The “Lesbian Vampire Killer”: The Murder That Shocked Australia

About this episode

This episode revisits the infamous case of Tracey Wigginton and the murder of Edward Baldock, exploring how media narratives shaped public perception.

In October 1989, a brutal killing on the banks of the Brisbane River shocked Queensland. Within days, newspapers around the world were running the same chilling headline:  “The Lesbian Vampire Killer.” But how did a tragic crime become a global media sensation? In this episode of  The StickyBeak , Monika O’Hanlon revisits the infamous case of Tracey Wigginton and the murder of Edward Baldock — exploring the events of that night, the rumours that followed, and the headlines that turned a shocking crime into one of Australia’s most sensationalised stories. This episode looks beyond the label to examine  how media narratives can shape public perception — and how some headlines take on a life of their own. Listener discretion advised. This episode was brought to you by Tüt , toilet lid stickers to zhuzh up your toot. Because every throne needs a crown. https://www.etsy.com/shop/tutdeco/ 🎉 Big news! The StickyBeak will be returning to two episodes a week! Wednesdays: Your regular deep dive into the weird, wonderful, and wonderfully strange stories from around the world. Mondays: A brand-new episode all about YOUR stories — the wild, funny, and…

People in this episode

Host: Monika O'Hanlon

Topics covered

• true crime
• media narratives
• public perception
• murder case
• Australia
• sensationalism

Keywords

• Lesbian Vampire Killer
• Tracey Wigginton
• Edward Baldock
• Brisbane River
• media sensationalism
• true crime
• Australia

Sponsors

Tüt

Mentioned in this episode

Places: Australia, Brisbane River

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