Australia's Deadliest Serial Killer? - The Milat Inquiry

Australia's Deadliest Serial Killer? - The Milat Inquiry

From The Trial: Australia by The Crime Desk

May 14, 2026 · 35 min · Season 2 · Episode 31

About this episode

The episode explores the notorious serial killer Ivan Milat and the ongoing inquiry into his potential links to more unsolved crimes.

Ivan Milat is one of the most notorious serial killers in all of Australia. He was convicted in 1996 of the brutal murders of seven backpackers whose bodies were discovered in the Belanglo State Forest. His violent and disturbing crimes shocked the world, but that only be the tip of the iceberg. Now, with a new inquiry underway, investigators are revisiting more than 50 unsolved disappearances and murders that may be linked to Milat, potentially making him far more prolific than originally thought. In this episode, Wayne is joined by acclaimed journalist and author Mark Whittaker, co-author of Sins of the Brother , who explores Milat’s violent upbringing, the horrifying details of the backpacker murders, and why many believe the full truth may never be known. Later, Daily Mail crime reporter Candice Sutton shares her firsthand insights after meeting Milat in prison and reveals the latest developments in the inquiry that could finally bring answers to families who have waited decades for justice. The Trial Australia is part of The Crime Desk. Subscribe today for ad-free listening, early access to new shows, exclusive bonus episodes and complete access to our true-crime podcast…

People in this episode

Host: Wayne

Guests: Mark Whittaker, Candice Sutton

Topics covered

  • serial killers
  • unsolved murders
  • true crime
  • investigation
  • Ivan Milat
  • backpacker murders

Keywords

  • Ivan Milat
  • serial killer
  • backpacker murders
  • unsolved disappearances
  • true crime podcast

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Daily Mail, The Crime Desk

Books & works: Sins of the Brother

Places: Australia, Belanglo State Forest

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