Crime Junkie
Crime Junkie
"And the number one thing that people were looking for was any kind of sighting or information related to that second vehicle, the one that the guys saw approaching as they were turning, the one that they thought maybe Sarah had gotten into, but of course, whoever was driving that never came forward, and no one was able to provide a ton of information on exactly the make model or license plate of that car." — Ashley Flowers
"And the forensic connection that they had back in 2009, right? This is the thing that's been eating me alive and like I went and tried to like scour the internet for, I don't know. Police keep referencing back to this DNA. They say that in 1988 when he attempted to break into that girl's home and rape her. She screamed and it scared him and as he was running away, he dropped a white kimono." — Brit
"The hunt for this guy was Australia's longest-running and most expensive murder investigation, with more than 3,000 people investigated under the task force. And what's crazy is not only was it the most expensive to investigate, it's going to be the most expensive to try as well." — Ashley Flowers
The episode delves into the disturbing series of disappearances and murders in Claremont, Western Australia, beginning in 1996 with the vanishing of 18-year-old Sarah Spiers. Her disappearance, after a night out, was initially treated as a missing person case but quickly escalated due to unusual circumstances and a lack of immediate leads, including her unknown destination after calling a taxi. The investigation gained significant traction when a second young woman, Jane Rimmer, disappeared under eerily similar circumstances just months later, and her body was subsequently found, confirming foul play. This led authorities to believe they were dealing with a serial offender. A third abduction, that of Kira Glennon, further solidified the serial nature of the crimes, with her body also being discovered.
The investigation spanned years, involving extensive public appeals, the circulation of victim photos, and the establishment of a dedicated task force. Police explored numerous leads, including potential witnesses, suspicious individuals, and the possibility of rogue taxi drivers, while also utilizing surveillance and forensic analysis. Despite the considerable effort and the release of a criminal profile, the case remained cold for an extended period. The breakthrough came years later, with a crucial DNA link established between the crimes, eventually leading to the arrest of Bradley Robert Edwards in 2016.
The narrative highlights the methodical, albeit lengthy, process of the investigation, emphasizing the advancements in forensic science that proved pivotal. The episode discusses the challenges faced by investigators, including the secrecy surrounding the case details to prevent false confessions and the significant financial investment in bringing the perpetrator to justice. The report concludes by noting the ongoing legal proceedings and the search for a key piece of evidence, a specific vehicle believed to be connected to Sarah Spiers' disappearance.