The Frankston Murders

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In June 1993, Elizabeth Stevens, 18, was murdered on her way home from the bus stop. Her death began a seven-week reign of terror for the people of Frankston. A serial killer was on the loose. No one was safe, not young mother, Debbie Fream, 22, taken on a trip to the shops, nor Natalie Russell, 17, murdered on her way home from school. The serial killer, Paul Denyer was captured and sentenced to life in prison. On appeal, he was granted a 30-year minimum sentence. Fast forward 30 years and Denyer has applied for parole. Award winning crime writer Vikki Petraitis was on patrol with police the night the final  murder took place. She wrote the bestselling book, The Frankston Murders which has never been out of print. Vikki has revisited the case in a longform podcast to remind the world why Denyer must never be released. The Frankston Murders Podcast uncovers new material and new victims stalked by Denyer in the lead-up to the killings. Vikki interviews prison guards, police officers, family members, and people caught in the periphery of a serial killer. Credits: Created by Vikki Petraitis Research and writing by Vikki Petraitis Audio production and scoring by Mike Migas (https://mikemigas.com/) Audio production by Anthony Telfer Archive production by Catherine Seccombe/Arcdive (https://www.arcdive.com/) Archival audio supplied by The Footage Company / Nine Network Australia

Casefile Presents


    • Feb 19, 2024 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 47m AVG DURATION
    • 13 EPISODES

    Ivy Insights

    The Frankston Murders podcast is by far one of the best true crime podcasts I have ever listened to. The amount of research and interviewing that went into this podcast is truly exceptional, making it stand out from others in the genre. The creator, Vikki Petraitis, took great care in documenting the many encounters the killer had with people before committing his heinous acts, shedding light on the torment and terror he inflicted on numerous individuals throughout his life.

    One of the standout aspects of this podcast is how deeply it made me care about the victims. The heartbreaking story of Elizabeth, in particular, resonated with me due to personal similarities in our early childhood experiences. It was devastating to see her efforts to build a better life for herself destroyed by such a tragic fate. The podcast succeeded in not just telling a story of crime but also highlighting the lives and struggles of those affected.

    The storytelling in this podcast is truly thought-provoking and impactful. Few true crime series have been as effective and compassionately told as this one. At its conclusion, I found myself primarily focusing on the stories of the families and friends affected by these crimes. The lasting impact on both them and their surrounding community will undoubtedly stay with me for a long time.

    The pacing and structure of this podcast were excellent overall. It struck a perfect balance between providing enough details without overwhelming listeners or losing them in unnecessary tangents. The reporting was thorough and informed while still paying respect to the victims and their families.

    In terms of negatives, there are few shortcomings to be found in this high-quality true crime podcast. However, some listeners may find it challenging to stomach certain graphic details, particularly descriptions of autopsies or crimes against minors without content warnings provided as they are often customary for such subjects.

    In conclusion, The Frankston Murders podcast sets itself apart from other true crime podcasts through its exceptional storytelling, thorough research, and compassionate approach towards honoring the victims. It is a compelling and informative series that sheds light on a case unfamiliar to many listeners. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in true crime or seeking a well-produced and impactful podcast experience.



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    Latest episodes from The Frankston Murders

    Casefile Presents: The Easey Street Murders

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 19, 2024 4:06


    47 years ago, on a warm summer's night in Melbourne, Susan Bartlett and Suzanne Armstrong were stabbed to death in their home in Easey Street, Collingwood. Suzanne's 16 month-old son was asleep in his cot at the time. The double homicide left the community shocked and detectives rattled, as several promising early leads gradually petered out. Eventually, the case went cold. To this day, the Easey Street murders is still one of Australia's most confronting cold cases: a frenzied crime shadowed by strange twists of fact and fate. A million-dollar reward for information has failed to lead to an arrest, no one has ever been charged, and critical questions remain unanswered. Did the young women know their killer, or did they die in a brutal, random attack? Why has their murderer never been found? Journalist Helen Thomas has been investigating Susan and Suzanne's deaths for more than a decade, initially for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation's Background Briefing programme and then for her book, Murder On Easey Street. Now Helen has delved into the case again for a brand new, original podcast made for Casefile Presents.  In Casefile Presents: The Easey Street Murders, Helen explores the crime and the investigation that followed. She speaks with the young women's family and friends, potential witnesses living in Easey Street who were never interviewed by detectives – and the retired police who were first at the crime scene in January, 1977 and remained haunted by it even now. Want to hear more? Search for ‘Casefile Presents: The Easey Street Murders' in your podcast app. Or binge the entire series for free, exclusively on the iHeartRadio app. https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-casefile-presents-easey-street-149620564/

    Casefile Presents: The Bakersfield Three

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 7, 2023 4:05


    When three friends disappeared or were murdered within a 30-day period in a California town, an investigation began that would ultimately unearth dark secrets and revelations no one was prepared for. Written and reported by award-winning investigative crime reporter Olivia LaVoice. All 15 episodes of The Bakersfield Three are available to stream right now, wherever you get your podcasts. Listen here:  Website - https://casefilepresents.com/the-bakersfield-three Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-bakersfield-three/id1713527997 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2c1Qap8SSElRakXKUdFprZ

    11: Episode 11: The ever after

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 29, 2023 58:36


    When Denyer's reign of terror was over, he left devastation in his wake. Family and friends struggle to make sense of the crimes. Debbie Fream's son, now nearly 30 speaks of his loss. With the parole bid looming, we all need to be warned.  

    10: Episode 10: We need to talk about Denyer

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 29, 2023 66:59


    So who is Paul Denyer? He was a boy with some strange and concerning habits which people noticed. As a 21-year-old in prison, he had to navigate a whole new world. We meet the people who met him in prison. 

    denyer paul denyer
    9: Episode 9: The sentence that didn't last

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 29, 2023 42:13


    As Natalie's family holds her funeral, the police prepare the case against Denyer. He pleads guilty and the judge gives him a life sentence. He appeals and is granted a 30-year non-parole period. Widespread community outrage follows. 

    8: Episode 8: The confession

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 29, 2023 61:33


    Denyer's confession is like nothing the police have seen before. He is cocky and boastful and details his crimes with a note of pride in his voice. However, he is cagey about some aspects. He talks to the detectives like they are all friends. 

    7: Episode 7: The net closes in

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 29, 2023 45:08


    While Natalie's loved ones spend the night wondering if the body found could be her, police frantically hunt the killer, fearing he'll strike again. When two cops report checking a car near the murder scene, his name comes up on the computer. 

    6: Episode 6: Natalie, the final victim

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 29, 2023 59:45


    Natalie Russell was on her way home from school at 2.30 in the afternoon when she was targeted by the serial killer. He had grown cocky and left evidence at the scene that would link him to the murders. 

    5: Episode 5: The investigation

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 29, 2023 43:30


    A frantic hunt for Debbie is shadowed by images of her partner Garry and their tiny baby. He begs for Debbie to come home on the nightly news. Four days later, a farmer discovers her body. The public panics and fears of a serial killer grow.

    4: Episode 4: A young mother vanishes

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 29, 2023 57:35


    Debbie Fream's new baby was just 12 days old when she invited a friend over for dinner to show him the baby. In the middle of cooking, she ran out of milk and left the friend with the baby while she went to the local store. She never returned. 

    3: Episode 3: Attempted abduction

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 29, 2023 54:23


    After work Thursday 8 July, Roszsa Toth caught the train home to Seaford. Walking in the dark past the Seaford Reserve, Roszsa saw a man watching her. He suddenly lunged and grabbed her. She fought her way from him and was picked up by a passing car.

    2: Episode 2: Stalking turns to murder

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 29, 2023 55:28


    When Elizabeth Stevens left Tasmania, seeking a career in the army, she stayed with relatives, finally settling in Langwarrin to finish her studies. On a cold Friday night in June, her worried aunt and uncle wait for her, but she doesn't come home. 

    1: Episode 1: In the lead up

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 29, 2023 65:59


    The signs were there but no one recognised them as a serial killer in the making. Stalking, ‘accidentally' ramming women and children with shopping trolleys, pets at the local kindergarten killed and left for the children to find. 

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