Crime Junkie
Crime Junkie
"The A is large, taking up most of her torso with the tip pointed up towards her head, like the tip of the A. And this cutbread is deep. So deep that according to the Philip Island murder book, investigators noted the slashes had cut through Beth's chest and stomach muscles, I mean, down to her ribs." — Britt
"According to the Phillip Island murder book, Donald starts out by explaining that at about 7.45 in the morning, he got a call from a family friend who had the two boys. We know that. He agrees to pick up the younger boy from their house while the older one goes to school." — Britt
"The letter A, letter A. That's the big deal. It's all about this like affair and her being branded for the affair. And it turns out it's not just required reading here in the US. It's a pretty well-known book or premise in Australia, too." — Britt
The episode begins with the discovery of Beth Barnard's body on her farm. Sergeant Cliff Ash, returning to duty, is alerted by Donald and Ian Cameron, who report a "domestic disturbance" and express concern for Beth's well-being. Upon arrival at Beth's farmhouse, Ash finds her deceased with a brutal throat wound and a significant amount of blood. The scene reveals a violent attack, with a knife found near the body. The subsequent investigation by homicide detectives uncovers further gruesome details, including the letter 'A' carved into Beth's torso. The narrative quickly establishes a complex web of relationships, centering on Beth's affair with Fergus Cameron, brother to Donald and brother-in-law to Ian. The night prior to the discovery, Fergus was injured in a physical altercation with his wife, Vivian Cameron (Viv), which reportedly involved Beth. The investigation is further complicated by Vivian's disappearance, along with her Land Cruiser vehicle.
As the investigation progresses, investigators piece together a timeline of events from the previous night and early morning. Key points include Fergus and Viv's hospital visit for Fergus's injuries, Viv's subsequent actions regarding their children, and unusual activity reported by a neighbor around 3:30 AM. The Land Cruiser is eventually found abandoned near a bus stop, containing items including Viv's belongings and cigarettes matching her brand. Forensic analysis of the vehicle and the crime scene begins to connect it to Beth's farmhouse. Investigators develop a working theory that Viv, enraged by the affair, murdered Beth and then possibly took her own life by jumping off a nearby bridge. The autopsy reveals Beth's cause of death and suggests the carving of the 'A' occurred post-mortem. The episode concludes by highlighting the puzzling elements of the case, the ongoing investigation, and the anticipation of further revelations in the next part, as Vivian remains missing and crucial evidence is still being processed.