REWIND | The Wattle Flower murder

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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