True Crime Conversations

True Crime Conversations

True Crime Conversations explores the world's most notorious crimes by speaking to the people who know the most about them. Hosted by Gemma Bath.

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Episode's summary

In an intimate conversation, Paul Warren, whose daughter Ellie was murdered in Mozambique, and former detective Charlie Bazzina discuss the complexities of investigating the deaths of Australian citizens overseas. They explore a proposal to empower the coroner to lead such investigations and examine critical forensic discrepancies, such as sand samples that contradict initial reports. The discussion further delves into the pivotal role of re-examining evidence, including photographic findings, and the challenges posed by institutional brand protection. The speakers emphasize the necessity of tenacity when navigating parliamentary or ministerial channels to seek justice.

Chapters

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Highlights

I think the coroner should move in and take more responsibility when a death happens overseas.

00:03:06 · The speakers propose a structural change to how Australian authorities handle investigations of citizens killed abroad.

Paul went over there and we were able to establish through Paul that the sand in Ali's airways was different from the sand where she was found deceased.

00:09:29 · This piece of forensic evidence is crucial because it suggests the victim's body had been moved from its original location.

what we do when we feel we've hit a brick wall is we go back under the evidence and we look at it all again.

00:13:44 · Charlie Bazzina provides advice on how to proceed with an investigation when progress seems to have stalled.

It's brand protection. Because it's their credibility, even from different aspects, expert witnesses.

00:15:45 · The speaker explains why certain authorities or experts might be reluctant to admit mistakes in an investigation.

So that's why you've got to be tenacious and dogmatic in getting what you want.

00:17:55 · The speaker emphasizes the necessity of persistence when dealing with unsatisfactory investigations or official responses.

Episodes

447-

This Dad Went Looking For Answers. He Found A National Problem

In an intimate conversation, Paul Warren, whose daughter Ellie was murdered in Mozambique, and former detective Charlie Bazzina discuss the complexities of investigating the deaths of Australian citizens overseas. They explore a proposal to empower the coroner to lead such investigations and examine critical forensic discrepancies, such as sand samples that contradict initial reports. The discussion further delves into the pivotal role of re-examining evidence, including photographic findings, and the challenges posed by institutional brand protection. The speakers emphasize the necessity of tenacity when navigating parliamentary or ministerial channels to seek justice.

08 Nov 2026
446-

Why Good Undercover Cops Think Like Psychopaths

Former undercover officer Jason Somerville shares the intense psychological and physical demands of covert policing, from his transition from aspiring actor to specialist operative. He details the complexities of maintaining a fluid persona, managing the role of a controller, and navigating criminal environments ranging from property crime to drug syndicates. Beyond the operational mechanics, Somerville reflects on the profound personal toll of the work. He discusses the challenges of balancing undercover life with marriage, the hyper-vigilance required in dangerous situations, and how accumulated trauma eventually led to a mental breakdown and his journey through therapy.

04 Nov 2026
445-

Anastasia Was Left Unable To Sit. Her Attacker Didn’t Spend A Single Night In A Cell.

Anastasia Trahan shares her harrowing journey through the legal system following two sexual assaults, beginning with an incident at age sixteen. She details the complexities of navigating police responses, the trauma of refusing a plea deal to maintain her truth, and the devastating impact of being left uninformed about a perpetrator's parole. The episode further explores the grueling second trial in 2022, highlighting the invasive cross-examination and the physical toll of the assault. Anastasia discusses systemic failures, such as the misuse of Community Corrections Orders (CCOs) and the lack of oversight for the DPP, while advocating for legislative change through the Echo campaign to protect survivors from further re-traumatization.

28 Oct 2026
444-

Kristi Locked Up Paedophiles For 10 Years. This Is What She Learnt.

Former police officer Christy McPhee shares her profound journey from a specialist child interviewer in rural Western Australia to a dedicated advocate for child safety and prevention. She reflects on the intense realities of policing, the psychological complexities of grooming, and the personal toll that witnessing child abuse cases took on her mental health, eventually leading to a diagnosis of PTSD. Moving from reactive policing to proactive education, McPhee provides practical strategies for parents to foster bodily autonomy and digital safety. The discussion covers identifying grooming tactics, teaching children to recognize physical warning signs, and implementing boundaries regarding social media use to create a safe environment where survivors feel empowered to come forward.

21 Oct 2026
443-

The Honeymoon Drowning That Turned A Groom Into A Murder Suspect [re-release]

This episode investigates the tragic death of Tina Watson during a honeymoon diving trip at Australia's Great Barrier Reef. Through an interview with author Lindsay Simpson, we explore the controlling relationship between Tina and Gabe Watson, detailing the suspicious circumstances surrounding their final dive at a shipwreck site. The discussion follows the aftermath of the incident, including the inconsistencies in Gabe's accounts that were challenged by experienced divers. We trace the legal journey from the 2007 inquest to Gabe's manslaughter plea deal and eventual extradition to Alabama, where the case ultimately ended in a dismissal.

19 Oct 2026