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Australian True Crime

Think nothing ever happens in your town? Australia's suburbs are home to some of the most mysterious and disturbing true crime cases in the world. Meshel Laurie is a true crime obsessive, and with the help of expert interviews with writers, victims, investigators and perpetrators, she probes the underbelly of our towns and suburbs, and uncovers the darkness at the heart of Australian life.


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Episodes

Shortcut: Little Girl Lost – Revisiting the Murder of Alma Tirtschke

This is a "Shortcut" episode. It’s a shortened version of this week’s more detailed full episode, which is also available on our feed. Our guest host, Dr. Xanthé Mallett sits down with lawyer Iresha Herath and media researcher Maria Rae to chat about their soon to be released podcast Little Girl Lost . They’ve spent the last year and a half diving deep into the 1921 murder of 12-year-old Alma Tirtschke, a case known as the “Gun Alley Murder.” They explore how Alma’s story was twisted by the medi...

Apr 09, 202515 minSeason 1Ep. 613

Little Girl Lost – Revisiting the Murder of Alma Tirtschke

Our guest host, Dr. Xanthé Mallett sits down with lawyer Iresha Herath and media researcher Maria Rae to chat about their soon to be released podcast Little Girl Lost . They’ve spent the last year and a half diving deep into the 1921 murder of 12-year-old Alma Tirtschke, a case known as the “Gun Alley Murder.” They explore how Alma’s story was twisted by the media and courts at the time—and how those same patterns still play out in true crime today. Content Warning: This episode contains depicti...

Apr 09, 202533 minSeason 1Ep. 612

Shortcut: Childhood Abuse Recovery - It Takes A Village

This is a "Shortcut" episode. It’s a shortened version of this week’s more detailed full episode, which is also available on our feed. Craig Hughes-Cashmore is the CEO and co-founder of SAMSN—Survivors and Mates Support Network. Founded in 2011 by a group of male survivors, SAMSN is now Australia’s leading organisation supporting men who’ve experienced child sexual abuse. In this episode of Australian True Crime, Craig shares his powerful lived experience and the crucial role peer support plays ...

Apr 06, 202518 minSeason 1Ep. 611

Childhood Abuse Recovery - It Takes A Village

Craig Hughes-Cashmore is the CEO and co-founder of SAMSN—Survivors and Mates Support Network. Founded in 2011 by a group of male survivors, SAMSN is now Australia’s leading organisation supporting men who’ve experienced child sexual abuse. In this episode of Australian True Crime, Craig shares his powerful lived experience and the crucial role peer support plays in healing for survivors and their families. Click here to visit the SAMSN website and listen to their podcast, "Stronger" Click here t...

Apr 06, 202550 minSeason 1Ep. 610

ATC Discusses: "Adolescence" and Youth Crime Rates in Australia

Meshel Laurie is joined by producer Matthew Tankard and criminologist Dr. Xanthé Mallett to unpack the panic around youth crime in Australia. From Adolescence to alarming headlines, they explore what’s real, what’s exaggerated, and how the manosphere is influencing young minds. Do you have information regarding any of the cases discussed on this podcast? Please report it on the Crime Stoppers website or by calling 1800 333 000. Click here to subscribe to ATC Plus on Apple Podcasts and access all...

Apr 03, 202532 minSeason 1Ep. 609

Shortcut: Holly's Heroin Addiction Ended in a Thai Prison

This is a "Shortcut" episode. It’s a shortened version of this week’s more detailed full episode, which is also available on our feed. In 2000, Holly Deane-Johns was arrested and later sentenced to 31 years in a Thailand prison. It marked a turning point in a life shaped by trauma, heroin addiction, and loss. After serving time in both Thailand and Australia, Holly has rebuilt her life and now works as a counsellor and speaker, using her story to support others facing addiction and adversity. Cl...

Mar 30, 202519 minSeason 1Ep. 608

Holly's Heroin Addiction Ended in a Thai Prison

In 2000, Holly Deane-Johns was arrested and later sentenced to 31 years in a Thailand prison. It marked a turning point in a life shaped by trauma, heroin addiction, and loss. After serving time in both Thailand and Australia, Holly has rebuilt her life and now works as a counsellor and speaker, using her story to support others facing addiction and adversity. Click here to visit Holly's website to learn about her professional work and to purchase her book, Holly's Hell. Click here to subscribe ...

Mar 30, 20251 hr 1 minSeason 1Ep. 607

Can Marion Barter’s Disappearance Be Solved by Forensic Advances

Marion Barter was a respected Australian teacher who disappeared on June 22, 1997, under circumstances that remain unresolved. In this episode, guest host and criminologist Dr. Xanthé Mallett is joined by forensic DNA expert Dr. Jodie Ward, who shares insights from her humanitarian work, and Marian’s daughter, Sally Leydon, who discusses her ongoing efforts to uncover the truth behind her mother’s disappearance. Missing Person Marion Barter Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/MissingMa...

Mar 27, 202544 minSeason 1Ep. 606

Shortcut: The American Cowboy Who Walked Into 1919 Surry Hills

This is a "Shortcut" episode. It’s a shortened version of this week’s more detailed full episode, which is also available on our feed. A crazed gunman unleashes chaos in 1919 Sydney, triggering a wild 15-hour siege. A mysterious American cowboy strides in, demanding a gun and promising to end it all himself. But who was "Arizona Ryan"? Michael Adams from the Forgotten Australia podcast joins us on this episode of Australian True Crime to tell his true story. You can listen to "Forgotten Australi...

Mar 23, 202518 minSeason 1Ep. 605

The American Cowboy Who Walked Into 1919 Surry Hills

A crazed gunman unleashes chaos in 1919 Sydney, triggering a wild 15-hour siege. A mysterious American cowboy strides in, demanding a gun and promising to end it all himself. But who was "Arizona Ryan"? Michael Adams from the Forgotten Australia podcast joins us on this episode of Australian True Crime to tell his true story. You can listen to "Forgotten Australia" wherever you get your podcasts. Click here to subscribe to ATC Plus on Apple Podcasts and access all ATC episodes early and ad-free,...

Mar 23, 202551 minSeason 1Ep. 604

ATC Discusses: Leaving Neverland, Toyah Cordingley and Tesla Vandalism

As a bonus episode for you all, Meshel and her producer, Matthew, sit down to discuss a few recent true crime headlines. Content warning: This episode contains depictions of child sexual abuse. Click here to subscribe to ATC Plus on Apple Podcasts and access all ATC episodes early and ad-free, as well as exclusive bonus episodes. Join our Facebook Group here. Do you have information regarding any of the cases discussed on this podcast? Please report it on the Crime Stoppers website or by calling...

Mar 19, 202538 minSeason 1Ep. 603

Shortcut: An Old School Outlaw - Part Three

This is a "Shortcut" episode. It’s a shortened version of this week’s more detailed full episode, which is also available on our feed. This is the conclusion of our three-part edition featuring notorious bank robber and escape artist, John Killick. Today, we discuss John's last great escape—the 1999 prison break from Silverwater, where he was spirited away from the exercise yard in a helicopter hijacked by his girlfriend, Lucy. Click here to view and purchase John Killick's books. John is also a...

Mar 16, 202517 minSeason 1Ep. 602

An Old School Outlaw - Part Three

This is the conclusion of our three-part edition featuring notorious bank robber and escape artist, John Killick. Today, we discuss John's last great escape—the 1999 prison break from Silverwater, where he was spirited away from the exercise yard in a helicopter hijacked by his girlfriend, Lucy. Click here to view and purchase John Killick's books. John is also a regular contributor to the Maccas Old School Podcast, which you can check out here. Do you have information regarding any of the cases...

Mar 16, 202553 minSeason 1Ep. 601

ATC Plus *Preview*: The Hollywood Manager Who Stole Millions

This is a preview of a full-lenth bonus episode for Australian True Crime Plus subscribers. To listen to all of our bonus episodes, plus early and ad-free access to every episode of the podcast, you can subscribe on either Apple Podcasts or at Acast. Jonathan Todd Schwartz was a leading entertainment manager when he embezzled money from his superstar clients to feed his addictions. And when I say superstar, I'm not exaggerating. Beyoncé, Mariah Carey, Linkin Park and Alanis Morissette were just ...

Mar 12, 202518 minSeason 1Ep. 600

Shortcut: An Old School Outlaw - Part Two

This is a "Shortcut" episode. It’s a shortened version of this week’s more detailed full episode, which is also available on our feed. This is part two of our three part series on infamous prison escapee, John Killick. Click here to view and purchase John Killick's books. Do you have information regarding any of the cases discussed on this podcast? Please report it on the Crime Stoppers website or by calling 1800 333 000. Click here to subscribe to ATC Plus on Apple Podcasts and access all ATC e...

Mar 09, 202516 minSeason 1Ep. 599

An Old School Outlaw - Part Two

This is part two of our three part series on infamous prison escapee, John Killick. Click here to view and purchase John Killick's books. Do you have information regarding any of the cases discussed on this podcast? Please report it on the Crime Stoppers website or by calling 1800 333 000. Click here to subscribe to ATC Plus on Apple Podcasts and access all ATC episodes early and ad-free, as well as exclusive bonus episodes. Got a True Crime question you want answered on the podcast? Send us a q...

Mar 09, 202538 minSeason 1Ep. 598

Shortcut: An Old School Outlaw - Part One

This is a "Shortcut" episode. It’s a shortened version of this week’s more detailed full episode, which is also available on our feed. Former bank robber John Killick spent over 30 years behind bars and made headlines in 1999 when he escaped Sydney’s Silverwater prison by helicopter. Across three episodes, he shares his incredible life story, from high-profile heists to encounters with Australia’s most notorious criminals. Now an author of eight books, Killick reflects on love, crime, and surviv...

Mar 02, 202518 minSeason 1Ep. 597

An Old School Outlaw - Part One

Former bank robber John Killick spent over 30 years behind bars and made headlines in 1999 when he escaped Sydney’s Silverwater prison by helicopter. Across three episodes, he shares his incredible life story, from high-profile heists to encounters with Australia’s most notorious criminals. Now an author of eight books, Killick reflects on love, crime, and survival inside the country’s toughest prisons. Click here to view and purchase John Killick's books. Do you have information regarding any o...

Mar 02, 202547 minSeason 1Ep. 596

Is Australia's Worst Serial Killer Still Unknown?

In late 2024, Upper House member Jeremy Buckingham addressed the NSW state parliament with a shocking possibility—one of Australia’s most prolific serial killers may have never been identified. There are up to 72 unsolved cases of missing and murdered persons along the NSW North Coast, spanning from 1977 to 2024. In today’s episode of Australian True Crime , guest host and criminologist Dr. Xanthé Mallett speaks with Jeremy Buckingham to discuss the disturbing possibility that these cases are co...

Feb 26, 202534 minSeason 1Ep. 595

Shortcut: New Beaumont Children Search with Meshel and Dr. Xanthé Mallett

This is a "Shortcut" episode. It’s a shortened version of this week’s more detailed full episode, which is also available on our feed. As we present this episode of Australian True Crime, a new dig begins in Adelaide. Investigators are following new information in their search for clues into the 1966 disappearance of the Beaumont children Jane, Arnna and Grant. To tell us more about it is regular contributor to Australian True Crime and leading Criminologist Dr. Xanthé Mallett. Do you have infor...

Feb 23, 202512 minSeason 1Ep. 594

New Beaumont Children Search and Court Insights with Meshel and Dr. Xanthé Mallett

There are a number of big stories in true crime at the moment, including a new dig for clues in the 1966 disappearance of the Beaumont children. Meanwhile, it's been a year since Ballarat’s Samantha Murphy vanished—even as a suspect has been charged, her remains remain missing. Former NSW officer Beau Lamarre-Condon is heading to trial for the murders of Jesse Baird and his partner Luke Davies, while international controversy swirls over former pediatric nurse Lucy Letby's conviction for murderi...

Feb 23, 202542 minSeason 1Ep. 593

Shortcut: Who Murdered Gina Rossato?

This is a "Shortcut" episode. It’s a shortened version of this week’s more detailed full episode, which is also available on our feed. Our story today revolves around an unsolved murder case originally investigated by legendary former Victorian Homicide Detective, Ron Iddles. The victim of that crime was 48 year old Gina Rossato. Her niece, Marisa D'Agostino, joins us on Australian True Crime to talk about the case. Do you have information regarding any of the cases discussed on this podcast? Pl...

Feb 16, 202516 minSeason 1Ep. 592

Who Murdered Gina Rossato?

Our story today revolves around an unsolved murder case originally investigated by legendary former Victorian Homicide Detective, Ron Iddles. The victim of that crime was 48 year old Gina Rossato. Her niece, Marisa D'Agostino, joins us on Australian True Crime to talk about the case. Do you have information regarding any of the cases discussed on this podcast? Please report it on the Crime Stoppers website or by calling 1800 333 000. Click here to subscribe to ATC Plus on Apple Podcasts and acce...

Feb 16, 202542 minSeason 1Ep. 591

Truth, Closure, and the Coroner’s Role

Our guest host and resident Criminologist, Dr. Xanthé Mallett has sat down with Coroner Stephanie Williams to uncover the realities of the coronial process. From their unique powers to compel testimony to the ways they support grieving families, this episode explores what coroners really do—and what most people don’t know about their role in society. Do you have information regarding any of the cases discussed on this podcast? Please report it on the Crime Stoppers website or by calling 180...

Feb 13, 202533 minSeason 1Ep. 590

Shortcut: A Police Veteran's Expertise on Street Gangs

This is a "Shortcut" episode. It’s a shortened version of this week’s more detailed full episode, which is also available on our feed. Pat Boyle APM is a 47 year veteran of Victoria Police, who spent a large part of his career working as a Detective Inspector and Detective Superintendent with a focus on gang related crime. He's also carved out a career for himself in academia, publishing a master's thesis entitled "What is a Street Gang?" It turns out the answer to that question is much more com...

Feb 09, 202516 minSeason 1Ep. 589

A Police Veteran's Expertise on Street Gangs

Pat Boyle APM is a 47 year veteran of Victoria Police, who spent a large part of his career working as a Detective Inspector and Detective Superintendent with a focus on gang related crime. He's also carved out a career for himself in academia, publishing a master's thesis entitled "What is a Street Gang?" It turns out the answer to that question is much more complicated that I imagined. Do you have information regarding any of the cases discussed on this podcast? Please report it on the Crime S...

Feb 09, 202545 minSeason 1Ep. 588

Shortcut: I Stole 16.7 Million Dollars From My Employer

This is a "Shortcut" episode. It’s a shortened version of this week’s more detailed full episode, which is also available on our feed. Simon Feldman has been described as a high flying fashion executive working for a retail giant, but also as an object of shame and embarrassment within the Jewish community and the poster boy for white collar crime. Simon was convicted of embezzling 16.7 million dollars from his employer in 2011. He switched the boardrooms of Sydney for some of the toughest jails...

Feb 02, 202520 minSeason 1Ep. 587

I Stole 16.7 Million Dollars From My Employer

Simon Feldman has been described as a high flying fashion executive working for a retail giant, but also as an object of shame and embarrassment within the Jewish community and the poster boy for white collar crime. Simon was convicted of embezzling 16.7 million dollars from his employer in 2011. He switched the boardrooms of Sydney for some of the toughest jails in the country. Simon has written a book about his experience called "Paying the Price", and he joins us on Australian True Crime, alo...

Feb 02, 20251 hr 7 minSeason 1Ep. 586

ATC Plus *Preview*: An update from Lili Greer

This is a preview of a full-lenth bonus episode for Australian True Crime Plus subscribers. To listen to all of our bonus episodes, plus early and ad-free access to every episode of the podcast, you can subscribe on either Apple Podcasts or at Acast. In episode #336 of Australian True Crime, we spoke to Lily Greer, whose mother, Tina Greer, disappeared from her beachfront home in the Gold Coast Hinterland in 2012. After we published that episode, the Brisbane Coroner held an inquest into Tina's ...

Jan 31, 202518 minSeason 1Ep. 585

Unsolved Tynong North/Frankston Serial Killings - Re Issue

This is a re-issue of episode #39 of Australian True Crime. Cheryl and Vicki's best friend Catherine was taken from their lives at just 14 years of age. Her abduction and murder are part of one of Australia's most baffling mysteries, and there is a huge reward on offer for information leading to an arrest. Do you have information regarding any of the cases discussed on this podcast? Please report it on the Crime Stoppers website or by calling 1800 333 000. Click here to visit the Facebook page d...

Jan 26, 202537 minSeason 1Ep. 584