Crime in Focus
Investigative journalist Tara Cassidy examines the murder of Bruce Saunders, which initially appeared to be a tragic industrial accident but was in fact a planned killing. The crime was orchestrated by his ex-partner, a grandmother from suburban Queensland, Sharon Graham. The episode explores years of manipulation, greed, and control, as well as the police investigation that revealed the truth.
Episodes
Listen Next - Secrets We Keep: Lone Actor
If you're looking for your next investigative series after this one, check out Secrets We Keep: Lone Actor. On March 15 2019 a gunman opened fire on two mosques in Christchurch, killing 51 people. Officially, he acted alone. But what if that wasn’t the full story? In Secrets We Keep: Lone Actor, journalist Joey Watson digs into the digital underworld that shaped Brenton Tarrant — a 28-
06| A Final Trial – Killer Charm
For those waiting to know Sharon Graham’s fate, this day had been a long time coming. Sharon Graham's murder trial finally gets under way, but it's not long before it faces multiple setbacks. Tara Cassidy was in court every day of Sharon’s trial, and shares key evidence and witness testimony, as well as the aftermath of her verdict. Tara also speaks with some of those closest to this case on the l
05| Rare Brand of Evil – Killer Charm
Police make arrests, but before any trials begin the case takes a major turn. Tara Cassidy speaks to a witness who reveals damning new information about Greg Roser, and part of the truth is finally told. Killer Charm releases new episodes every Wednesday. All people convicted of murder related to this case have lodged their intentions to appeal the outcomes. At the time of publishing this episod
04| Surveillance – Killer Charm
The police investigation is ramping up, all while Sharon Graham is trying to present herself as the mourning ex-girlfriend. Tara Cassidy speaks to those who could see through Sharon’s guise, and plays never-before-aired covert recordings that the police captured, which helped build their case. Killer Charm releases new episodes every Wednesday. All people convicted of murder related to this cas
03| Seven Wills – Killer Charm
Sharon Graham’s movements on the night of the murder are under scrutiny, as suspicions around her grow. Tara Cassidy tracks down some of Sharon’s exes to find out what she was like as a partner, and if she’s ever shown signs of planning something sinister before. Killer Charm releases new episodes every Wednesday. All people convicted of murder related to this case have lodged their intentions
02| Muffin – Killer Charm
Who is Sharon Graham? Tara Cassidy speaks to those closest to the grandmother, who was now one of the police’s main murder suspects. Tara unravels the different sides Sharon presented to people, and starts to see some patterns in her behaviour, especially around money and men. Crime in Focus: Killer Charm releases new episodes every Wednesday. All people convicted of murder related to this case
01| The ‘Accident’ – Killer Charm
A woman wakes to a tragic accident on her rural Queensland property. She’s told one of her friends has fallen into a woodchipper. He was clearing trees with two other men at the time, but police soon suspect his death was no mishap and a murder investigation commences. They want to find the people responsible, and after the news goes public, members of the community share some theories with the po
Introducing: Killer Charm
It looked like a tragic industrial accident at first, but Bruce Saunders’ death was planned. It was a calculated murder orchestrated by his ex-partner, a grandmother from suburban Queensland – Sharon Graham. Investigative journalist Tara Cassidy has been following this case for years. She’ll tell the full story behind the crime, including the manipulation, greed, and control that had been going on
From Prison Guard to Prison Inmate
As prison guard for Barwon Prison, Ash Langsworth handled some of Melbourne's most notorious criminals, including Carl Williams. He gained an insight into how they act in prison, but did this effect Ash himself? Hear about the 2 major events during Ash's time in prison - the death of Carl Williams and the fateful night that turned his whole world upside down. For more Crime content search the LiST
Catfished - The Death of Renae Marsden
Years of emotional manipulation, abuse and catfishing by her best friend Camila Zeidan, had driven Renae Marsden to sadly take her own life in 2013. Camila was not charged, as catfishing is not a law in Australia and years later, her parents, Mark and Teresa Marsden are still fighting for catfishing to be punishable by law in Australia. Mark and Teresa talk about what it's been like living in limb
Melbourne Gangster
Behind every gangland story - there's a family. When Mario Condello was brutally slain in Melbourne in 2006, Enzo Condello, the brother of Mario, could have followed a similar path but chose to become a writer. He reflects on his brother's murder and his role as Australia's ambassador to the mafia. For more Crime content search the LiSTNR app. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
War on Ourselves
Australia’s war in Afghanistan has had a devastating influence on suicide and depression among our veterans upon their return. Dr Dan Mealey, who fought for a Royal Commission into veteran suicide, says some Australians have turned on our soldiers while the Taliban continue to commit atrocities against innocent people. For more Crime content search the LiSTNR app. See omnystudio.com/listener for p
Jailhouse Lawyer: Part 3 - A Question of Character
With evidence of police corruption, the Jailhouse Lawyer’s determination to give it over is silenced by an old adversary. Investigative Reporter Adam Shand reports on the arrest of David McCulloch and how he was deported to a home he left 50 years ago. For more Crime content search the LiSTNR app. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jailhouse Lawyer: Part 2 - No Good Deed Goes Unpunished
Forming key alliances with powerful inmates and prison staff to bring peace to Barwon Prison, Jailhouse Lawyer David McCulloch faced new charges after a former friend Carl Williams betrayed him with false evidence. For more Crime content search the LiSTNR app. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jailhouse Lawyer: Part 1 - Framed
How would you survive time in prison? As a former asssociate of some of Melbournes key underworld figures, David McCulloch reveals how he survived in a jail by helping others to fight for freedom - becoming the Jailhouse Lawyer. For more Crime content search the LiSTNR app. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Real Chopper: Part 2 - Fame and Fortune
After nearly destroying his life with drugs, Chopper Read finds a new manager, Andrew Parisi, and plots a course for his revival including books, documentaries and a TV deal for a tell-all interview weeks before his death. For more Crime content search the LiSTNR app. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Real Chopper: Part 1 - Man or Myth
Mark Brandon "Chopper" Read is a name we associate with crime and violence in Australian society. Chopper confessed to a number of horrific crimes, but how much of it was true? His first manager Andrew Roper explains the beginning of Chopper's rise to fame. For more Crime content search the LiSTNR app. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Introducing LiSTNR's newest Crime Docuseries
The Children in the Pictures is the story you weren’t allowed to hear, and now it's is finally out in the open. It’s a silent epidemic— and it’s coming for our kids. Australian documentary-maker Akhim Dev follows the Queensland Police investigation of a notorious child exploitation website. ‘The Love Zone’ hosts thousands of members around the world creating, uploading, and sharing videos and phot
Funny Money
How easy is it to forge money? Australia introduced the worlds first plastic banknote in 1988, new money that the Government believed couldn't be forged. Hear about about the 1966 crime that sparked the creation of these new $10 notes, and the co-conspirator and financier of the crime 'Mr. Big'. Although if you're going to do something shady - don't involve your family. For more Crime content sear
Underworld Bride - Part 1: When Dad Left
Suffering years of harrowing abuse from growing up in Melbourne's underworld, Kellie Carter Bell needed to break the cycle, becoming an advocate for domestic violence victims. A chance meeting with Investigative Reporter Adam Shand leads to a quest to find Kellie’s father - a policeman, who left her nearly five decades before. Hear the amazing story of survival and what it was like living day to d
Underworld Bride - Part 2: Survivor
Kellie begins a family with a career criminal who ultimately tries to kill her. A second abusive relationship follows before Kellie finds the strength to break away. Can Investigative reporter Adam Shand come through on his search to reunite Kellie with her missing Father. Kellie's amazing feats of strength and incredibly positive attitude contrast with the harrowing tale of her survival. For more
Mary Wallace: Part 3 - Bob The Yob
Real Crime investigator Adam Shand reports on forensic evidence that removes any doubt as to Mary Wallace’s killer. A suspect Robert John Adams is convicted but, claiming his innocence, does not reveal the location of Mary’s body. Police are appealing for public assistance to bring her home. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mary Wallace: Part 2 - Building A Case
Real Crime investigator Adam Shand re-examines mysterious letters to police from 1983/84 for clues. Did the killer hoax the police with a bogus burial site? Investigators comb new potential crime scenes and another murder investigation yields a breakthrough. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mary Wallace: Part 1 - Justice For Mary
Real Crime investigator Adam Shand tells the story of Mary Louise Wallace, missing and presumed murdered in 1983. Homicide investigator Nicole Jones re-opens this cold case and returns to the original case files to go after Mary’s killer. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Day Lucille Disappeared: Part 6 - Jimmy's Final Place
Out of options and diagnosed with terminal cancer, Lucille’s brother Jimmy plans to confront his sister’s alleged killer Geoffrey Charles Hunt after Tasmania Police have shelved Lucille’s case. For more Crime content search the LiSTNR app. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Day Lucille Disappeared: Part 5 - Justice
Due to mistakes made by Tasmania police, Tasmanian prosecutors face a dilemma in deciding whether to put Geoffrey Hunt before the Supreme Court for Lucille's murder. Police have a mountain of evidence, so why can't they get it before the courts? For more Crime content search the LiSTNR app. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Day Lucille Disappeared: Part 4 - Buried Remains
Investigators needed something that would corroborate what Hunt had allegedly told former Officers, that he had killed Lucille and dumped her body at Tasmania's Derwent River. On July 3, 2015, the dig began, but if former Officers working the case knew of the dig site, why hadn't they done this already?For more Crime content search the LiSTNR app. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informatio
The Day Lucille Disappeared: Part 3 - The Interview
Police can prove Hunt is a liar, but can they pin a murder on him? He allegedly confessed to the murder of Lucille, but his admissions weren't recorded. Investigators needed to place Hunt at the scene and fortunately, there was something in his file that could help. For more Crime content search the LiSTNR app. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Day Lucille Disappeared: Part 2 - The Confession
A new suspect is uncovered by Tasmanian police, an albino man named Geoffrey Charles Hunt, who was already convicted of murder. While confessing to that murder, and without hesitation, Hunt continued to say information that aligned with Lucille's investigation. For more Crime content search the LiSTNR app. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Day Lucille Disappeared: Part 1 - Without a trace
20-year-old Miss Tasmania hopeful, Lucille Butterworth, disappeared from a bus stop in Hobart In 1969, and was never seen again. Police believed she was a runaway who would eventually return, and subsequently fail to search for her for weeks after her disappearance. Eventually, a suspect is identified... For more Crime content search the LiSTNR app. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informat
Packer's Gold: Part 2 - No Trace
Police have a suspect known as Mr. X and believe the safecracker was told about the gold by someone on the inside the Packer's inner-circle or staff. So, how much did Kerry Packer know about this theft and the person who pulled it off? For more Crime content search the LiSTNR app.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Packer's Gold: Part 1 - Loyalty, Betrayal and Revenge
Gold bullion worth $5.5 million was stolen from Kerry Packer in 1995. Professional safe crackers commend the work of the thief, but are sceptical this was a one-man job. For more Crime content search the LiSTNR app. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lawyer X: Part 6 - Waiting For Gobbo
Risking receiving a contempt of court charge, Nicola Gobbo is reluctant to appear before the Royal Commission, but why? Eventually Lawyer X makes a surprise appearance from a secret location. Finally, she would explain the reason why, and how, she became a double-dealing informant. For more Crime content search the LiSTNR app. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lawyer X: Part 5 - Mutual Destruction
Hear former Chief Commissioner, Simon Overland’s, testimony from the Lawyer X Royal Commission on former Chief Commissioner Simon Overland’s testimony. Overland tells of a “toxic co-dependency” between Victoria Police and Nicola Gobbo, a.k.a, Lawyer X. For more Crime content search the LiSTNR app. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lawyer X: Part 4 - Return Of The Vampire
Investigative Reporter Adam Shand alleges that Nicola Gobbo, a.k.a Lawyer X, helped a pathological liar to falsely confess to the 2003 murder of “vampire gigolo” Shane Chartres-Abbott. But what is the basis to this claim and why would she do that? For more Crime content search the LiSTNR app. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lawyer X: Part 3 - A Good Lawyer
Gobbo helped police take down drug baron Tony Mokbel, but then betrayed the Calabrian mafia by informing the police of the world’s largest importation of ecstasy. But at the height of her success as an informer, Nicola Gobbo, a.k.a Lawyer X begins to unravel. For more Crime content search the LiSTNR app. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lawyer X: Part 2 - The Glittering Prize
Hardworking, streetwise and available all hours – it’s no wonder that Nicola Gobbo, a.k.a Lawyer X, was sought after by gangsters and drug traffickers. But 6 years into her career, Gobbo made a decision that would eventually destroy that career and put her life in danger. For more Crime content search the LiSTNR app. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lawyer X: Part 1 - Frankenstein’s Barrister
Drug barons and corrupt police were running riot in the early 2000s but Victoria Police had a secret weapon, a criminal barrister named 'Lawyer X' who betrayed her clients, lovers and associates. This is the story of Nicola Gobbo, a double agent playing a deadly game. For more Crime content search the LiSTNR app. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Great Qantas Hoax: Part 2 - Landing The Wreck
Captain of the A380 Qantas flight, James Nixon, talks with Investigator Adam Shand about how today’s pilots handle bomb threats and why flying is the second safest mode of transport. For more Crime content search the LiSTNR app. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Great Qantas Hoax: Part 1 - Doomsday Flight
A bomb is set to explode at 20,000 feet in the air inside a Qantas Boeing 707, unless a ransom of $500,000 is paid. Hear the story of The Great Qantas Hoax through conversations with the passengers on board. For more Crime content search the LiSTNR app. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Trials of the Vampire: Part 10 - God's Eye
Investigative reporter Adam Shand sums up how the most expensive police investigation in Victoria's history ended in abject failure and how the trauma of the events of 2002/3 continues to play out in 2021. For more Crime content search the LiSTNR app. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Trials of the Vampire: Part 9 - Author, Author
After 7 years on the run, Mark Perry is captured. The trial of the vampire's potential killers begins. Learn how prosecutors try to tie in Perry's alleged role in the murder with 'The Author's' evidence and end up with two different and conflicting stories, how long can 'The Author' lead the police on before his credibility crumbles? For more Crime content search the LiSTNR app. See omnystudio.com
Trials of the Vampire: Part 8 - The Bounty
The manhunt for Abbott's suspected murder, Mark Perry, begins. Police offer a $1 million reward for information on Perry's whereabouts. Meanwhile, police trawl through Shane's client list to try and find new clues to his murder. For more Crime content search the LiSTNR app. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Trials of the Vampire: Part 7 - Murky Waters
Allegations made by "The Author" indite a former and serving policeman, claiming he helped to plan the murder of Shane. Hear how, under political pressure, police try to prove that the flimsy allegations are riddled with inconsistencies and lies. For more Crime content search the LiSTNR app. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Trials of the Vampire: Part 6 - Showstopper
An inmate known as "The Author" begins his confession about Shane's murder, three years after his death. Investigative reporter Adam Shand reports on these confessions and the names of his accomplices. For more Crime content search the LiSTNR app. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Trials of the Vampire: Part 5 - Howard Street
Abbott is due to give evidence in his trial, but that very day he is intercepted outside his house on Howard St and shot down in cold blood. This has now become a murder investigation. For more Crime content search the LiSTNR app. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Trials of the Vampire: Part 4 - The Main Course
Police track Shane from Penny's hotel room to a brothel where more bizarre practices unfold but this time Shane is on the receiving end. More questions emerge about the events in Room 307 and whether the victim is telling the whole story. For more Crime content search the LiSTNR app. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Trials of the Vampire: Part 3 - Midnight In Room 307
Abbots client - the Thai-born Penny, is found in a pool of blood in her hotel room and Shane is the only suspect. There were rape allegations against Shane but, some unanswered questions on that investigation cast doubt on Shane’s guilt. For more Crime content search the LiSTNR app. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Trials of the Vampire: Part 2 - Story Time
What led Shane to become a sex worker? Vampire gigolo Shane Chartres-Abbott's father and grandfather had a history of bogus religion, violence and sexual freedom, but how does all this all tie into Shane's work in the sex industry? For more Crime content search the LiSTNR app. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Trials of the Vampire: Part 1 - Vampire For Hire
Melbourne's infamous 'vampire gigolo', Shane Chartres-Abbott was shot down on his way to court to go on trial for rape charges in 2003. Both the death and trial seem suspicious. These are the events that led to so-called trials of the vampire. For more Crime content search the LiSTNR app. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Meth Destruction: Part 2 - Family
As jail or death beckons, Tom becomes estranged from his loved ones and sees no future in life. Eventually he finds the strength to deal with his demons, and even though the impact Tom’s downward spiral has had on his family is huge, they continue to stand by him to try and help him turn his life around. For more Crime content search the LiSTNR app. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informat
Meth Destruction: Part 1 - Addiction
Teenager, Tom de Souza discovers a drug called 'meth' or methamphetamine, which he believes will be help his low self-esteem and confidence issues. This is Tom's journey from middle class scholarship boy in Perth, to chronic ice user. For more Crime content search the LiSTNR app. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
ATM Boy: Part 2 - Lies and Deceit
The dilemma - Dan can steal enough from the bank to last a lifetime, and life in a tropical hideout awaits, but can he summon the courage to abandon everything for a life of lies and deceit. He speaks to Investigator Adam Shand about the burden and consequences of what he has done. For more Crime content search the LiSTNR app. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
ATM Boy: Part 1 - Infinite Money
You've unlimited cash, now what do you spend it on? Melbourne barman, Dan Saunders, found a loophole in the ATM system of a bank that allows him to withdraw unlimited amounts of money, and begins to live a Hollywood-style high roller lifestyle. For more Crime content search the LiSTNR app. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In Plain Sight: Part 5 - The Capture
Investigator Adam Shand recieves a phone call that after two and a half years on the run Jono has finally been caught. But it’s not police who catch Jono. A judge needs to now assess whether Jono is mentally fit to stand trial. For more Crime content search the LiSTNR app. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In Plain Sight: Part 4 - Voices
Police say someone has been assisting Jono evade capture for the last two and a half years. There is a $100,000 reward available for information on his whereabouts. Where is Jono hiding? For more Crime content search the LiSTNR app. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In Plain Sight: Part 3 - The Punisher
Jono’s childhood friends fear they may be in danger too after the attack on David Cammarata, and share their stories of what Jono was like growing up and what they think is driving his attacks. For more Crime content search the LiSTNR app. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In Plain Sight: Part 2 - Best Man
Still on the run, Jono appears out of the blue and attacks his childhood friend, David Cammarata, with a hammer, but he botches the attack and suffers the consequences. For more Crime content search the LiSTNR app. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In Plain Sight: Part 1 - Brothers
Jonathan 'Jono' Dick brutally murders his brother with a samurai sword and evades capture for two and a half years. Many people think he’s dead... until he strikes again. For more Crime content search the LiSTNR app. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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