Motive & Method

The Thailand Suitcase Murder: An Australian Charged 17.07.2026 25min

A 17-year-old disappeared in Thailand after meeting an Australian man. Less than a day later her body was found inside a suitcase abandoned near railway tracks. In this episode Tim and Xanthe examine the evidence authorities allege they have against Australian man Simon Peter Carman, and how they say they tracked him through an extensive network of CCTV. Carman denies intentionally killing the teenager - Thanchanok Donhomla - claiming he acted in self-defence, and could face the death penalty if convicted under Thai law. You can read the Sydney Morning Herald article about Thanchanok Donhomla and her family, mentioned in this episode HERE Watch the full video episode on Youtube at Crime Central Australia HERE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

8. Narelle Cox: If Not Milat, Then Who? 14.07.2026 27min

Could an anonymous truck driver hold the key to solving this 50-year-old cold case?In this episode Tim & Xanthe sit down with Karen Cox, the sister of Narelle Cox, who vanished in 1977 while hitchhiking from Grafton to Noosa. She was just 21 years old and left a note saying she was visiting a friend for the weekend, but she never arrived and she never came home. Karen shares the devastating impact of Narelle’s disappearance, the police decisions they believe cost valuable time and the lost leads that have haunted them for nearly 50 years. Plus, why possible links to Ivan Milat, or another convicted killer, continue to raise troubling questions. Anyone with information about Narelle’s disappearance is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au Watch the full video episode on Youtube at Crime Central Australia HERE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

7. Marion Barter Pt. 2 - The Citizen Sleuth Who Found What Police Missed 12.07.2026 34min

No badge, no warrant and no official powers - yet she uncovered vital evidence in the search for missing schoolteacher Marion Barter.In this episode, we speak with citizen sleuth and social worker Joni Condos, whose relentless research from her own living room uncovered crucial evidence in the mysterious disappearance of Marion Barter. Joni reveals how she traced hidden identities, unearthed forgotten records and pieced together key movements that helped reshape the coronial inquest into one of Australia’s most baffling missing persons cases.She also shares why she believes collaboration between police and skilled civilian researchers could be the key to solving more cold cases. Watch the full video episode on Youtube at Crime Central Australia HERE. Anyone with information about Marion’s disappearance is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au For more information, follow the links below:The Lady Vanishes podcastThe Missing Matter podcastThe Green Seat Project  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

6. The Mysterious Disappearance of Marion Barter 09.07.2026 30min

She secretly changed her name. Hundreds of thousands of dollars disappeared from her bank account. A convicted conman was questioned for days at a coronial inquest, yet nearly three decades later, no one knows what happened to Marion Barter.In this episode, Tim & Xanthe are joined by Marion’s daughter Sally Leydon. She reveals the extraordinary twists in her mother’s disappearance, the police failures that left the case largely uninvestigated for years and the new leads that continue to emerge. Sally also reflects on her appearance before the NSW Parliamentary Inquiry into unsolved cases, where she’s fighting for reforms to ensure other families don’t endure the same devastating search for answers. Watch the full video episode on Youtube at Crime Central Australia HERE. Anyone with information about Marion’s disappearance is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au For more information, follow the links below.The Lady Vanishes podcastThe Missing Matter podcastThe Green Seat ProjectSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chopper Read: Australia’s ‘Celebrity’ Criminal 07.07.2026 29min

How a notorious criminal became a pop culture legend.Tim & Xanthe unpack the violent life and complicated mythology of Mark Brandon ‘Chopper’ Read -  the underworld figure immortalised in film, television, and true crime folklore. From prison violence and gangland crime to media fame and the cult success of 'Chopper', we examine how a brutal criminal transformed himself into an Australian icon. But beneath the stories, one-liners and legend lies a darker question: why are societies so fascinated by violent men like Chopper Read? Watch the full video episode on Youtube at Crime Central Australia HERE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Family Vanished: The 'Nannup Cult' Mystery 30.06.2026 41min

In 2007, four people vanished from a remote town in Western Australia - leaving behind an abandoned home, a cryptic note and a trail of unanswered questions. At the centre of the mystery was a self-styled spiritual leader, who had built an online doomsday cult. Over the past 20 years, as desperate family, police and coroners examined theories ranging from suicide pacts to staged disappearances, the truth behind the so-called “Nannup Four” only became more disturbing.In this episode, ABC journalist Dominique Bayens - behind the investigative podcast ‘Expanse: The Nannup Four’ -  joins Tim and Xanthe to examine this mystery, and discuss the disturbing psychology behind what has become one of Australia’s strangest and most unsettling cult cold cases. You can listen to the whole series by Dominique Bayens here: “Expanse: The Nannup Four” Watch our full video episodes on Youtube on the Crime Central Australia channel. Follow us on Instagram @Motive&Method See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bonus: Behind The Scenes With MP Jeremy Buckingham 26.06.2026 30min

In this bonus episode, Tim and Xanthe sit down with MP Jeremy Buckingham, the driving force behind the parliamentary inquiry examining some of Australia’s most notorious unsolved murders and missing persons cases. Buckingham reveals what sparked his decade-long push for answers, the systemic failures families say have left them abandoned and why he believes these cases deserve fresh scrutiny. He also explains what changes could come from the inquiry - and why families believe this may be their best chance yet at answers and accountability. More episodes of Australia's Killer Secrets coming soon...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

5. Cheryl Grimmer: A Confession Ignored- A Child Killer Never Caught 23.06.2026 29min

A three-year-old disappears. A teenager confesses. Yet more than five decades later, Cheryl Grimmer’s family is still fighting for justice.Cheryl Grimmer vanished from a beach change room in 1970, and despite a detailed confession decades later, no one has ever been held accountable for her murder. In this powerful interview, Cheryl’s brothers, Paul Grimmer and Ricki Nash, share the devastating impact her disappearance has had on their family and their decades-long fight for justice. They raise troubling questions about missed investigative opportunities, a confession that was ultimately ruled inadmissible, and why they believe authorities failed to properly pursue Cheryl’s case. More than 50 years on, they continue to demand answers and the chance for their little sister to finally have her day in court. More episodes of Australia's Killer Secrets coming soon...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

4. Keren Rowland: Was She Ivan Milat's First Victim? 16.06.2026 32min

What if Ivan Milat’s first victim was killed more than two decades before the backpacker murders?Keren Rowland was 5 months pregnant when she was brutally murdered and hidden in a pine forest in 1971. In this episode, Tim & Xanthe sit down with Keren's brother Steve Rowland and former UK detective Hugh Hughes.They detail years of fighting for answers, alleging police ignored crucial leads, withheld information and failed to properly investigate Milat despite mounting evidence linking him to Keren’s murder. More than 55 years on, the family is still asking the question that haunts this case: if police had done more back then, could Ivan Milat have been stopped before his backpacker killing spree began? More episodes of Australia's Killer Secrets coming soon...    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

3. Kevin Docherty: 47 Years Searching For Answers 11.06.2026 27min

A twin brother's 47-year fight for answers, suspicious letters and a new witness who may hold the key to where Kay Docherty is buried.In this episode, Kevin Docherty shares the heartbreaking story of his sister Kay Docherty, who vanished alongside her friend Toni Cavanagh in 1979. Nearly five decades on, Kevin recalls the night they disappeared, the suspicious letters sent to their families days later, and the long fight for answers after police initially treated the case as a runaway.He also reveals new information from a recently emerged witness that may not only point to Ivan Milat, but to a potential burial site that has never been searched.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2. Ivan Milat's 11 Other Victims? 11.06.2026 22min

Families demand answers - police under scrutiny - and a revelation that could reshape the Milat case.At the first hearing into dozens of Australia’s unsolved murders and missing persons cases, police revealed a previously unheard list of potential additional victims linked to Ivan Milat. In this episode, forensic scientist and criminologist Dr Xanthe Weston and criminal psychologist Tim Watson-Munro take you inside the landmark parliamentary inquiry in Bowral, NSW. They unpack the heartwrenching testimony from families still searching for answers, and their sharp criticism of police. Plus, the expert evidence they presented to the inquiry about Ivan Milat’s motives, methods and the murders they believe he may have gotten away with.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

1. Australia's Killer Secrets: Milat, Murders & Missing 10.06.2026 28min

What if the full story behind Australia's most notorious serial killer Ivan Milat has never been told?In episode one of this special series of Motive&Method, forensic scientist Dr Xanthe Weston and criminal psychologist Tim Watson-Munro break down the unsolved missing & murdered cases being re-examined in a landmark parliamentary inquiry.Tim & Xanthe have been working for years, alongside family members, on many of these cases. Now they're being called to give their expert submissions, highlighting the evidence and potential links in some of the investigations.  In Australia's Killer Secrets, Tim & Xanthe are taking you inside the hearings to explore the evidence -  talking to family, police and politicians - in this new search for answers in some of Australia's most enduring mysteries. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Introducing: Australia's Killer Secrets 07.06.2026 1min

What if the full story behind Australia's most notorious serial killer Ivan Milat has never been told? And what if more recent cases point to a copycat killer - or worse?In this special series of Motive&Method, forensic scientist Dr Xanthe Weston and criminal psychologist Tim Watson-Munro take you inside a landmark parliamentary inquiry examining dozens of unsolved murders and disappearances.From new evidence to long-overlooked links, Australia’s Killer Secrets explores the mysteries that continue to haunt a nation. Series launches Wednesday June 10. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is There A Byron Bay Serial Killer? 02.06.2026 34min

Mysterious disappearances, unsolved deaths & terrifying stories - Is a killer stalking Byron Bay? And could there be more than one?In 2019, 18-year-old Belgian backpacker Theo Hayez vanished after a night out in Byron Bay and was never seen again. Since then, the disturbing death of Jackson Stacker and the mysterious cases of Hugo Palmer and Erwan Ferrieux, among others, have become part of a chilling theory that a serial killer may be stalking northern New South Wales. As social media speculation collides with real police investigations, stories of alleged close calls and suspicious encounters continue to emerge. Are these tragedies connected - or has internet-fuelled fear created a modern Australian myth? In this episode, Tim & Xanthe separate fact from speculation and explore the stories that continue to terrify locals and travellers alike.  Watch our full video episodes on Youtube on the Crime Central Australia channel. Follow us on Instagram @Motive&MethodSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Horrific Crime In Campbelltown: Australia's DV Crisis 26.05.2026 27min

A mother & two young boys killed allegedly at the hands of their father - This tradegy has once again left an entire country asking how this keeps happening. The alleged murders in Campbelltown, Sydney have been described as among the most confronting domestic violence scenes seasoned investigators have encountered. Police allege the accused may have been inspired by another shocking family killing in Perth.In this episode, Tim & Xanthe unpack the allegations while examining the broader national crisis of domestic violence in Australia. Why do these tragedies keep happening - and what will it take for meaningful change? Click here for the petition calling for Royal Commission into the Killing of Australian Women and Girls 1800RESPECTCall: 1800 737 732Text: 0458 737 7321800respect.org.au/Lifeline Call: 13 11 14Text: 0477 13 11 14lifeline.org.au/ MensLine AustraliaCall: 1300 78 99 78 Kids HelplineCall: 1800 55 180024/7 support via phone and kidshelpline.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Youth Crime & 'Crimefluencing': Clicks, Clout & Coercion 19.05.2026 30min

Crimes for clicks, shares and online status - In this episode, Tim and Xanthe unpack the  dangerous new phenomenon “crimefluencing”. Australia’s top cop recently highlighted this “new and disturbing front in traditional gender-based violence” - with young people being drawn into online networks that encourage everything from petty offending to serious violence and exploitation. From livestreamed assaults to the coercion of vulnerable teenage girls, this episode explores how social media has gamified criminal behaviour. WATCH OUR FULL VIDEO EPISODES ON YOUTUBE AT 'CRIME CENTRAL AUSTRALIA'. Follow us on Instagram @Motive&MethodSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Breakthrough: Body Found In Search for Jayden Penno-Tompsett 13.05.2026 26min

In December 2017, two young men took off on a drug-fuelled roadtrip to spend New Year's Eve in Cairns. One made it to the party - the other was never seen again. Now a shocking development could see this case finally solved. In the final episode of this special series for Outback Murder Highway, investigative journalist Amelia Oberhardt dissects the mysterious disappearance of 22-year-old Jayden Penno-Tompsett who vanished in a tiny town off the Flinders Highway. The coroner ruled out foul play - but Jayden’s mum isn’t convinced and hired a private investigator to find new evidence.  You can watch the Outback Murder Highway TV documentary series 8.30pm Wednesday on Channel 9  from April 22 to May 13.Or watch anytime here - on 9Now.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Wrong Man? Who Killed Leanne Holland 12.05.2026 37min

More than three decades after 12-year-old Leanne Holland was murdered in Ipswich, her case remains one of Australia’s most controversial unsolved killings. In this episode, Tim and Xanthe speak with former police officer turned private investigator Graeme Crowley, whose relentless investigation helped trigger a new coronial inquiry into the case. They unpack the disappearance and murder of Leanne, the quashed conviction of her sister’s boyfriend Graham Stafford and the unanswered questions that have haunted the case for 35 years.  Graeme reveals the new witness sightings, alternative suspects and investigative findings he believes could finally lead to the truth. As authorities prepare to re-examine the evidence once again, this episode explores how one of Queensland’s most contested murder cases is far from over. You can listen to Graeme's podcast 'Who Killed Leanne Holland' here. WATCH OUR FULL VIDEO EPISODES ON YOUTUBE HERE: 'CRIME CENTRAL AUSTRALIA'. Follow us on Instagram @Motive&MethodSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bonus: Mark Jones [Extended Interview] 08.05.2026 42min

Mark Jones’ little brother Tony was hitchhiking to meet their other brother in 1982 when he made a final phone call back home & was never heard from again. In this extended interview from the documentary series Outback Murder Highway, Mark shares his disappointment in the police investigation. He is confident someone has more information about what happened to his brother, and is hopeful they’ll come forward and give his family answers after four decades of searching.  This interview was conducted by Jo Townsend for the television series Outback Murder Highway - On Channel 9 at 8.30pm on Wednesday nights - from April 22 to May 13.Or watch anytime here - on 9Now.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Outback Murder Highway: The Disappearance Of Tony Jones 06.05.2026 26min

In the early '80s a young hitchhiker vanished off the Flinders Highway - despite a mysterious tip-off in the mail, a killer’s confession, and growing rumours around one outback town, the truth remains hidden.  In this third episode for Outback Murder Highway, Tim, Xanthe and investigative journalist Amelia Oberhardt unpack the unsolved disappearance of 20-year-old Tony Jones who was on his way to meet his brother in Mt Isa but never arrived.  You can watch the Outback Murder Highway TV documentary series 8.30pm Wednesday on Channel 9  from April 22 to May 13.Or watch anytime here - on 9Now.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.