Case 209
Urban Höglin & Heidi Paakkonen
When Swedish backpackers Urban Höglin and Heidi Paakkonen went missing during a camping trip around New Zealand’s Coromandel Peninsula, concerns were quickly raised that the newly engaged couple could have fallen victim to foul play. Worries increased once it was discovered that convicted killer, David Tamihere, was on the loose in the area at the time, having jumped bail on a rape charge.
When Tamihere admitted to stealing the couple’s car but denied having anything to do with the couple’s disappearance, investigators struggled to find any physical evidence linking him to Urban and Heidi. With New Zealand’s tourism industry under threat, they would stop at nothing to uncover the truth.
CREDITS
EPISODE:
Research & writing – Elsha McGill
Creative direction – Milly Raso
Narration – Anonymous Host
MUSIC:
‘Flatline intro’ and ‘Come play with me’ intro and outro – www.dl-sounds.com
Audio production – Mike Migas
Scoring – Mike Migas and Andrew Joslyn
OTHER:
Logo and website design – Paulina Szymanska
PREMIUM
Although Casefile episodes are free for all listeners, those who want to support us financially can do so by becoming a member of Patreon, Apple Premium or Spotify Premium. Paid subscribers receive access to exclusive content including behind-the-scenes discussions with the Casefile team, interviews, early releases and ad-free episodes.
RESOURCES
BOOKS
Missing Pieces: Swedish Tourists’ murders – Ian Wishart
VIDEOS
David Tamihere will ask PM Ardern for pardon
ONLINE ARTICLES
Friendships born out of tragedy – New Zealand Herald
Tamihere to be freed today, after 20 years – Stuff
Murderer David Tamihere freed – Stuff
David Tamihere’s neighbours surprised, shocked – Stuff
Witness C perjury trial scrutinizes Sir Paul Holmes prison interview from 1996 – New Zealand Herald
Evidence in double murder trial was ‘all a lie’, court told – Stuff
Revealed: The identity of secret Witness C – 1News
Swedish backpacker killings: Witness C, who lied at David Tamihere’s trial, unmasked as a murderer – New Zealand Herald
Witness C perjury case a ‘stain on the justice system’ – News Hub
Witness B’s suppression revoked in David Tamihere backpacker murder case – New Zealand Herald
David Tahmihere’s backpacker murder convictions will be heard by Court of Appeal again – New Zealand Herald
Convicted murderer David Tamihere says his 30 year quest for justice “rankles” – Stuff
Suspect ‘a bully who went mental’ – NZ Herald
Barrister: Ambitious detectives go too far – NZ Herald
NEWSPAPER ARCHIVES
The murders that may sully the squeaky clean image of New Zealand – Sydney Morning Herald