Motive & Method

In our first ever Q & A episode Tim and Xanthe are answering your questions about the inside world of true crime, forensics and criminal psychology.From the top personality traits of psychopaths, to why most serial killers are men, to the psychology behind mothers who murder. In this very special episode learn more about your favourite true crime hosts and the cases that have stuck with them.GOT A QUESTION FOR US? Drop your questions in the comments below or message us on Instagram for a chance to have them answered on our next Q&A episode! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Was an innocent man sent to the gallows in Australia’s most infamous - and final - execution?On February 3, 1967, Ronald Ryan was hanged for the murder of a prison guard during a chaotic escape from Melbourne’s Pentridge Prison - an execution that shocked the nation and would ultimately help bring an end to capital punishment across Australia. Just over a year earlier, Ryan had escaped Pentridge, triggering a 19-day manhunt. After his capture, he was convicted of murder and sentenced to death, despite conflicting evidence surrounding the fatal shooting. When the countdown to the gallows began, Premier Henry Bolte refused to grant clemency, igniting a wave of outrage across the country - newspapers campaigned against the execution and protesters filled the streets. But Ronald Ryan was hanged and his death helped fuel the movement that would ultimately see capital punishment abolished across Australia. More than 50 years later, the question remains: was Ronald Ryan guilty of murder - or did Australia execute an innocent man? Follow us on YouTube Crime Central Australia HERE. Follow us on Instagram HERESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia is seeing a disturbing trend of teenagers engaging in extremely dangerous, and potentially fatal, sexual acts.After a 16-year-old girl reportedly died during a suspected sexual strangulation act, experts are warning how mainstream these practices have become.Research shows more than 50% of young Australians under 35 have engaged in the dangerous sexual practice of strangulation.In this episode Tim and Xanthe investigate how social media and pornography are shaping views of risky sex among teens, and ask who is ultimately responsible for addressing misogyny, consent and youth safety.Follow us on YouTube Crime Central Australia HERE. Follow us on Instagram HERESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Did Ivan Milat really act alone? And could lost documents link him to unsolved murders?The Crown prosecutor who put Ivan Milat behind bars believes the notorious serial killer may have had help with some of the murders. This episode, Tim and Xanthe take you inside the latest NSW parliamentary hearing into unsolved murders and missing persons where crucial questions were asked, and answered. The hearing revisited two unsolved cases - Peter Letcher and Dianne Pennacchio -  with questions raised over whether a missing brief of evidence could contain a link to Milat. And the head of the state’s Homicide Squad concedes, with 400 boxes of archived evidence, there could be more answers buried in the files.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At the second hearing of the NSW Parliamentary Inquiry into unsolved missing and murdered cases, Tim and Xanthe examine three more cases that expose troubling similarities in the experiences of families searching for answers. They discuss the unsolved murder of 16-year-old Lee Ellen Stace, the disappearance of Kylee-Ann Schaffer and the long-running mystery of Bronwyn Winfield, whose case has become one of Australia’s most high-profile missing persons investigations. Through the powerful evidence given by family members in Grafton, they explore recurring concerns about delayed investigations, poor police communication and a lack of resources.Although the cases are unrelated, the testimony reveals strikingly similar systemic failures that have shaped these investigations for decades. As the inquiry continues, Tim and Xanthe examine what these families hope must change to ensure others are not left waiting generations for answers.  You can read the full submissions from the family and friends who spoke at the hearings HERE If you or anyone else you know needs support please reach out for help:Lifeline: 13 11 14 (24/7) or text 0477 13 11 14Mental Health Line: 1800 011 5111800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.