In 2012, the body of Federica Mangiapelo was found by a lake in Italy. The coroner declared it a natural death, with the main suspect in the case claiming he was nowhere near the scene. But one tiny organism, invisible to the naked eye, proved otherwise.

Dr Paola Magni is a pioneer in aquatic forensics, a highly specialised and innovative form of criminal investigation. In this episode hosted by Kathryn Fox, discover how everything from plankton to barnacles can help bring criminals to justice and provide crucial answers to grieving families.

If you or anyone you know needs help:

• Lifeline (Crisis support and suicide prevention) 13 11 14
• 1800 Respect (National sexual assault, family and domestic violence counselling line) 1800 737 732
• Men's Referral Service (National counselling, information and referral service for men looking to change their behaviour) 1300 766 491
• Full Stop Australia (National violence and abuse trauma counselling and recovery Service) 1800 385 578

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Without the internet, police were unable to track offender behaviour, and heavily relied on victim survivor testimony. 

These interviews were crucial, and required care and empathy, as one misstep, and evidence could be lost and a victim survivor left unheard. 

Former detective Andrew Patterson was part of a special task force investigating paedophiles in Perth, and was the one who spoke to hundreds of victim survivors.. One morning, he received information about a sexual predator, and descriptions of an underground chamber with shiny chrome walls. He and his team set about investigating the offender, and finding survivors.

He sat down with host Brent Sanders to explain this case, and others from his career. 

This content contains references to child sexual abuse, if this content affects you, the number for Life Line is 13 11 14. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The illegal wildlife trade is a multi billion dollar industry, raking in an estimated $24 million globally. And in Australia, our unique reptiles are hotter commodities than ever, with single animals fetching tens of thousands of dollars on the black market. This lucrative trade attracts in criminals from transnational organized crime networks, who exploit wildlife trafficking to test illegal drug importation routes and make a fortune.

Among those entangled in this dangerous business was former NRL star Martin Kennedy, who played for the Sydney Roosters and Brisbane Broncos.

In this episode hosted by Kathryn Fox, hear from Dr. Greta Frankham, a wildlife forensic scientist heading Australia's only accredited animal forensics lab. Uncover how cutting-edge science is helping to crack down on wildlife crime, protect our precious biodiversity and disrupt organised crime.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 1980, three friends were travelling on the South Western Highway from Perth to Harvey. They encountered a slight bend in the road and crashed into a tree. One of the friends, Terry, died at the scene, the two others escaped with minor injuries. 

Investigations to find who was responsible began, but, both friends denied being the driver.

The case was strange, and investigator Hadyn Green was unable to make an arrest until the appearance of a surprise piece of evidence. 

Hadyn sat down with host Brent Sanders to unpack the circumstances around the crash and to explain the crippling reality of delivering death notices to families. 

This episode contains graphic references to motor vehicle fatalities and suicide. For support, dial Life Line or if you have lost a loved one on the roads, visit https://ambercommunity.org.au/. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Remember when the internet erupted over whether a viral audio clip was depicting the name ‘Yanny’ or ‘Laurel’? Or did you know over 20% of people are convinced ABBA is singing ‘see that girl, watch her scream, kicking the dancing queen, instead of the actual lyrics ‘see that girl, watch that scene, dig in the dancing in queen’?

These playful debates light up our social media feeds, but what happens when misheard words have far more serious consequences, like in a videotaped murder confession or a panicked emergency call?

Dr Phil Rose, is a speech scientist specializing in forensic voice comparison and disputed utterances. In this episode, discover why no one can say the same word twice in exactly the same way, explore the limitations of ear witness accounts, and delve into the implications of deep fakes on the future of forensic voice identification.

If you or someone you know needs help:

• Lifeline (Crisis support and suicide prevention) 13 11 14
• Full Stop Australia (National violence and abuse trauma counselling and recovery Service) 1800 385 578

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Just before midnight on the 6th of December 1994, Elisabeth Membrey arrived home from her shift at the Manhattan Hotel in Melbourne. Police estimated that by 3AM, she was dead, concluding she’d been murdered in her hallway. 

16 years later, in 2010, after a tireless investigation, former Detective Tim Peck was able to finally make an arrest. But, as the case went to court - it soon turned from a successful investigation to Tim tragically spiralling into a dark and near fatal place.

Tim sat down with host Brent Sanders to talk about this case, and the dark consequences of policing. 

For more of Tim's story, his book The Invisible Obvious is out now. 

If this content affected you, the number for Life Line is 13 11 14. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

White crosses on unmarked graves, rusted metal bunk beds and ivy-lined concrete halls - that's all that's left of the Dozier School For Boys. 

From 1900 to 2011, It was one of the largest juvenile reform institutions in the US. It operated under the guise of 'reforming' wayward boys, but when victim-survivors and families came forth with allegations of horrific abuse and suspicious deaths, its reputation turned sour. 

How many children were buried there? In this episode, forensic anthropologist Erin Kimmerle walks host Kathryn Fox through her excavation of the site and what she found lying beneath the grassy pastures. 

If you or anyone you know needs help:

• Lifeline (Crisis support and suicide prevention) 13 11 14
• 1800 Respect (National sexual assault, family and domestic violence counselling line) 1800 737 732
• Men's Referral Service (National counselling, information and referral service for men looking to change their behaviour) 1300 766 491
• Full Stop Australia (National violence and abuse trauma counselling and recovery Service) 1800 385 578
• MensLine (help, support, referrals & counselling services for men) 1300 78 99 78

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the late 90s - NSW was rocked by the disappearance of Kerry Whelan. 

She was last seen on May 6th, after being dropped off at the Park Royal Hotel in Parramatta. When she didn’t return home, her husband Bernie quickly notified police. 

A search uncovered nothing, and police were stumped. It wasn’t until a day later did they have a lead. A ransom note had appeared.

Paul Grech, who was a junior detective, arrested the person responsible, and can recall the minute detail that helped solve the case.

Paul sits down with Brent Sanders to discuss the case and his career.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How do young people become radicalised? Is it nature or nurture? Or something far more complex?

Dr John Kasinathan is a forensic psychiatrist who specializes in the treatment of children and adolescents. 

In this episode, hear about the science of the developing brain, what drives crime in young people, the realities of being an incarcerated child in Australia, and one of the most shocking acts imaginable - a child killing their entire family. 

If you or anyone you know needs help:

• Lifeline (Crisis support and suicide prevention) 13 11 14
• Kids Helpline (Phone and online counselling service for young people aged 5 - 25)
• 1800 Respect (National sexual assault, family and domestic violence counselling line) 1800 737 732
• Full Stop Australia (National violence and abuse trauma counselling and recovery Service) 1800 385 578

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A dig was completed, but some are saying they didn't dig far enough. On the 26th of January 1966, three young siblings known as the Beaumont children, caught the bus to Glenelg Beach in Adelaide.

They told their mother they'd be back by noon - but the children never returned. 22 years later, detective Bill Hayes took on the case, and to this day, he's still trying to solve the case of the missing Beaumont children.

Brent Sanders sat down with Bill to understand his process and what new revelations are bringing him back to the case. 

This episode contains references to violence against children and child sexual abuse. If this content affects you, the number for Life Line is 13 11 14. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the 6th May, 2006, a 45-year-old woman disappeared from California’s San Pablo. Two years later, her skull was discovered 6 kilometers away.

Forensic anthropologist Ryburn Dobbs uncovered evidence that could have cracked the case wide open. But the police ignored him. Why?

In this episode, Ryburn tells host Kathryn Fox about the frustration of dealing with authorities who prioritise certain victims over others, even when presented with compelling forensic evidence.

If you or someone you know needs help:

• Lifeline (Crisis support and suicide prevention) 13 11 14
• Full Stop Australia (National violence and abuse trauma counselling and recovery Service) 1800 385 578

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.