Case 252: Margaret Maher, Mersina Halvagis & Nicole Patterson
When Melbourne women Margaret Maher, Mersina Halvagis and Nicole Patterson were found brutally murdered in the late 1990s, police didn’t immediately link the crimes. The killer left behind no incriminating evidence, indicating he was an experienced offender who knew how to beat the system. Little did investigators know, the story began almost 30 years earlier, when a 15-year-old boy knocked on his neighbour’s door and asked to borrow a knife.
Team:
Anonymous Host - narration
Milly Raso - research, writing, creative direction
Mike Migas - production, music
Andrew D.B. Joslyn - music
Comments (14)
I was shocked listening to the case and the extent of his crimes as I didn’t know the whole story. Mersina’s brother is a legend in our local community, he owns a cafe and spoke to me about her when I visited. He’s very passionate about bail reform and raising awareness
i’ve been waiting for the Peter Dupass ep. I would LOVE to hear Vickie Petratis do a long form for this one bc it is a LOT with him and his psychology is absolutely horrifying yet intriguing- nevermind the detail that can be provided on his constant releases from incarceration; however, Casefile did such a great job (duh) at covering this as well. i just love Vickie and def look forward to hearing more stuff from her in the future!
I wish there was something that could be done for the parole personnel that all said "yeah, he could do it again but just watch him really close and he can be released." I'm not saying lock then up but like, maybe a mark in their record so every time they recommend someone for parole, the file is flagged "This person makes horrible decisions. Ask someone else" so there's some shame associated with a recommendation like "his psychiatric therapy isn't working but I'll let him out."
For anyone wanting to watch a great show that is based on the solicitor Andrew Fraser and his assistance in securing evidence against Dupas, the show “Killing Time” is great.
🤬🤬🤬 - This was a tough one. Also no offense to Casey or the team whatsoever but I believe it’s spatter. Not splatter.
Wow, can't believe I've never heard of this case (especially as an Aussie). What a difficult one to get through, made me feel sick. Great storytelling as always though team!
Oh, Muriel. It’s *never* a mannequin.
its Mah-riel :P
Yet another case where every possible excuse, accommodation and allowance is made for a man with a history of violence against women, where it is more important that his "life isn't ruined" by facing the consequences of his behaviour and the women he has brutalised are discarded like rubbish.
I almost didn't finish this episode, which would have been a Casefile first for me, because it was so dark and brutal and his manipulation of the legal system was so bleak and relentless. I knew the name Peter Dupas but not why he was so infamous, and, well, this episode was definitely an unforgettable introduction. Well done guys as always.
Right off the bat making Casey read some horrific stuff. Peter Dupas's case always reminds me of Leonard Fraser. The law really fails women over and over again.
How would the law favour male victims over women?
The level of disregard shown by multiple judges in this case for the safety of the female public is breathtaking. Also Grace made some very surprising choices for someone who presumably had access to, and at least some training in, mental health care.
Put him in a cell with Paul(a) Denyer and some cutlery.