Is There A Byron Bay Serial Killer?

Is There A Byron Bay Serial Killer?

From Motive & Method by Xanthe Mallett and Tim Watson-Munro

June 2, 2026 · 35 min

About this episode

The episode explores the chilling theory of a potential serial killer in Byron Bay, examining mysterious disappearances and unsolved deaths.

Mysterious disappearances, unsolved deaths & terrifying stories - Is a killer stalking Byron Bay? And could there be more than one? In 2019, 18-year-old Belgian backpacker Theo Hayez vanished after a night out in Byron Bay and was never seen again. Since then, the disturbing death of Jackson Stacker and the mysterious cases of Hugo Palmer and Erwan Ferrieux, among others, have become part of a chilling theory that a serial killer may be stalking northern New South Wales. As social media speculation collides with real police investigations, stories of alleged close calls and suspicious encounters continue to emerge. Are these tragedies connected - or has internet-fuelled fear created a modern Australian myth? In this episode, Tim & Xanthe separate fact from speculation and explore the stories that continue to terrify locals and travellers alike.  Watch our full video episodes on Youtube on the Crime Central Australia channel . Follow us on Instagram @Motive&Method See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

People in this episode

Hosts: Xanthe Mallett, Tim Watson-Munro

Topics covered

  • serial killer
  • disappearances
  • unsolved deaths
  • Byron Bay
  • true crime
  • social media speculation

Keywords

  • Byron Bay
  • serial killer
  • Theo Hayez
  • unsolved deaths
  • true crime
  • mysterious disappearances
  • social media speculation

Mentioned in this episode

Places: Byron Bay, northern New South Wales

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