ALL EPISODES

On September 12 1993, the Claps family were preparing for a relaxing Sunday ahead. It was a sunny day in their hometown of Potenza, a mountain city in the Basilicata Region of Southern Italy…

At around midday on Thursday, February 5 2015, two walkers were strolling along the eastern banks of the Maribyrnong River in Moonee Ponds, a suburb 6 kilometres out of Melbourne…

When class finished for the day at around 5:35 pm, Rachel Barber left the Dance Factory with several other classmates and walked along Church Street…

Eleven-year-old Shauna Howe looked forward to Halloween every year, enthralled by the spooky decorations, scary stories, and costume parties that started a full week before the holiday…

During the 1950s and ’60s, Australian reporter and journalist Rupert Murdoch became the senior executive of his own private news proprietor company…

Accused serial killer, 51-year-old Ivan Milat sat motionless before the court dressed in a navy suit, white shirt and grey checkered tie…

Officers covering the inner perimeter of the premises radioed through to the command post advising they could hear movement inside the garage, including what sounded like a car door opening and closing…

23-year-old Paul Onions arrived in Australia from his hometown of Birmingham, England on December 22 1989. He spent the first six weeks of his trip…

On September 20 1992, New South Wales police officers gathered under the eucalyptus trees in the rugged depths of Belanglo State Forest…

The Hume Freeway is one of the busiest interstate routes in Australia, linking the countries two most populous cities, Sydney and Melbourne…

The Macedonian city of Kicevo is situated within the slopes of Bistra Mountain. It offers little appeal for visitors, with its post-Yugoslavian buildings…

In early 2000, 21-year-old Lucie Blackman and her long-time best friend Louise Phillips devised a plan to spend a few months living and working in Japan…

The half-empty arrival lounge began to fill with people. Reporters and news crews quickly gathered around the information desk…

As night fell on July 1 2002, Owingen’s quiet streets were disrupted by a deep rumbling from above, prompting locals to assume an unforecast storm was fast approaching…

During recess and lunchtime at Hackham West Primary School in 1982, teachers patrolled the schoolyard to oversee the young children as they ran around and played together between lessons…

Hi, everyone! Case 104: Mark & John was our last case this year. The next episode will be out on the 26th of January 2019; however, we have a surprise for you – a bonus Q&A episode with the host…

First responders rushed into the alley after receiving reports of a stabbing. Towards the dead-end of the narrow passageway, they found a teenage boy…

In mid-2004, Australian real estate group LJ Hooker posted a for sale sign on the front lawn of a vacant address in North Ryde, a cosmopolitan suburb in north-western Sydney…

As her twenty-first birthday approached in 2008, Britt Kathryn May Lapthorne asked her parents for just one present – the biggest travel backpack she could carry…

As the midweek workday was wrapping up on Wednesday, November 11 1987, staff were closing stores and filtering out of offices throughout Ipswich…

The Beaumont’s were the quintessential Aussie family. By 1966, 41-year-old Jim Beaumont had traded driving taxis for a new career in sales…

Major violent crimes are rare in Bristol, providing residents with the peace of mind that their community is safe and protected…

California is ranked as the US state most prone to wildfire, with over two million households at extreme risk at any time. The state has seen some of the most devastating fires in American history…

In 1986, young actress Rebecca Schaeffer landed her dream job. Beating out thousands of Hollywood hopefuls, Rebecca was offered the second lead…

The final part of the Toy Box series…

Part two of the three-part Toy Box series…

It was 3:22 pm on March 22 1999, when Sierra County’s 9-1-1 Emergency Central Dispatch received a call from a local residential number…

Tales of vampires have been found in nearly every culture around the world, dating back centuries. In 17th and 18th century Poland, belief in such…

Vivian drove to her sister Millie’s house on the leafy, suburban North Gate Drive in Silver Spring, Maryland. As Millie would have already left for work…

At 6:43 am, an emergency call came through to 9-1-1. Hayley Snow struggled to get the words out: “I think my mother fell while I was in the shower…

In December 2008, veteran journalist Caitlin Moran was surfing the web when she came across a link on a chat board. The link was accompanied with the message…

This is a fable about trust, love, and independence. The story features three characters: a mother, her daughter, and the daughter’s suitor…

He was always saying he wished a war would start in Australia. Well, he started his own war. The thing is, he fought a coward’s war, didn’t he?

On October 3 2014, Paige Rolland was working her regular shift at Asda supermarket, in Glenrothes, Scotland. She was in the breakfast aisle…

Accidents are to be expected in skydiving. It is, after all, an extreme sport. Over 99% of people who jump out of an aeroplane will do it just once, attached to an instructor…

Sheila stood vigil; eyes transfixed on Elaine’s apartment. She waited for Elaine’s car to pull up, light to flicker on, her shadow to move past a window…

The 31st of May 2016 was much like any other day. Until the monotony was broken up by a visit from the FBI. Although not an everyday occurrence…

Midnight approached on Thanksgiving Eve, November 23rd, 2016. Penny Meek was up waiting for her son Tom Brown, who was due home any moment…

The Molseed family were satisfied justice was served for child-killer Stefan Kiszko. Yet, his capture and conviction did not bring April Molseed any sense of joy…

On Sunday, October 5, 1975, April Molseed was making her way through a list of chores in her home on Delamere Road in Rochdale, a town at the foothills of the moor countryside in Northern England…

Teenager Chantelle McDougall fully embraced and absorbed Simon Kadwell’s teachings. He often told her she was not from this world, that she was different…

Maria prioritised her role as a mother above all else. She’d drop whatever she was doing, no matter how important, to ensure she reached her son on time…

On August 28th, 2003, the Great Lakes city of Erie, Pennsylvania was in the height of summer. 46-year old Brian Wells did what he had done most mornings for the previous ten years – he went to his lunchtime shift as a pizza delivery man at Mama Mia’s Pizza.

The sun rose over Phillip Island at 6:09 am on the morning of September 23rd, 1986, a perfect spring day. By all accounts, as Fergus Cameron lay on his sister Marnie’s sofa, he didn’t stir when she got up for work at 7 am OR when Ian—Marnie’s husband—got up to start his day…

In 1993, breaking news in the small Northern Indiana city of LaPorte always seemed to be from Chicago or South Bend. Nothing shocking ever happened in LaPorte…

Sergeant Yribe was notably stern, straight-faced, and focused when approaching the building. He commanded his squad quickly and efficiently as they swept through the farmhouse performing a building clearance…

Born on August 25, 1965, Mia Zapata lived with her brother, sister and parents in Louisville, Kentucky. The family lived a comfortable life in Douglass Hills where the children had a free-spirited and carefree upbringing…

As the two agents walked towards the front door of 2260 Fifteenth Avenue, one of them pulled out the fake IDs to have another look before asking questions…

Nob and the Dread Pirate Roberts started to communicate regularly. The Dread Pirate Roberts had no idea he was really speaking to a DEA agent. And the DEA agent had no idea about the true identity of the Dread Pirate Roberts…

The Silk Road was an ancient network of trade routes that started in China in the 2nd century B.C. Via a combination of roads, and sea routes, goods like silk, paper and spices were transported from the producers in Asia to markets in Europe…

Bazil Thorne picked up the phone and listened as the reporter told him he had just won the lottery. At first, Bazil didn’t believe it – but when the man on the other end read out the number of the winning ticket…

In 1987, nine-year-old Eric Coy was living with his parents and older brother in a central neighbourhood of Martinez, Northern California. Most Saturdays Eric played with his cousin Eddrick, who was also his best friend…

September 15th, 1878 was a cooler than average day for Staten Island, New York. A cold north-westerly breeze blew as three young teenage boys tended cattle in the woods near Silver Lake…

Wilhelmina was especially anxious. In the preceding weeks, she had developed a funny feeling that someone was watching her. It was the reason why her partner Stanley was driving her to work…

…meanwhile, almost 20 kilometres away, the telephone at the Aigues-Mortes police station rang. The answering officer listened as a panicked male caller warned, “A guy who just left my place is about to kidnap a girl. He’s armed, and I think he’s about to do something horrific.”

The Kimberley is one of the most remote areas in Australia. Tourists are advised not to leave the main roads and to avoid driving at dawn or during the night – mainly because of the dangers of wildlife and the road trains which dominate the night hours…

On the morning of Saturday, May 3rd, 1997; 33-year-old, single father Gary Patterson woke up before dawn in his home in Waco, Texas…

Although Alcatraz Prison had since been repaired to a workable condition, the battle scars of Bernie Coy’s 1946 violent failed escape remained visible…

Alcatraz Prison was the solution to America’s overwhelming crime problem. It didn’t aim to rehabilitate like other prisons. It aimed to punish…

“Even the judge will tell you that good character, a good name that’s built by good character traits, is to be considered by you because the law allows that a person with good traits and a good name is less likely to engage in criminal conduct…”

Gerard woke up around 6 am. Allison wasn’t in bed. Their three daughters, then aged ten, eight and five weren’t awake yet. Gerard got out of bed and walked through the house to see if Allison was already up…

“Attention. I’m sorry this had to happen but I am in bad need of money and couldn’t get it any other way. Don’t tell anyone or go to the police about this because I am watching you closely…”

In the early hours of Wednesday, April 15th, 1987, the simple, peaceful country town of Cowra was faced with a crime so violent and so shocking, it would be forever changed…

Since the tourism boom of the 1950’s, the Hawaiian islands have been enticing tourists into their relaxed, laid-back lifestyle. From the early days…

Immediately fearing something was wrong, Kathy and Robert went straight over to Min and Lily’s house to find out why they hadn’t opened their newsagency…

[Part 3 of 3]
You may think you know the story, but do you…

[Part 2 of 3]
You may think you know the story, but do you…

[Part 1 of 3]
You may think you know the story, but do you…

In the autumn of 1998, 23-year-old Amy Lynn Bradley was told by her parents that they had been gifted a Caribbean cruise. Amy wasn’t excited by the news like they were…

It was a school morning, and for once Shannon Matthews had something to look forward to. Her fourth-year class had their first swimming lesson that day, and she had been looking forward to it for ages…

Prahran 311, if you can slip down to Walsh Street in South Yarra. Mr Ellis of 220 Walsh Street states there’s a white Holden Sedan, don’t know what the rego is…

In the mid-1980’s, drugs, crime and high levels of unemployment were rife in the streets of Blacktown. But it was one particular night that changed everything…

On December 7th, 2003, thirteen-year-old Daniel Morcombe told his brothers he was going to Sunshine Plaza to get a haircut and look for Christmas presents…

Jane Carson-Sandler survived the brutal attack and rape of the East Area Rapist in the October of 1976. She is the fifth known survivor.

Crompton consulted a criminal psychologist, Dr Emily, who warned him that the East Area Rapist wanted to kill, he just needed justification…

A composite sketch, as well as a physical and psychological profile of the East Area Rapist, was released. The public were warned to be vigilant…

As the year went on, and attacks grew more and more frequent, so too did the press coverage. But still, it was a time when not everyone got news the moment it happened…

By the end of the year, there were ten attacks in total, all attributed to the one serial offender, who the media dubbed, “The East Area Rapist”…

In 1976, Rancho Cordova was a fairly new, postwar suburb in East Sacramento. Beginning as a housing development in the 50’s by the 70’s it was…

Two witnesses saw the male acting suspicious in the car park, hiding in the ditch. He didn’t seem right. What was he doing? But Mary didn’t see the male…

In the Coral Sea, off the coast of Northern Queensland, lies the Great Barrier Reef. Seen clearly from space, it is the largest living structure on earth…

On November 8th, 2010, just after 9.30pm; 25-year-old Jennifer Pan was in her bedroom. She had her TV on and was chatting on the phone while getting ready for bed…

It was now the 16th of June 1964. Seven months after the murder of John Kilbride. Brady had told Hindley he was ready to do another one…

In the 1960’s, the Moors came to the world’s attention in a very different, frightening light. They became the scene for some of the most notorious and sadistic crimes committed in Britain. The infamous Moors Murders…

Mr Cruel had an incredible impact on Australia in the late 80’s and early 90’s. He was Australia’s bogeyman. Sparking unprecedented fear in adults

Hi, everyone! Case 40: John Newman was our last case this year. The next episode will be out on…

West Yorkshire is a county in England that has a population of over 2 million people. It covers an area of over 2,000 km² and is formed by five cities: Leeds, Bradford, Wakefield, Kirklees, and Calderdale…

The 1950s was the decade that saw the birth of the suburban dream in Australia. It was a time where employment levels were extremely high and there was a very good standard of living across the country. The economy was booming, which is what made it so attractive for hundreds of thousands of people to migrate here after World War 2.

Claremont is an upmarket, ritzy suburb of Perth. It is a place of trendy bars, nightclubs and cafes. A popular place with the young crowd. A place where you went to have fun. People would tell you that nothing bad could ever happen in Claremont. That all changed on Friday the 26th of January, 1996.

The Burgate house was a secluded mansion on the edge of the new forest in Hampshire, England. It was 8:30pm, on the 1st of September 1986. The residents had just finished dinner and were about to enjoy dessert. That’s when three men wearing stocking masks and armed with a shotgun and pick axes burst into the dining room…

Two weeks ago we covered the case of Lisa Marie Young. We are back on Vancouver Island this week. A one and a half hour drive south of Nanaimo to Victoria. A place where there is one degree of separation between people. Everyone is connected to everyone to a certain extent….

The eastern side of the city of Albuquerque, New Mexico, is closed in by mountains. On the city’s west side, a mesa rises out of the Rio Grande Valley. In 2005, subdivisions and new housing were…

Vancouver Island. Known for its breathtaking scenery, astonishing postcard beauty, and amazing wildlife. Heaven on earth. But on certain parts of the island, beneath the beauty, some will tell you there lies a dark…

“If any bastard ever thought about going to the cops about us, they’ll be killed and so will their fucking families. And if we don’t get them, our mates will. It would be a shame if anything happened to your sweet little Prue, wouldn’t it.”

We left part one just after the government announced a 500 thousand dollar reward for any information to help solve the case.

At the end of part 1, police had found out who owned the suspicious vehicle parked on Skye Road at the time of Natalie Russell’s murder…

Donna had recently received a few prank calls and she was getting nervous. She had a young baby and didn’t like the idea of being alone at night…

It was Wednesday the 2nd of August 1989. 41- year-old Marguerite Edwards started the day like any other. Making sure her three daughters were up, and ready for school…

On Monday the 23rd of May 1994, a violent storm hit the city of Perth, Western Australia. Peter Lawrence was starting to become concerned…

The details of this case are extremely difficult to hear. Extreme child abuse and child murder are involved. This episode won’t be for everybody…

Living in Australia, I had heard of the Snowtown case. I knew it as the bodies in the barrels case. But that’s all I knew…

On the 28th of February 1997 Los Angeles police officers, Perello and Farrell were on routine patrol driving along Laurel Canyon Blvd, North Hollywood…

On the 17th of May 2008, two motorway patrol officers attended to a call that a pedestrian had been hit by a vehicle on the M6 motorway, near the city Stoke-on-Trent, in England…

Chris and Cru Kahui were twins, aged just 3 months old when they died in hospital, both suffering from traumatic brain injury…

In the early 80’s a series of attacks occurred in the twin city area of Minnesota, USA. The victims were all women. Police struggled in the initial part of the investigation…

On the 23rd of July 2008, young Mother Helen Munnings disappeared from the port city of Burnie, on the North West Coast of Tasmania, Australia…

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…

The crime scene was described as looking more like the set of a horror movie, than real life. It is one of the most horrific crimes ever committed…

First came the seizures and sleep paralysis. Then came the hallucinations and violent behaviour. Anneliese Michel made endless visits to doctor’s and specialists only to be either referred to another doctor or placed…

The 7th of May 2005 was a typical, run of the mill day for Shirley Withers. She worked the full day in her Melbourne fashion boutique and once the shop had closed, she bought a take out meal and headed to the North…

He was implicated in a case of missing money from a court house evidence vault. He was facing allegations of misconduct and illegal handling of a witness in a major drug trafficking trial..

On the 4th of August 2002, best friends Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman disappeared from the small town of Sohom in England…

On the 4th of March 2008, Julian Buchwald and his girlfriend Carolynne Watson went for a romantic picnic lunch in country Victoria…

In the early hours of the 18th of November 2011, a fire was deliberately lit at the Quakers Hill Nursing Home…

On Tuesday the 2nd of November 1999 Donna Wheeler was found murdered in her home in Berala, Western Sydney. There were several suspects…

On the 18th of April 1943 four boys discovered a skeleton buried in the hollow of a wych-elm tree in Hagley Woods, England…

On the 29th of January 1999, best friends Lauria Bible and Ashley Freeman had a sleepover at Ashley’s house to celebrate her 16th birthday…

On the first of December 1948, the body of a man was located along the seawall of Somerton Beach, just near Adelaide in South Australia…

On the 11th of January 1965, two fifteen-year-old schoolgirls Christine Sharrock and Marianne Schmidt were found murdered in the Wanda sand hills, just north of Cronulla beach In Sydney’s south…