Case 150: The Murchison Murders
Although the outback was isolated and sparsely populated, work was available in the small towns and stations along the fence for men who were willing to tough it out in the harsh conditions. Due to the lack of communications systems at the time and the transient nature of these communities, it wasn’t unusual for people to leave without ever being heard from again.
Team:
Anonymous Host - narration
Elsha McGill - writing
Holly Boyd - research
Mike Migas - production, scoring
Andrew D.B. Joslyn - scoring
Milly Raso - creative direction
Comments (19)
For non-Aussies. Station would be a ranch in USA, except a Station is so much bigger. A boundary rider lives in a hut many miles from the homestead, oftenin later times with a wife and kids ( my grandfather was one) but also single men favoured these jobs. A dogger kills wild dogs and dingoes, roo shooter killed kangaroos for their skins (leather naking) and food. Rabbits and foxes were introduced by colonial English officers and landowners so they could have fox hunts etc. (= devastation of environment ), Long guns were used for hunting but there never an USA Western cowboy gunslinger scenario in Australia.
The problem I have with these pre-1970s episodes is that I love history, and pre-WWII Australian history is a real gap in my knowledge. I got so distracted listening to the details of the rabbit-proof fence and the life of transient workers in the Outback that I almost forgot I was listening to a True Crime podcast, and when you started going into details about the police investigation into Louis Carron’s disappearance, I accidentally muttered “Yeah, yeah, I get it. That Snowy guy killed him. Move on!.” Then I was like “Oh hold on...”
Excellent work guys. Really enjoyed this episode. But I enjoy them all. Friendship took a killer from the road. A couple friends concerned they hadn’t heard from their buddy in a while, won’t just let it go. Eventually justice, after some incredible police work.
Sorry I listened again. I think it is just my ears. I am getting on. I am in WA but have never heard of Paynesville. You continue to teach me more than true crime. Thanks again
No probs, thank you Mark!
Did you mean Mt Magnet, which you called Mt Magnon and Paynes Find, which you called Paynesville?
Hi Mark, we have Mt Magnet in the script and I think that's what I said. Did you hear different? If so, do you recall where roughly in the episode? Paynesville is correct, it is located 80km west of Mt Magnet. Thank you.
Very good! This is a classic casefile episode, with the great research, great writing, history, anthropology and the best narrator in true crime podcasts. The history regarding the rabbit fence itself was even fascinating. I love the stories from the bush! Well done Casey and the crew! The Aussie cases are the most fascinating!
Top class 👌🏿👌🏿
Great episode!
What a story. I love when cases take me to a place and I can visualise the world in which the story takes place. There’s a lot of fun occupation names people had back in the day, isn’t there?? ;)
Very tough life in the outback ... but I got the sense of a great camaraderie, friendship and a genuine sense of concern for people.. fantastic work by the cops too...very tenacious work!! I feel sad though for the victims...Poor blokes, they were just trying to make a life in very difficult times.
Perfect timing for taking a road trip today!
You are literally keeping me going through this crazy time. I am about to listen to this new one. THANKS 😊. You are the BEST TRUE CRIME POD!!
why do I always get these notifications on my way to work, I can't wait to listen!
Love when I literally jump in the car to drive and get this notification!! 😁 haven’t heard of this one, always love an Aussie case!
Did you know your name is almost the name of the murderer in one of the earlier Casefile cases?
Four weeks in a row! That's a nice surprise 😊.
Nup - only three.