Case 41
Mr Cruel
*** Content Warning: child victims, child sexual assault, serial rapist ***
In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Melbourne was gripped by fear when a masked assailant began breaking into suburban family homes and abducting young children. The attacks were particularly callous, earning the assailant the title of Mr Cruel.
10-year-old Sharon Wills, 13-year-old Nicola Lynas and an unnamed 11-year-old girl were amongst the survivors of Mr Cruel’s prolonged sexual assaults. Mr Cruel also became a prime suspect in the abduction and murder of 13-year-old Karmein Chan. But was he responsible? And who exactly was the man behind the mask?
CREDITS
EPISODE:
Research – Victoria Dieffenbacher
Writing – Anonymous Host and Victoria Dieffenbacher
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
Here are the links to the poster and sketches talked about during the show:
– Poster
– Bedroom
– Bathroom
– Mr Cruel
ARTICLES:
Mr Cruel was a meticulous, intelligent predator, say police – Herald Sun
Mr Cruel still on the most-wanted list, says The Investigator Charlie Bezzina – Herald Sun
Mr Cruel victim ‘wasn’t going willingly’ – SBS
FORUMS:
“Mr Cruel” Breakthrough over the murder of Karmein Chan – Aussie Criminals
ARCHIVES:
The Age Newspaper archives 1988 to 1997
The Sydney Morning Herald Newspaper archives 1988 to 1997