Motive & Method

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.

Bonus: John Twaddle [Extended Interview] 02.05.2026 17min

John Twaddle thought he knew who murdered his brother Gordon, but the person he had suspected has been ruled out by police on multiple occasions. Almost 50 years after Gordon was found dead off Queensland’s Flinders Highway, alongside his girlfriend Karen and mate Tim, their families are no closer to the truth.  In this extended interview from the documentary series Outback Murder Highway, John shares what it was like to return home to New Zealand without answers, and spend decades waiting for a breakthrough. This interview was conducted by Callum Denness 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: Triple Murder At Spear Creek 29.04.2026 24min

In October 1978 three bodies are found at Spear Creek in remote outback Queensland - each has a single rifle shot to the head. Decades later a prime suspect is ruled out but did witnesses identify another man? In this special episode for Outback Murder Highway, Tim and Xanthe are joined again by investigative journalist Amelia Oberhardt to unpack the documentary investigation into the unsolved murders of Karen Edwards, Tim Thomson and Gordon Twaddle.  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.

Bonus: David Cunningham [Extended Interview] 24.04.2026 24min

For over fifty years, David Cunningham has been searching for the truth about his sister Anita, who vanished while hitchhiking Queensland’s notorious Flinders Highway in 1972. While her friend Robin was tragically found murdered, Anita’s fate remains one of the Outback's most enduring and haunting mysteries. In this powerful, extended interview from the documentary series Outback Murder Highway, David shares the grueling reality of a half-century search for justice. From the initial desperate weeks to the sudden breakthrough of new witnesses, he explores the theories, the suspects and his hope that someone who knows something will come forward. 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 Sensible Creek Killings 22.04.2026 31min

Two 18-year-old girls disappeared on the Flinders Highway in 1972. One was found murdered, the other has never been found. In this first episode of our special series for Outback Murder Highway, Tim & Xanthe are joined by investigative journalist Amelia Oberhardt to dissect the unsolved case of Anita Cunningham and Robin Hoinville-Bartram. Could police have missed crucial evidence all those years ago that could prove  they were victims of one of Australia's most notorious serial killers? 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.

Introducing: Outback Murder Highway 16.04.2026 2min

One Australian highway - 11 people dead or missingIn this special series, criminal psychologist Tim Watson-Munro and forensic criminologist, Dr Xanthe Weston are unpacking four major cases under investigation in the exclusive new television documentary series Outback Murder Highway. In each episode, Tim & Xanthe are joined by investigative journalist Amelia Oberhardt to dissect the history of these unsolved cases along Australia's notorious Flinders Highway, and the new developments revealed in the documentary series. Plus, we'll be releasing bonus extended interviews from the documentary series. Launching April 23.  Watch Outback Murder Highway every Wednesday night from April 22 - May 13 at 8.30pm on Channel 9 or catch up anytime on 9Now. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ted Bundy Bonus Episode: DNA Breakthrough In Serial Killer Case 08.04.2026 33min

Breaking news on notorious serial killer Ted Bundy decades after his execution -  A DNA breakthrough has linked Ted Bundy to another cold case murder, proving his story may not be as closed as once believed. In this bonus episode, Xanthe and Tim unpack the breakthrough and what it reveals about the enduring power of forensic science. Also, how rapid advances in DNA technology are cracking long-cold cases here in Australia and driving fresh arrests. From infamous killers to unknown offenders, this episode explores how science is reshaping investigations and what secrets might still be waiting to surface. You can watch our full video episodes on Youtube - click here!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Catching Peter Foster & Finding A Missing Baby: Ken Gamble (Part 2) 07.04.2026 21min

A dramatic arrest on a Queensland beach and a years-long search for a missing baby - it’s not all cybercrime for private investigator Ken Gamble! In part two of our conversation, Ken takes us inside his pursuit of Australia’s most notorious conman, Peter Foster.  Plus, how he got dragged into a major case of a missing baby in the United States  - and unravelled the mother's conflicting claims of murder and adoption. You can watch our full video episodes on Youtube - click here!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hunting Scammers with Private Investigator Ken Gamble (Part 1) 31.03.2026 37min

He’s helped bring down international fraud rings, recover millions for victims and hunt some of the world’s most notorious con artists - including serial swindler Peter Foster. In part 1 of Tim & Xanthe’s conversation with private investigator Ken Gamble, Ken talks overnight mafia stakeouts, unmasking one of the world’s first major online ticket scammers and busting ‘boiler rooms’ in the Philippines that were stealing millions from Aussie mums and dads.  Part two is out next week - 8th April, 2026. You can watch our full video episodes on Youtube - click here!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Not So Perfect Murder: The Kouri Richins Case 24.03.2026 27min

Her husband died. She wrote a book about grief. Then she was charged with his murder.The Kouri Richins case is one of the most talked about recent criminal trials. While she was giving interviews spruiking the book she wrote to help her children cope with the loss of their father,  investigators were uncovering drug deals, secret debts, an affair and a sinister murder plot. In this episode, Tim & Xanthe discuss how a story of grief unravelled into a murder motivated by greed.  You can watch our full video episodes on Youtube - click here!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

He Got Away With Murder - Where Is 'Mr Cruel' Now? 17.03.2026 34min

He was one of Australia's most feared predators - and he was never caught. In this episode, Tim & Xanthe revisit the terrifying crimes of Mr Cruel, the masked offender who stalked Melbourne’s eastern suburbs, targeting young girls, in the late 1980s. Tim worked alongside Victoria Police at the time, profiling the serial rapist as the attacks grew more brazen, escalating from calculated home invasions and kidnappings to the murder of 13-year-old Karmein Chan. More than thirty years on, the mystery remains: how did one of Australia’s most methodical offenders get away with it - and could Mr Cruel still be out there? You can watch our full video episodes on Youtube - click here!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cult On Trial: Who Are The Zizians? 10.03.2026 26min

Six deaths, multiple states and a high-IQ cult at the centre of it all. In this episode Xanthe and Tim unravel the bizarre and deeply unsettling case of 'The Zizians', whose alleged victims include a border patrol agent and one member's own parents. So how and why did a group of highly intelligent Silicon Valley overachievers spiral into violence? It's a twisted web authorities are still trying to untangle, with seven cult members currently behind bars awaiting trial. You can watch our full episodes now on Youtube: click here!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Killer Babysitter: Living Free & Babysitting Again 03.03.2026 43min

She killed three babies and tried to murder two others. How is Australia's worst female serial killer now living in anonymity within close proximity to young children?An investigation by A Current Affair reporter Erin Ramsay has thrust the case of Helen Patricia Moore, the so-called killer babysitter, back into the spotlight. Despite serving less than fourteen years for murdering babies in her care, Moore rebuilt her life under a new identity - and was babysitting again.Plus, a chilling new claim from her own brother raises the possibility she got away with another murder. Erin Ramsay joins us to reveal what she uncovered and the alarming failures meant to protect children. You can watch A Current Affair stories here:  on Youtube or 9Now  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lucy Letby: Is History Repeating? 24.02.2026 32min

Is this another case of wrongful conviction like Kathleen Folbigg?In this episode, we revisit the case of Lucy Letby, as fresh legal developments continue to reshape how the evidence is being examined. With new inquests announced and ongoing legal processes underway, questions are being raised about expert testimony, systemic failures and whether earlier conclusions still stand. Tim & Xanthe unpack what’s changed, what’s still contested and why this case remains far from settled.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.