This episode examines the initial theories about how Norma died and the theories that were dismissed. 

A number of letters were sent from the public to police with a variety of hypotheses about the ‘who’, ‘how’ and ‘why’.

Forensic Pathologist, Byron Collins, once again brings his expertise, this time discussing the likely weapon used to cause the violent trauma to Norma’s head and the nature of the attack.

We also introduce retired Homicide Detective Charlie Bezzina to provide some insight into public input into well-publicised crimes.

 

Murder Archives is written and presented by Emma Curtin.

www.muderarchives.com.au

Editing and sound by Courtney Carthy

Produced in partnership with Nearly

 

Thanks to all those who added their voices to this podcast (in alphabetical order):

Daniel Alfieri

Courtney Carthy

Simon Curtin

Alan Hands

Cassidy Krygger

Ben Mitchell

Elaine Mitchell

Gill Neale

And our experts:

Charlie Bezzina

Dr Byron Collins

Dr Karen Scally

Andrea Scarf

This episode examines the initial theories about how Norma died and the theories that were dismissed. 
A number of letters were sent from the public to police&nbsp;with&nbsp;a variety of hypotheses about the &lsquo;who&rsquo;, &lsquo;how&rsquo; and &lsquo;why&rsquo;.
Forensic Pathologist, Byron Collins, once again brings his expertise, this time discussing the likely weapon used to cause the violent trauma to Norma&rsquo;s head and the nature of the attack.
We also introduce retired Homicide Detective Charlie Bezzina to provide some insight into public input into well-publicised crimes.
&nbsp;
Murder Archives is written and presented by Emma Curtin.
<a href="http://www.murderarchives.com.au">www.muderarchives.com.au</a>
Editing and sound by Courtney Carthy
Produced in partnership with <a href="http://www.nearly.com.au" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Nearly</a>
&nbsp;
Thanks to all those who added their voices to this podcast (in alphabetical order):
Daniel Alfieri
Courtney Carthy
Simon Curtin
Alan Hands
Cassidy Krygger
Ben Mitchell
Elaine Mitchell
Gill Neale
And our experts:
Charlie Bezzina
Dr Byron Collins
Dr Karen Scally
Andrea Scarf

We’ve started this podcast to create a dialogue with you, that may help solve a 1929 murder in Toorak. 

If you want to know more, or help in the amateur sleuthing, we’ve uploaded documents and images to our website www.murderarchives.com.au to complement the podcast.

About the case.

On 9 September 1929, Norma McLeod, an unmarried 29-year-old teacher was found unconscious in her parent’s home in the prestigious suburb of Toorak. 

A pair of men’s underpants lay across her forehead. By 5pm that day she was dead. 

An autopsy revealed a seven-inch crack in the back of her skull caused by violent trauma from a blunt object. 

The case attracted huge press and public attention; accusations were plentiful, but an inquest returned an open verdict.

Almost 90 years after this mysterious death, an extensive three-year investigation involving a re-examination of the police files, combined with an in-depth look at Norma’s family, raises questions about the rigour of the original investigation. 

With the aid of the victim’s descendants and a group of renowned experts we’ve discovered long-held secrets, connections in high places and people who weren’t who they seemed to be.

Experts who provide input: forensic pathologist, Byron Collins; ex-homicide detective, Charlie Bezzina; criminal barrister, Alan Hands; psycho-physiologist, Elizabeth Martin; forensic psychologist, Dr Karen Scally and graphologist, Andrea Scarfe

Some of Norma’s descendants, who are also actors, ‘voice’ various parts throughout the podcast.

Re-examining mysterious deaths, reimagining private lives and giving voice to long forgotten victims of crime.

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