Australian True Crime

On the 20th of June, 2009, a heavily pregnant Krystal Fraser, 23 years old, checked herself out of hospital to go to a party in Pyramid Hill. A country town in the far north of Victoria. Krystal was intellectually disabled, and did not have any credit left on her phone to make any calls. One of the last sightings of Krystal that night, was meeting an unknown, well dressed man, who was waiting for her at the Pyramid Hill train station.For a long time, local police did not consider Krystal to be a victim of foul play, and wrongfully believed she was responsible for her own disappearance. Our guest today, Dennis O'Bryan, is a former police investigator, and author of "Last Train Home". A book in which he delves deep into the events and people involved in Krystal's disappearance.More info:Dennis O'Bryan's Last Train Home can be purchased at this link. Also at Collins booksellers, or via the Help Us Find Krystal Fraser" Facebook groupWe encourage our listeners to join the "Help Us Find Krystal Fraser" Fa

Meshel recently went on Straight Talk with Mark Bouris, and a whole lot of their conversation was about true crime. So what we've done is edit together all of the true crime bits for an extra bonus episode this week. If you want to listen to their full episode, go check out "Straight Talk with Mark Bouris" wherever you get your podcasts.Straight Talk with Mark Bouris episode notes:Meshel Laurie is a name that has become synonymous with intelligence, wit, and compassion. With her unique blend of humour and insight, Meshel has a long career in entertainment.From hosting popular radio shows to captivating audiences on television, she has carved out a niche for herself with her razor-sharp wit and thought-provoking discussions. Meshel discusses the motivating factors that drive her passion for creating meaningful connections and fostering empathy in a world that often feels disconnected.Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube.  You c

This is a "Just The Facts" episode. It’s a shortened version of this week’s more detailed full episode, which is also available on our feed. This is a story about a man and his young son, Brad and Bevin Simmonds, who disappeared out in Cape York 20 years ago.How could an experienced fisherman's boat disappear without a trace in broad daylight? In good weather and calm seas? How could everything on board, all the gear designed to float in case it fell overboard, disappear with it, and never, ever show up or wash ashore?Today we speak to The Cape's producer, Justine A. Rosenthal.More info:The Cape is now available to be watched, streaming exclusively on Stan. If you have any details about this case, you can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or on their websiteFor 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 732CREDITS:Host: Meshel Laurie. You can find her on Instagram Co-Host: Em

This is a story about a man and his young son, Brad and Bevin Simmonds, who disappeared out in Cape York 20 years ago.How could an experienced fisherman's boat disappear without a trace in broad daylight? In good weather and calm seas? How could everything on board, all the gear designed to float in case it fell overboard, disappear with it, and never, ever show up or wash ashore?Today we speak to The Cape's producer, Justine A. Rosenthal.More info:The Cape is now available to be watched, streaming exclusively on Stan. If you have any details about this case, you can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or on their websiteFor 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 732CREDITS:Host: Meshel Laurie. You can find her on Instagram Co-Host: Emily Webb. You can find her on Instagram here Guests: Justine A. RosenthalExecutive Producer/Editor: Matthew TankardGET IN TOUCH: Send us

Jim Cosgrove was a journalist until a song he made up for his nieces and nephews called ‘Mr Stinky Feet’ became the hit of the local book fair. He was persuaded to record it and now tours the US as a children’s entertainer. True Story. It’s not the first time Jim’s allowed himself to be swept along by life’s current. During his 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.If you have been affected by anything discussed in this episode you can contact: Lifeline on 13 11 14 13

This is a "Just The Facts" episode. It’s a shortened version of this week’s more detailed full episode, which is also available on our feed. Many of Australia's systems failed Glen Fisher during his adolescence. Coming from a broken home, Glen had to endure a horrifying stint while in custody of the Daruk Training Center for Boys in Sydney's Penrith. Not being able to return home, Glen was rejected and abandoned to the streets of Kings Cross.Over the past four decades, Glen has tirelessly fought to hold his abusers accountable and shed light on the pervasive issue of institutional abuse that plagued Australia.More info:Glen Fisher's book, Predators Paradise is available to be purchased now.You can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or on their websiteFor 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 732CREDITS:Host: Meshel Laurie. You can find her on Instagram Co-Host: Emily Webb

Many of Australia's systems failed Glen Fisher during his adolescence. Coming from a broken home, Glen had to endure a horrifying stint while in custody of the Daruk Training Center for Boys in Sydney's Penrith. Not being able to return home, Glen was rejected and abandoned to the streets of Kings Cross.Over the past four decades, Glen has tirelessly fought to hold his abusers accountable and shed light on the pervasive issue of institutional abuse that plagued Australia.More info:Glen Fisher's book, Predators Paradise is available to be purchased now.You can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or on their websiteFor 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 732CREDITS:Host: Meshel Laurie. You can find her on Instagram Co-Host: Emily Webb. You can find her on Instagram here Guests: Glen FisherExecutive Producer/Editor: Matthew TankardGET IN TOUCH: Send us a question or co

This is a "Just The Facts" episode. It’s a shortened version of this week’s more detailed full episode, which is also available on our feed. In 2018, Ben Roberts-Smith, a decorated Australian war veteran who had won the Victoria Cross for his actions in Afghanistan, sued The Age, The Sydney Morning Herald and The Canberra Times.The above newspapers had alleged that Roberts-Smith committed acts of war crimes, bullying and domestic violence.The civil trial ended in July 2022 after 110 days of evidence and legal submissions. It was dubbed one of the largest and most important defamation cases in Australian history.On June 1st, 2023, Justice Anthony Besanko dismissed Roberts-Smith's case against the media outlets, finding that most of the allegations against him were substantially true.Nick Mckenzie, one of the three journalists directly named in the defamation case, joins us on this episode to reflect on the last five years.More info:Nick Mckenzie has an upcoming book that details what went on behind the sc

In 2018, Ben Roberts-Smith, a decorated Australian war veteran who had won the Victoria Cross for his actions in Afghanistan, sued The Age, The Sydney Morning Herald and The Canberra Times.The above newspapers had alleged that Roberts-Smith committed acts of war crimes, bullying and domestic violence.The civil trial ended in July 2022 after 110 days of evidence and legal submissions. It was dubbed one of the largest and most important defamation cases in Australian history.On June 1st, 2023, Justice Anthony Besanko dismissed Roberts-Smith's case against the media outlets, finding that most of the allegations against him were substantially true.Nick Mckenzie, one of the three journalists directly named in the defamation case, joins us on this episode to reflect on the last five years.More info:Nick Mckenzie has an upcoming book that details what went on behind the scenes of this incredible story. It is titled Crossing The Line, and can be preordered here.For Support: Lifeline  on 13 11 1413 YARN on 1

This is a "Just The Facts" episode. It’s a shortened version of this week’s more detailed full episode, which is also available on our feed. Tony Ryan's sister Marcia disappeared in 1996 after leaving her Melbourne home. Marcia told her family she was going on a road trip with her dog Ziggy to see their parents in Queensland. But as you'll hear from Tony, Marcia's car was found abandoned in the Latrobe Valley in Victoria with no sign of Marcia or Ziggy. Tony's been relentless in trying to find out what happened to Marcia, who was 33 when she vanished.More info:If you have any information in regards to the disappearance of Marcia Ryan, contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or on their websiteThe Ryan family's story is featured in Nicole Morris' book VANISHEDFor 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 732CREDITS:Host: Meshel Laurie. You can find her on Instagram Co-Host: Emily W

Tony Ryan's sister Marcia disappeared in 1996 after leaving her Melbourne home. Marcia told her family she was going on a road trip with her dog Ziggy to see their parents in Queensland. But as you'll hear from Tony, Marcia's car was found abandoned in the Latrobe Valley in Victoria with no sign of Marcia or Ziggy. Tony's been relentless in trying to find out what happened to Marcia, who was 33 when she vanished.More info:If you have any information in regards to the disappearance of Marcia Ryan, contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or on their websiteThe Ryan family's story is featured in Nicole Morris' book VANISHEDFor 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 732CREDITS:Host: Meshel Laurie. You can find her on Instagram Co-Host: Emily Webb. You can find her on Instagram here Guests: Tony RyanExecutive Producer/Editor: Matthew TankardGET IN TOUCH: Send us a question or c

This is a "Just The Facts" episode. It’s a shortened version of this week’s more detailed full episode, which is also available on our feed. Tina Louise Greer, 32, went missing from her Beechmont home in Queensland, January 18, 2012.She had gone to visit her ex boyfriend, a Finks bikie by the name of Les "Grumpy" Sharman, and has not been seen since.Despite being listed by a Queensland coroner and police as the primary suspect in Tina's disappearance, Les Sharman was never formally questioned by police. He then died in a car crash in 2018.Our guest for today's episode, Tina's daughter Lili, was 13 when her mother went missing. Now, as a young adult, Lili has been relentless in her fight to advocate for her mother and other families like theirs. Through Lili's advocacy, a coronial inquest has been announced into her mother's disappearance for August 2023. If you have any information in regards to the disappearance of Tina Greer, contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or on their websiteMore info

Tina Louise Greer, 32, went missing from her Beechmont home in Queensland, January 18, 2012.She had gone to visit her ex boyfriend, a Finks bikie by the name of Les "Grumpy" Sharman, and has not been seen since.Despite being listed by a Queensland coroner and police as the primary suspect in Tina's disappearance, Les Sharman was never formally questioned by police. He then died in a car crash in 2018.Our guest for today's episode, Tina's daughter Lili, was 13 when her mother went missing. Now, as a young adult, Lili has been relentless in her fight to advocate for her mother and other families like theirs. Through Lili's advocacy, a coronial inquest has been announced into her mother's disappearance for August 2023. If you have any information in regards to the disappearance of Tina Greer, contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or on their websiteMore info:The Tina Greer ProjectLili Greer's social media accountFor Support: Lifeline  on 13 11 1413 YARN on 13 92 76 (24/7 crisis support phone

This is a "Just The Facts" episode. It’s a shortened version of this week’s more detailed full episode, which is also available on our feed. Nicole Morris started a website more than 16 years ago called Australian Missing Persons Register. It was something she began as a personal project but it soon turned into a valuable resource and advocacy platform for the families and friends of missing people in Australia. Now some of these cases and stories are in her first book VANISHED, told through the experiences of siblings with a missing loved one - the desperate searches in the first days, the Police investigations and, for many, the heartbreak as the years, even decades, go by with no news and no answers. Nicole’s joined us for this episode. VANISHED is published by Big Sky Publishing and available for pre-order. It’s on the shelves and online on 7 June 2023.More info:PRE-ORDER VANISHED by Nicole Morris.Australian Missing Persons RegisterFor Support: Lifeline  on 13 11 1413 YARN on

Nicole Morris started a website more than 16 years ago called Australian Missing Persons Register. It was something she began as a personal project but it soon turned into a valuable resource and advocacy platform for the families and friends of missing people in Australia. Now some of these cases and stories are in her first book VANISHED, told through the experiences of siblings with a missing loved one - the desperate searches in the first days, the Police investigations and, for many, the heartbreak as the years, even decades, go by with no news and no answers. Nicole’s joined us for this episode. VANISHED is published by Big Sky Publishing and available for pre-order. It’s on the shelves and online on 7 June 2023.More info:PRE-ORDER VANISHED by Nicole Morris.Australian Missing Persons RegisterFor 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 732CREDITS:Host: Meshel Laurie.

This is a "Just The Facts" episode. It’s a shortened version of this week’s more detailed full episode, which is also available on our feed. In 2007 when Kate Kyriacou was a reporter for the Adelaide Advertiser, she took up a story of a missing woman named Glenys Heyward.Glenys, 53, had been due to go on a holiday with her new partner. Instead, she went missing from her hometown of Mount Gambier, towards the Victorian border.Nowadays, Kate is the Courier Mail's Chief Crime Reporter, and has since reported on many harrowing cases. This one, however, is the one that sticks with her the most. In Kate's own words, "when people say "why didn't she just leave?", this case shows why it's a lot more complicated than that".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 732CREDITS:Host: Meshel Laurie. You can find her on Instagram Co-Host: Emily Webb. You can find her on Instagram here 

In 2007 when Kate Kyriacou was a reporter for the Adelaide Advertiser, she took up a story of a missing woman named Glenys Heyward.Glenys, 53, had been due to go on a holiday with her new partner. Instead, she went missing from her hometown of Mount Gambier, towards the Victorian border.Nowadays, Kate is the Courier Mail's Chief Crime Reporter, and has since reported on many harrowing cases. This one, however, is the one that sticks with her the most. In Kate's own words, "when people say "why didn't she just leave?", this case shows why it's a lot more complicated than that".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 732CREDITS:Host: Meshel Laurie. You can find her on Instagram Co-Host: Emily Webb. You can find her on Instagram here Guests:  Kate Kyriacou Executive Producer/Editor: Matthew TankardGET IN TOUCH: Send us a question or comment on this episode to be used

This is a "Just The Facts" episode. It’s a shortened version of this week’s more detailed full episode, which is also available on our feed. Sarah Boyd immigrated from Scotland to Sydney in 1923. It was there, where she and an accomplice committed an unthinkable decision.What's even more terrifying, is that it was a decision that wasn't uncommon for women living in Sydney, Australia at the time. In fact, it was one of only a handful of difficult options faced by many women.Tanya Bretherton's book "The Suitcase Baby" can be purchased here: https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-suitcase-baby-tanya-bretherton/book/9780733639227.htmlFor 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 732CREDITS:Host: Meshel Laurie. You can find her on Instagram Co-Host: Emily Webb. You can find her on Instagram here Guests:  Tanya BrethertonExecutive Producer/Editor: Matthew TankardGET IN TOUCH: 

Sarah Boyd immigrated from Scotland to Sydney in 1923. It was there, where she and an accomplice committed an unthinkable decision.What's even more terrifying, is that it was a decision that wasn't uncommon for women living in Sydney, Australia at the time. In fact, it was one of only a handful of difficult options faced by many women.Tanya Bretherton's book "The Suitcase Baby" can be purchased here: https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-suitcase-baby-tanya-bretherton/book/9780733639227.htmlFor 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 732CREDITS:Host: Meshel Laurie. You can find her on Instagram Co-Host: Emily Webb. You can find her on Instagram here Guests:  Tanya BrethertonExecutive Producer/Editor: Matthew TankardGET IN TOUCH: Send us a question or comment on this episode to be used in our "Episode Download" series: https://www.speakpipe.com/ATCFollow the show on Instagr