The Trial: Australia

← The Trial: Australia16 jul · 31 min

Keren Rowland: Ivan Milat's First Victim?

Keren Rowland: Ivan Milat's First Victim?16 jul31 min

Ivan Milat is known worldwide as one of Australia's most notorious serial killers, convicted in 1996 of murdering seven backpackers in New South Wales. But a parliamentary inquiry is now examining whether Milat could be linked to many more of Australia's unsolved murders and long-term missing persons cases.

In this episode, Wayne speaks with retired British detective Hugh Hughes, who believes he has identified the first victim of Australia's most notorious serial killer.

After spending eight years investigating the unsolved 1971 murder of 20-year-old Keren Rowland, Hughes explains why he believes there is compelling evidence linking Milat to the case. He discusses his investigation, the challenges of accessing police records, his evidence before a New South Wales parliamentary inquiry, and why Keren's family are still seeking answers more than 50 years after her death.

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Presenter: Wayne Flower

Producer: Sam Morris