The Frankston and Tynong North Serial Killer

In the 18 month period between May 1980 and October 1981, six women went missing from the Frankston and Tynong North areas in Melbourne’s south-east. The victims – Bertha Miller, Catherine Headland, Ann-Marie Sargent, Narumol Stephenson, Allison Rooke and Joy Summers – were later found murdered and dumped in remote scrubland. Obvious efforts had been made by the offender to prevent the victims from being identified. 

The two investigations were initially handled separately by their respective jurisdictions – until the evidence that they were linked became overwhelming. Police were convinced the same person was responsible for the entire crime spree, sparking fears that a prolific serial killer was on the loose.