Australian True Crime

This is part 2 of our conversation with former Homicide Detective, Charlie Bezzina about the lesser known cases from his 38 year career with Victoria Police. You can listen to part 1 "Episode 737: Strange Investigations with Charlie Bezzina" here. You can watch our episodes by visiting our Youtube Channel here. 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 1800 333 000. For Support: Lifeline  on 13 11 1413 YARN on 13 92 76 (24/7 crisis support phone line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples)1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732Blue Knot Helpline: 1300 657 380CREDITS:Host: Meshel Laurie Guest: Charlie BezzinaExecutive Producer/Editor: Matthew Tankard GET IN TOUCH:https://www.australiantruecrimethepodcast.com/Follow the show on Instagram @australiantruecrimepodcast and Facebook Email the show at AusTrueCrimePodcast@gmail.com

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 2 of our conversation with former Homicide Detective, Charlie Bezzina about the lesser known cases from his 38 year career with Victoria Police. You can listen to part 1 "Episode 737: Strange Investigations with Charlie Bezzina" here. You can watch our episodes by visiting our Youtube Channel here. 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 1800 333 000. For Support: Lifeline  on 13 11 1413 YARN on 13 92 76 (24/7 crisis support phone line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples)1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732Blue Knot Helpline: 1300 657 380CREDITS:Host: Meshel Laurie Guest: Charlie BezzinaExecutive Producer/Editor: Matthew Tankard GET IN TOUCH:https://www.australiantruecrimethepodcast

Yesterday, (March 25th 2026), the Albanese Government introduced legislation known as the Survivors Law, aimed at preventing convicted child sexual abusers from using superannuation to shield assets from unpaid court-ordered compensation.  If passed, the reforms would allow victim-survivors to seek access to certain additional super contributions from their offenders, and would ensure those debts can still be pursued even if an offender declares bankruptcy.  Today, we are re-issuing episode 265 from July 2022. In this conversation, Andrew Carpenter and Adam Washbourne join us to explain why advocates have long called for these changes, and what meaningful reform could mean for survivors seeking justice and financial support to rebuild their lives. Sign the petition here: https://www.change.org/p/strip-paedophiles-of-their-superannuation-and-give-it-to-survivors-of-child-sexual-abuse Learn more about Fighters Against Child Abuse Australia here: https://www.facaaus.org/ Learn more about Andrew Carpent

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. Pauline Sowry disappeared from Wollongong’s northern suburbs in December 1993 at the age of 49. An inquest in 2008 found she likely died after a reported sighting the following year, yet her body has never been located, and the case has continued to develop with a dedicated police task force in 2022, a 500 thousand dollar reward announced in 2024, and a charge laid then withdrawn in 2025. One of Pauline's children, Jason Lawrence joins us to share who his mother was and the lasting impact her disappearance has had on their family. 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. Wanting to hear about certain kinds of crime? Check out our Spotify playlists for a curated list of our episodes. Join our Facebook Group here.  For Support: Lifeline &nb

Pauline Sowry disappeared from Wollongong’s northern suburbs in December 1993 at the age of 49. An inquest in 2008 found she likely died after a reported sighting the following year, yet her body has never been located, and the case has continued to develop with a dedicated police task force in 2022, a 500 thousand dollar reward announced in 2024, and a charge laid then withdrawn in 2025. One of Pauline's children, Jason Lawrence joins us to share who his mother was and the lasting impact her disappearance has had on their family. 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. Wanting to hear about certain kinds of crime? Check out our Spotify playlists for a curated list of our episodes. Join our Facebook Group here.  For Support: Lifeline  on 13 11 1413 YARN on 13 92 76 (24/7 crisis support phone line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples)1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732B

David Cammarata’s childhood best friend is currently a forensic patient in a secure psychiatric facility. He was found not guilty of the machete murder of his own brother at a suburban shopping centre and of stalking and attempting to murder David, because the judge believed he was suffering from severe mental illness when he committed the offences. David and his family were terrorised for years before his former friend Jonathan was apprehended. Now he lives in fear that he’ll one day be released.  David’s former best friend, the best man at his wedding is a man by the name of Jonathan Dick.  This episode was first aired on September 18th, 2022. You can watch our episodes and subscribe to our Youtube channel here. Wanting to hear about certain kinds of crime? Check out our Spotify playlists for a curated list of our 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 websit

David Cammarata’s childhood best friend is currently a forensic patient in a secure psychiatric facility. He was found not guilty of the machete murder of his own brother at a suburban shopping centre and of stalking and attempting to murder David, because the judge believed he was suffering from severe mental illness when he committed the offences. David and his family were terrorised for years before his former friend Jonathan was apprehended. Now he lives in fear that he’ll one day be released.  David’s former best friend, the best man at his wedding is a man by the name of Jonathan Dick.  This episode was first aired on September 18th, 2022. You can watch our episodes and subscribe to our Youtube channel here. Wanting to hear about certain kinds of crime? Check out our Spotify playlists for a curated list of our 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 websit

In 2016, a woman reported that she was sexually assaulted at a birthday party in the small western Victorian town of Balmoral. The case divided the close-knit community and led to a complex legal process involving an appeal, a retrial and a key witness who later changed her evidence, though two juries ultimately found the men guilty of rape. Journalists Andy Burns and Charlotte King join us to discuss their investigation for the ABC podcast Hometown Boys and the impact the case had on the town. PLEASE NOTE: This episode contains graphic descriptions of sexual violence. You can listen to Hometown Boys on the Background Briefing podcast by the ABC. You can watch our episodes and subscribe to our Youtube channel here. Wanting to hear about certain kinds of crime? Check out our Spotify playlists for a curated list of our 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 1800 333 000.&nb

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 2016, a woman reported that she was sexually assaulted at a birthday party in the small western Victorian town of Balmoral. The case divided the close-knit community and led to a complex legal process involving an appeal, a retrial and a key witness who later changed her evidence, though two juries ultimately found the men guilty of rape. Journalists Andy Burns and Charlotte King join us to discuss their investigation for the ABC podcast Hometown Boys and the impact the case had on the town. PLEASE NOTE: This episode contains graphic descriptions of sexual violence. You can listen to Hometown Boys on the Background Briefing podcast by the ABC. You can watch our episodes and subscribe to our Youtube channel here. Wanting to hear about certain kinds of crime? Check out our Spotify playlists for a curated list of our episodes. Join our Facebook Group here. Do you h

We recommend you listen to our previous episode "Ripple: A Long Strange Search for A Killer - ATC International" before starting this episode. Carol Williams, The energetic healer who was such an integral part of Jim Cosgrove's search for Frank McGonigle, joins us for a conversation that I can assure you will not disappoint. Jim's book, ‘Ripple: A Long Strange Search For A Killer’, can be purchased now. Wanting to hear about certain kinds of crime? Check out our Spotify playlists for a curated list of our 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 1800 333 000. For Support: Lifeline  on 13 11 1413 YARN on 13 92 76 (24/7 crisis support phone line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples)1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732Blue Knot Helpline: 1300 657 380CREDITS:Host: Meshel Laurie Guest: Carol Williams GET IN TOUCH:https://www.aust

During Jim Cosgrove's childhood, a young man from his neighbourhood named Frank McGonigle disappeared without a trace. At various times throughout his life, Jim has been drawn back and retraced Frank’s steps, with various fascinating companions, inching closer and closer to finding out the truth about what happened to him. It’s been 40 years now, and Jim has finally written the book about his life looking for Frank. It’s called ‘Ripple: A Long Strange Search For A Killer’. It really is a strange journey, and a very entertaining one to read about. He joins us to talk about it. Wanting to hear about certain kinds of crime? Check out our Spotify playlists for a curated list of our 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 1800 333 000. For Support: Lifeline  on 13 11 1413 YARN on 13 92 76 (24/7 crisis support phone line for Abo

Elysha was just seven years old when she was raped by Sterling Bower.  She joins us on this episode of Australian True Crime to give us an insight into what it's been like since Bower has been released. You can reach out to Elysha at Elysha.h1982@gmail.com PLEASE NOTE: Listener discretion is advised as this episode details child sexual assault and trauma. Last week we re-issued Elysha's first episode with us from back in 2018. You can listen to it here "I Was Sexually Assaulted By A Stranger When I Was 7" You can watch the video version of this episode on our Youtube channel here. Wanting to hear about certain kinds of crime? Check out our Spotify playlists for a curated list of our 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 1800 333 000. For Support: Lifeline  on 13 11 1413 YARN on 13 92 76 (24/7 crisis support phone line for Aboriginal and Torres S

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. Elysha was just seven years old when she was raped by Sterling Bower.  She joins us on this episode of Australian True Crime to give us an insight into what it's been like since Bower has been released. You can reach out to Elysha at Elysha.h1982@gmail.com PLEASE NOTE: Listener discretion is advised as this episode details child sexual assault and trauma. Last week we re-issued Elysha's first episode with us from back in 2018. You can listen to it here "I Was Sexually Assaulted By A Stranger When I Was 7" You can watch the video version of this episode on our Youtube channel here. Wanting to hear about certain kinds of crime? Check out our Spotify playlists for a curated list of our 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 1

After her rape went unsolved for more than 25 years, Elysha contacted police to have her case reopened. She courageously tells us about what life has been like since her attack when she was 7-years-old, what happened when her case was reopened and why she contacted us to tell her story. This episode was originally aired in 2018. Elysha joins us again on next Monday's episode.  PLEASE NOTE: Listener discretion is advised as this episode details child sexual assault and trauma. 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 1800 333 000. For Support: Lifeline  on 13 11 1413 YARN on 13 92 76 (24/7 crisis support phone line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples)1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732Blue Knot Helpline: 1300 657 380GET IN TOUCH:https://www.australiantruecrimethepodcast.com/Follow the show on Instagram @australiantruecrimepodcast and Facebo

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. After her rape went unsolved for more than 25 years, Elysha contacted police to have her case reopened. She courageously tells us about what life has been like since her attack when she was 7-years-old, what happened when her case was reopened and why she contacted us to tell her story. This episode was originally aired in 2018. Elysha joins us again on next Monday's episode.  PLEASE NOTE: Listener discretion is advised as this episode details child sexual assault and trauma. 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 1800 333 000. For Support: Lifeline  on 13 11 1413 YARN on 13 92 76 (24/7 crisis support phone line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples)1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732Blue Knot Helpline: 1

Award winning journalist Hedley Thomas joins us to discuss Sick to Death, his podcast and bestselling book examining the case of Dr Jayant Patel, the Bundaberg surgeon accused of causing patient deaths after being barred from practising in the United States.  In this conversation, he unpacks how the investigation uncovered deep failures within Australia’s health system and the extraordinary courage of a nurse who chose to speak up. You can listen to "Sick To Death" now, wherever you get your podcasts. You can watch our episodes by visiting our Youtube Channel here. 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 1800 333 000. For Support: Lifeline  on 13 11 1413 YARN on 13 92 76 (24/7 crisis support phone line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples)1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732Blue Knot Helpline: 1300 657 380CREDITS:Host: Meshel Laurie Guest:

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. Award winning journalist Hedley Thomas joins us to discuss Sick to Death, his podcast and bestselling book examining the case of Dr Jayant Patel, the Bundaberg surgeon accused of causing patient deaths after being barred from practising in the United States.  In this conversation, he unpacks how the investigation uncovered deep failures within Australia’s health system and the extraordinary courage of a nurse who chose to speak up. You can listen to "Sick To Death" now, wherever you get your podcasts. You can watch our episodes by visiting our Youtube Channel here. 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 1800 333 000. For Support: Lifeline  on 13 11 1413 YARN on 13 92 76 (24/7 crisis support phone line

Teenagers Abby Williams and Libby German were dropped off at a popular hiking trail near the Monon High Bridge, just outside their hometown of Delphi, Indiana. About 40 minutes later, Libby posted a picture on her Snapchat account showing Abby carefully walking across the bridge. It was the last time they made contact with the outside world, although it wasn't the last time Libby recorded their surroundings.  The girls were reported missing later that afternoon, and community members searched for them through the night. But sadly, their bodies were discovered nearby the following day.  in October 2022, a local man was taken into custody. Who is he? Did he know the girls? Is there any truth to the rumors that other people may yet to be charged? The best person to ask these questions is without a doubt, journalist Susan Hendricks.  Click here to purchase Susan Hendricks' book, "Down the Hill". Click here to learn more about the Abby and Libby Memorial Park  Lifeline on 13 11 14   1

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. Teenagers Abby Williams and Libby German were dropped off at a popular hiking trail near the Monon High Bridge, just outside their hometown of Delphi, Indiana. About 40 minutes later, Libby posted a picture on her Snapchat account showing Abby carefully walking across the bridge. It was the last time they made contact with the outside world, although it wasn't the last time Libby recorded their surroundings.  The girls were reported missing later that afternoon, and community members searched for them through the night. But sadly, their bodies were discovered nearby the following day.  in October 2022, a local man was taken into custody. Who is he? Did he know the girls? Is there any truth to the rumors that other people may yet to be charged? The best person to ask these questions is without a doubt, journalist Susan Hendricks.  Click here to purcha

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. John Friedrich was a mysterious figure in 1980s Australia who transformed the National Safety Council into a high-tech rescue operation while secretly defrauding banks of hundreds of millions. Walkley Award–winning journalist Marc Fennell joins us to unpack the astonishing rise and fall of this enigmatic conman. Australia’s Greatest Conman? premieres Tuesday 24 February at 8.30pm on SBS and SBS On Demand. You can watch our episodes by visiting our Youtube Channel here. 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 1800 333 000. For Support: Lifeline  on 13 11 1413 YARN on 13 92 76 (24/7 crisis support phone line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples)1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732Blue Knot Helpli