
REWIND | The Wattle Flower murder
From Crime Insiders by LiSTNR
October 21, 2025 · 31 min · Season 3 · Episode 271
About this episode
This episode discusses the Wattle Flower murder case and how forensic palynology played a crucial role in solving it.
The body of 27-year-old mother of two, Samantha Bodsworth, was found in Noosa, surrounded by wattle trees. The killer thinks it’s the perfect crime, but what they underestimated was the power of the tiny, silent witnesses clinging to almost everything they touched – pollen. In this Rewind episode of Crime Insiders | Forensics, former host Kathryn Fox talks to Dr Lynne Milne, the scientist at the forefront of forensic palynology. We learn how, for the first time in an Australian criminal case, pollen helped unmask a murderer. This episode references men's violence against women. If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, domestic, family or sexual violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au for online chat and video call services. The number for Life Line is 13 11 14. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
People in this episode
Guest: Dr Lynne Milne
Topics covered
- forensic palynology
- murder
- domestic violence
Keywords
- Samantha Bodsworth
- Noosa
- pollen
- forensics
Mentioned in this episode
Books & works: Crime Insiders | Forensics
Places: Noosa
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