Cruel, callous and gruesome murders of Melbourne

Cruel, callous and gruesome murders of Melbourne

Author: True Crime Australia August 22, 2025 Duration: 44:26

WARNING: DISTURBING CONTENT. Andrew Rule recounts some of the more brutal killings he's covered as a crime writer.

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For decades, Andrew Rule’s reporting has defined how Australians understand the brutal and the bizarre in their own backyard. Life and Crimes with Andrew Rule is not a simple retelling of grim headlines. Instead, it draws on the deep well of knowledge from one of the country's most prolific journalists and authors, offering context and clarity that only decades on the crime beat can provide. This podcast, presented by True Crime Australia, moves beyond the surface of sensational cases to examine the social currents, flawed characters, and systemic failures that allow darkness to flourish. Listeners will find a meticulous exploration of Australian life through its most infamous events and forgotten tales, from cold-case mysteries that haunt the national consciousness to the modern-day figures shaping the criminal landscape. Rule’s perspective, honed by his work for the Sunday Herald Sun, provides a unique narrative authority, turning each episode into a compelling study of human nature and societal fracture. Produced by Jonty Burton, the series is built on forensic research and storytelling craft, making it an essential listen for anyone intrigued by the complex intersection of crime, culture, and history. It’s a journey into the stories that have shaped, and continue to shape, the nation’s identity.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

Life and Crimes with Andrew Rule
Podcast Episodes
Q&A: Guns, scams and spooky things in South Australia [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:54
In another of our infrequent Q&A shows, Andrew answers your questions. Subscribe to Crime X+ to hear episodes early and ad free, unlock bonus content and access our slate of award-winning true crime podcasts Have a quest…
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A recent trial has laid bare the twisted honour codes that rule Australia's outlaw motorcycle clubs. Subscribe to Crime X+ to hear episodes early and ad free, unlock bonus content and access our slate of award-winning tr…
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Sometimes the hardest part of a police investigation is when a suspect leaves our shores. Andrew Rule explains. Subscribe to Crime X+ to hear episodes early and ad free, unlock bonus content and access our slate of award…
A mother's pain at a boy off the rails [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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This episode's guest lived a happy family life until her son fell in with a very wrong crowd. She talks frankly about the horrors of youth crime and the struggle to bring her boy back. Subscribe to Crime X+ to hear episo…
Punisher: The life and death of Sam Abdulrahim [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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The annals of Australian true crime history aren't filled with too many romantic tales. But the one of the most sweet - and violent - is the ballad of Joey and Shirley Hamilton. Subscribe to Crime X+ to hear episodes ear…
A gangster, a lambo and an honest man [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:24
When Joe Taranto went to sell his prized sports car, he had no idea he had just passed the keys over to a most notorious villain. Subscribe to Crime X+ to hear episodes early and ad free, unlock bonus content and access…
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Duration: 40:55
Deb Gray was born with no arms and tiny deformed legs amid suspicions her mum — and many others — were medical guinea pigs. But she has been determined to live a life of courage. Subscribe to Crime X+ to hear episodes ea…
The murder of Michelle Buckingham [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:11
Michelle Buckingham’s violent and senseless death was a macabre mystery and a stain on the Shepparton area for more than 30 years – until a journalist and cop started asking questions. Subscribe to Crime X+ to hear episo…
Backup is three hours away. Part 2 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:40
Former country cop Mark ‘Trigger’ Tregellas returns to the show to tell more stories of remote policing.More information about Mark's book:https://www.simonandschuster.com.au/books/Backup-is-Three-Hours-Away/Mark-Tregell…