Case 113
Brendan Bernard
Case 113
Brendan Bernard
At around midday on Thursday, February 5 2015, two walkers were strolling along the eastern banks of the Maribyrnong River in Moonee Ponds, a suburb 6 kilometres out of Melbourne. They passed the renowned Boathouse Restaurant, owned by celebrity chef Gary Mehigan, which was bustling as usual, as was the Anglers Tavern, a riverside pub located a little further downstream on the adjacent shore. The Maribyrnong Park, which flanks the popular eatery, was full of visitors, dog walkers, joggers and children enjoying the warm summer day.
At 1:30 pm, as the pair continued along the palm and gum-tree lined track, they noticed something floating upstream in the murky waters of the river. It was a white plastic grocery bag with something inside. Upon taking a closer look, they immediately contacted police who promptly arrived at the riverbank. Curious patrons of the nearby establishments watched on as officers stood on a wooden jetty and used a pole to fish the bag from the water…
________
Our episodes deal with serious and often distressing incidents. If you feel at anytime you need support, please contact your local crisis centre. Some suggestions for confidential support for men, women and children:
AUSTRALIA:
Lifeline Crisis Support: 13 11 14
Beyond Blue: Depression and anxiety support: 1300 22 46 36
Rape & Domestic Violence Services: 1800 737 732
Men's Line: 1300 78 99 78
Headspace: Youth Mental Health Foundation: see headspace.org.au for your local centre
USA:
Distress & Lifeline: 1800 273 8255
Crisis Text Line: text HOME to 741 741
Domestic Violence Helpline: 1800 799 7233
Victim Connect: support for victims of crime: 855 484 2846
UK:
Mind: mental health support: 0300 123 3393
SANE: mental health support: 0300 304 7000
Samaritans support network: 116 123
National Stalking Helpline: 0808 802 0300
CANADA:
For a list of Canadian crisis centres: https://thelifelinecanada.ca/help/call/
NEW ZEALAND:
Lifeline: 0800 543354
Depression Helpline: 0800 111 757 (Text 4202)
______
If you are hearing impaired or know someone who is and would like to get a transcript of the episode, please email us at contact@casefilepodcast.com
CREDITS
NARRATION:
Episode narrated by the Anonymous Host
EPISODE:
Researched and written by Rick Best
Edited by Milly Raso and Elsha McGill
MUSIC:
‘Flatline intro’ and ‘Come play with me’ intro and outro www.dl-sounds.com
All other music and audio clean up performed by Mike Migas and Andrew Joslyn
OTHER:
Logo design by Paulina Szymanska
RESOURCES
COURT DOCUMENTS:
DPP v Spaliaras [2015]
Hill, Edward v The Queen; Brennan, Matthew v The Queen; Spaliaras, Constantinos George v The Queen [2018]
Hill v The Queen; Brennan v The Queen; Spaliaras v The Queen [2018]
ARTICLES:
Devil tattoo clue in human arm found floating in Maribyrnong River, Moonee Ponds – The Age
Maribyrnong mystery: More remains found, but identity still unknown – The Age
Maribyrnong River remains: person identified as more body parts surface – The Age
Web sleuths quickly link devil tattoo and punk band – The Age
Maribyrnong murder mystery man identified as Brendan Bernard – The Age
Maribyrnong River murder victim Brendan Bernard an ‘itinerant’, estranged from family – The Age
Three charged with murder of Brendan Bernard, whose remains were found in Maribyrnong River – The Age
Trio to stand trial for murder over remains found in Maribyrnong River – The Age
Tattooed arm in river led to men accused of Brendan Bernard’s murder, court told – The Age
Melbourne men admit chopping up drug buddy’s body but deny his murder – The Age
Long jail terms for trio who killed over $60 debt, threw victims’ limbs in river – The Age
Man charged with murder after remains found in Maribyrnong River admitted guilt, court told – The Age
Three guilty over murder of man whose limbs they dumped in the Maribyrnong – The Age
Remains found in Maribyrnong River not that of slain man – The Age
‘Where’s the rest of my son’s body’, dad asks killers who dumped limbs in river – The Age
Police search Maribyrnong River, Moonee Ponds, after human body part found by walkers – Herald Sun
Police appeal for help to identify mystery victim dredged from Maribyrnong River – Herald Sun
Devil tattoo found on limb, linked to Sydney punk band – Herald Sun
Dismembered man with a devil tattoo found in the Maribyrnong River identified as Brendan David Bernard – Herald Sun
Devil-tattooed man found in Maribyrnong likely killed over drugs – Herald Sun
Brendan David Bernard fatally bashed over $60 drug debt: witness – Herald Sun
Trio sentenced for murder, dismemberment of Melbourne man Brendan Bernard – Herald Sun
Distinctive tattoo could hold key to gruesome Melbourne body parts mystery – 9News
Mystery surrounding body parts found in Melbourne river solved with victim finally identified – 9News
Police identify victim whose body parts were dumped in Melbourne river – 9News
Vic body parts murder: key facts – 9News
Three charged over Melbourne body parts – 9News
Woman present at torture, death: Vic court – 9News
Men chopped up body but didn’t kill: court – 9News
Grieving Melbourne dad presses son’s killers – The West Australian
Vic killers jailed but family ‘tormented’ – 9News
Body washed in bath for a week before being chopped up, dumped – Yahoo News
‘Where is the rest of my son’s body?’ Victims family tormented by missing remains – Yahoo News
Body part found floating in Melbourne river – MSN
Human remains found in Melbourne river – MSN
Walkers’ shocking discovery – MSN
Clue in body mystery – MSN
Experts examine Melbourne river remains – MSN
Tattoo to help identify body – MSN
More body parts found in Melbourne’s Maribyrnong river – MSN
Cops warn killer they’re getting closer – MSN
Detectives close in on killer – MSN
Human remains, including arm, found in Maribyrnong River at Moonee Ponds – ABC News
Maribyrnong River search: Tattoo found on floating severed arm could help identify victim – ABC News
Maribyrnong River body parts: Police believe they have identified victim – ABC News
Dismembered body found in Maribyrnong River identified 32yo Brendan Bernard – ABC News
Three charged with murder of man whose remains were found in Maribyrnong River – ABC News
Body parts murder case: Victim tortured before being dismembered to conceal his identity – ABC News
Maribyrnong River ‘body parts’ victim killed over $260 drug debt, Melbourne court hears – ABC News
More human remains found in Melbourne river thought to belong to Brendan David Bernard – ABC News
Man identified after Vic body parts found – SBS
Three in court over Vic river body – SBS
Murder trial over Vic river body parts – SBS
Accused discussed eating body: Vic court – SBS
Guilty verdict over Vic river body parts – SBS News
More body parts found in Melbourne’s Maribyrnong river – Daily Mail
Distinctive tattoo led to the unofficial identification of Melbourne man – Daily Mail
Melbourne man accused of killing his housemate said he stashed his body in the bath – Daily Mail
VIDEOS:
Third body part found in Maribyrnong River – 9News
Press conference Re: body parts in Maribyrnong River
OTHER RESOURCES:
Bernard’s Tattoo origin – DOWNTIME Tooth & Nail reviews
THIS EPISODE’S SPONSORS
Best Fiends – Download Best Fiends for free
Oh My Gut – To get more info about IBS-C
MVMT – Get 15% off your order with FREE shipping and FREE returns
SimpliSafe – Protect your home and your family today. Free shipping, free returns and 60 days risk-free trial
Listen On
At around midday on Thursday, February 5 2015, two walkers were strolling along the eastern banks of the Maribyrnong River in Moonee Ponds, a suburb 6 kilometres out of Melbourne. They passed the renowned Boathouse Restaurant, owned by celebrity chef Gary Mehigan, which was bustling as usual, as was the Anglers Tavern, a riverside pub located a little further downstream on the adjacent shore. The Maribyrnong Park, which flanks the popular eatery, was full of visitors, dog walkers, joggers and children enjoying the warm summer day.
At 1:30 pm, as the pair continued along the palm and gum-tree lined track, they noticed something floating upstream in the murky waters of the river. It was a white plastic grocery bag with something inside. Upon taking a closer look, they immediately contacted police who promptly arrived at the riverbank. Curious patrons of the nearby establishments watched on as officers stood on a wooden jetty and used a pole to fish the bag from the water…
______
Our episodes deal with serious and often distressing incidents. If you feel at anytime you need support, please contact your local crisis centre. Some suggestions for confidential support for men, women and children:
AUSTRALIA:
Lifeline Crisis Support: 13 11 14
Beyond Blue: Depression and anxiety support: 1300 22 46 36
Rape & Domestic Violence Services: 1800 737 732
Men's Line: 1300 78 99 78
Headspace: Youth Mental Health Foundation: see headspace.org.au for your local centre
USA:
Distress & Lifeline: 1800 273 8255
Crisis Text Line: text HOME to 741 741
Domestic Violence Helpline: 1800 799 7233
Victim Connect: support for victims of crime: 855 484 2846
UK:
Mind: mental health support: 0300 123 3393
SANE: mental health support: 0300 304 7000
Samaritans support network: 116 123
National Stalking Helpline: 0808 802 0300
CANADA:
For a list of Canadian crisis centres: https://thelifelinecanada.ca/help/call
NEW ZEALAND:
Lifeline: 0800 543354
Depression Helpline: 0800 111 757 (Text 4202)
______
If you are hearing impaired or know someone who is and would like to get a transcript of the episode, please email us at contact@casefilepodcast.com
CREDITS
NARRATION:
Episode narrated by the Anonymous Host
EPISODE:
Researched and written by Rick Best
Edited by Milly Raso and Elsha McGill
MUSIC:
‘Flatline intro’ and ‘Come play with me’ intro and outro www.dl-sounds.com
All other music and audio clean up performed by Mike Migas and Andrew Joslyn
OTHER:
Logo design by Paulina Szymanska
RESOURCES
COURT DOCUMENTS:
DPP v Spaliaras [2015]
Hill, Edward v The Queen; Brennan, Matthew v The Queen; Spaliaras, Constantinos George v The Queen [2018]
Hill v The Queen; Brennan v The Queen; Spaliaras v The Queen [2018]
ARTICLES:
Devil tattoo clue in human arm found floating in Maribyrnong River, Moonee Ponds – The Age
Maribyrnong mystery: More remains found, but identity still unknown – The Age
Maribyrnong River remains: person identified as more body parts surface – The Age
Web sleuths quickly link devil tattoo and punk band – The Age
Maribyrnong murder mystery man identified as Brendan Bernard – The Age
Maribyrnong River murder victim Brendan Bernard an ‘itinerant’, estranged from family – The Age
Three charged with murder of Brendan Bernard, whose remains were found in Maribyrnong River – The Age
Trio to stand trial for murder over remains found in Maribyrnong River – The Age
Tattooed arm in river led to men accused of Brendan Bernard’s murder, court told – The Age
Melbourne men admit chopping up drug buddy’s body but deny his murder – The Age
Long jail terms for trio who killed over $60 debt, threw victims’ limbs in river – The Age
Man charged with murder after remains found in Maribyrnong River admitted guilt, court told – The Age
Three guilty over murder of man whose limbs they dumped in the Maribyrnong – The Age
Remains found in Maribyrnong River not that of slain man – The Age
‘Where’s the rest of my son’s body’, dad asks killers who dumped limbs in river – The Age
Police search Maribyrnong River, Moonee Ponds, after human body part found by walkers – Herald Sun
Police appeal for help to identify mystery victim dredged from Maribyrnong River – Herald Sun
Devil tattoo found on limb, linked to Sydney punk band – Herald Sun
Dismembered man with a devil tattoo found in the Maribyrnong River identified as Brendan David Bernard – Herald Sun
Devil-tattooed man found in Maribyrnong likely killed over drugs – Herald Sun
Brendan David Bernard fatally bashed over $60 drug debt: witness – Herald Sun
Trio sentenced for murder, dismemberment of Melbourne man Brendan Bernard – Herald Sun
Distinctive tattoo could hold key to gruesome Melbourne body parts mystery – 9News
Mystery surrounding body parts found in Melbourne river solved with victim finally identified – 9News
Police identify victim whose body parts were dumped in Melbourne river – 9News
Vic body parts murder: key facts – 9News
Three charged over Melbourne body parts – 9News
Woman present at torture, death: Vic court – 9News
Men chopped up body but didn’t kill: court – 9News
Grieving Melbourne dad presses son’s killers – The West Australian
Vic killers jailed but family ‘tormented’ – 9News
Body washed in bath for a week before being chopped up, dumped – Yahoo News
‘Where is the rest of my son’s body?’ Victims family tormented by missing remains – Yahoo News
Body part found floating in Melbourne river – MSN
Human remains found in Melbourne river – MSN
Walkers’ shocking discovery – MSN
Clue in body mystery – MSN
Experts examine Melbourne river remains – MSN
Tattoo to help identify body – MSN
More body parts found in Melbourne’s Maribyrnong river – MSN
Cops warn killer they’re getting closer – MSN
Detectives close in on killer – MSN
Human remains, including arm, found in Maribyrnong River at Moonee Ponds – ABC News
Maribyrnong River search: Tattoo found on floating severed arm could help identify victim – ABC News
Maribyrnong River body parts: Police believe they have identified victim – ABC News
Dismembered body found in Maribyrnong River identified 32yo Brendan Bernard – ABC News
Three charged with murder of man whose remains were found in Maribyrnong River – ABC News
Body parts murder case: Victim tortured before being dismembered to conceal his identity – ABC News
Maribyrnong River ‘body parts’ victim killed over $260 drug debt, Melbourne court hears – ABC News
More human remains found in Melbourne river thought to belong to Brendan David Bernard – ABC News
Man identified after Vic body parts found – SBS
Three in court over Vic river body – SBS
Murder trial over Vic river body parts – SBS
Accused discussed eating body: Vic court – SBS
Guilty verdict over Vic river body parts – SBS News
More body parts found in Melbourne’s Maribyrnong river – Daily Mail
Distinctive tattoo led to the unofficial identification of Melbourne man – Daily Mail
Melbourne man accused of killing his housemate said he stashed his body in the bath – Daily Mail
VIDEOS:
Third body part found in Maribyrnong River – 9News
Press conference Re: body parts in Maribyrnong River
OTHER RESOURCES:
Bernard’s Tattoo origin – DOWNTIME Tooth & Nail reviews
THIS EPISODE’S SPONSORS
Best Fiends – Download Best Fiends for free
Oh My Gut – To get more info about IBS-C
MVMT – Get 15% off your order with FREE shipping and FREE returns
SimpliSafe – Protect your home and your family today. Free shipping, free returns and 60 days risk-free trial
CONNECT WITH US