Case 13
The Family Court Murders
Case 13
The Family Court Murders
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…
________
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)
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
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…
______
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)
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
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