In the 1980’s in Sydney Australia, Justice David Opas was shot dead outside his home and bombs were exploded at the homes of Justice Richard Gee and Justice Ray Watson. All three were Family Law Court judges.

After these attacks, the Parramatta Family Law Court building was bombed and there was an attempted assassination of Family Law Court solicitor Gary Watts.

What was the connection between those attacks and the shooting murder of 25-year-old surfie Stephen Blanchard and the bombing of a Jehovah’s Witness Kingdom Hall, killing Jehovah’s witness member Graham Wykes, and seriously injuring many other men, women, and children?

For years police worked hard to crack the case known as the Family Court Murders, some of the most serious offences ever committed in Australia. Never before had judges or the courts themselves been under attack.

But despite there best efforts, nobody was charged. A vicious, ruthless killer was free to roam the streets…

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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

MTC program: maketheconnection.net/resources/spread-the-word

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)

CREDITS

EPISODE RESEARCH AND NARRATION:

Episode researched and narrated by Anonymous Host

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 

OTHER:

Logo design by Paulina Szymanska

RESOURCES

BOOK:

The Family Court Murders – by Debi Marshall