has become synonymous with intelligence, wit, and compassion. With her unique blend of humour and insight, Meshel has a long career in entertainment.From hosting popular radio shows to captivating audiences on television, she has carved out a niche for herself with her razor-sharp wit and thought-provoking discussions. Meshel discusses the motivating factors that drive her passion for creating meaningful connections and fostering empathy in a world that often feels disconnected.Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube.  You c

This is a "Just The Facts" episode. It’s a shortened version of this week’s more detailed full episode, which is also available on our feed. This is a story about a man and his young son, Brad and Bevin Simmonds, who disappeared out in Cape York 20 years ago.How could an experienced fisherman's boat disappear without a trace in broad daylight? In good weather and calm seas? How could everything on board, all the gear designed to float in case it fell overboard, disappear with it, and never, ever show up or wash ashore?Today we speak to The Cape's producer, Justine A. Rosenthal.More info:The Cape is now available to be watched, streaming exclusively on Stan. If you have any details about this case, you can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or on their websiteFor Support: Lifeline  on 13 11 1413 YARN on 13 92 76 (24/7 crisis support phone line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples)1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732CREDITS:Host: Meshel Laurie. You can find her on Instagram Co-Host: Em

This is a story about a man and his young son, Brad and Bevin Simmonds, who disappeared out in Cape York 20 years ago.How could an experienced fisherman's boat disappear without a trace in broad daylight? In good weather and calm seas? How could everything on board, all the gear designed to float in case it fell overboard, disappear with it, and never, ever show up or wash ashore?Today we speak to The Cape's producer, Justine A. Rosenthal.More info:The Cape is now available to be watched, streaming exclusively on Stan. If you have any details about this case, you can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or on their websiteFor Support: Lifeline  on 13 11 1413 YARN on 13 92 76 (24/7 crisis support phone line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples)1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732CREDITS:Host: Meshel Laurie. You can find her on Instagram Co-Host: Emily Webb. You can find her on Instagram here Guests: Justine A. RosenthalExecutive Producer/Editor: Matthew TankardGET IN TOUCH: Send us

Jim Cosgrove was a journalist until a song he made up for his nieces and nephews called ‘Mr Stinky Feet’ became the hit of the local book fair. He was persuaded to record it and now tours the US as a children’s entertainer. True Story. It’s not the first time Jim’s allowed himself to be swept along by life’s current. During his childhood, a young man from his neighbourhood named Frank McGonigle disappeared without a trace. At various times throughout his life, Jim has been drawn back and retraced Frank’s steps, with various fascinating companions, inching closer and closer to finding out the truth about what happened to him. It’s been 40 years now, and Jim has finally written the book about his life looking for Frank. It’s called ‘Ripple: A Long Strange Search For A Killer’. It really is a strange journey, and a very entertaining one to read about. He joins us to talk about it.If you have been affected by anything discussed in this episode you can contact: Lifeline on 13 11 14 13

This is a "Just The Facts" episode. It’s a shortened version of this week’s more detailed full episode, which is also available on our feed. Many of Australia's systems failed Glen Fisher during his adolescence. Coming from a broken home, Glen had to endure a horrifying stint while in custody of the Daruk Training Center for Boys in Sydney's Penrith. Not being able to return home, Glen was rejected and abandoned to the streets of Kings Cross.Over the past four decades, Glen has tirelessly fought to hold his abusers accountable and shed light on the pervasive issue of institutional abuse that plagued Australia.More info:Glen Fisher's book, Predators Paradise is available to be purchased now.You can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or on their websiteFor Support: Lifeline  on 13 11 1413 YARN on 13 92 76 (24/7 crisis support phone line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples)1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732CREDITS:Host: Meshel Laurie. You can find her on Instagram Co-Host: Emily Webb

Many of Australia's systems failed Glen Fisher during his adolescence. Coming from a broken home, Glen had to endure a horrifying stint while in custody of the Daruk Training Center for Boys in Sydney's Penrith. Not being able to return home, Glen was rejected and abandoned to the streets of Kings Cross.Over the past four decades, Glen has tirelessly fought to hold his abusers accountable and shed light on the pervasive issue of institutional abuse that plagued Australia.More info:Glen Fisher's book, Predators Paradise is available to be purchased now.You can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or on their websiteFor Support: Lifeline  on 13 11 1413 YARN on 13 92 76 (24/7 crisis support phone line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples)1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732CREDITS:Host: Meshel Laurie. You can find her on Instagram Co-Host: Emily Webb. You can find her on Instagram here Guests: Glen FisherExecutive Producer/Editor: Matthew TankardGET IN TOUCH: Send us a question or co

This is a "Just The Facts" episode. It’s a shortened version of this week’s more detailed full episode, which is also available on our feed. In 2018, Ben Roberts-Smith, a decorated Australian war veteran who had won the Victoria Cross for his actions in Afghanistan, sued The Age, The Sydney Morning Herald and The Canberra Times.The above newspapers had alleged that Roberts-Smith committed acts of war crimes, bullying and domestic violence.The civil trial ended in July 2022 after 110 days of evidence and legal submissions. It was dubbed one of the largest and most important defamation cases in Australian history.On June 1st, 2023, Justice Anthony Besanko dismissed Roberts-Smith's case against the media outlets, finding that most of the allegations against him were substantially true.Nick Mckenzie, one of the three journalists directly named in the defamation case, joins us on this episode to reflect on the last five years.More info:Nick Mckenzie has an upcoming book that details what went on behind the sc

In 2018, Ben Roberts-Smith, a decorated Australian war veteran who had won the Victoria Cross for his actions in Afghanistan, sued The Age, The Sydney Morning Herald and The Canberra Times.The above newspapers had alleged that Roberts-Smith committed acts of war crimes, bullying and domestic violence.The civil trial ended in July 2022 after 110 days of evidence and legal submissions. It was dubbed one of the largest and most important defamation cases in Australian history.On June 1st, 2023, Justice Anthony Besanko dismissed Roberts-Smith's case against the media outlets, finding that most of the allegations against him were substantially true.Nick Mckenzie, one of the three journalists directly named in the defamation case, joins us on this episode to reflect on the last five years.More info:Nick Mckenzie has an upcoming book that details what went on behind the scenes of this incredible story. It is titled Crossing The Line, and can be preordered here.For Support: Lifeline  on 13 11 1413 YARN on 1

This is a "Just The Facts" episode. It’s a shortened version of this week’s more detailed full episode, which is also available on our feed. Tony Ryan's sister Marcia disappeared in 1996 after leaving her Melbourne home. Marcia told her family she was going on a road trip with her dog Ziggy to see their parents in Queensland. But as you'll hear from Tony, Marcia's car was found abandoned in the Latrobe Valley in Victoria with no sign of Marcia or Ziggy. Tony's been relentless in trying to find out what happened to Marcia, who was 33 when she vanished.More info:If you have any information in regards to the disappearance of Marcia Ryan, contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or on their websiteThe Ryan family's story is featured in Nicole Morris' book VANISHEDFor Support: Lifeline  on 13 11 1413 YARN on 13 92 76 (24/7 crisis support phone line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples)1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732CREDITS:Host: Meshel Laurie. You can find her on Instagram Co-Host: Emily W