368. The Boogeyman of Melbourne: Mr Cruel
On August 22nd, 1987, a man wearing a balaclava broke into a home in Lower Plenty, Australia. After tying up the parents and their young son, he brutally assaulted their eleven-year-old daughter. Then, he did something truly chilling: he made himself a snack, sat down, and ate it, leaving the family tied up and traumatized in the other rooms.
This monster, who would eventually be dubbed “Mr. Cruel” by the media, was just getting started.
He went on to terrorize the suburbs of Mel...
368. The Boogeyman of Melbourne: Mr Cruel
On August 22nd, 1987, a man wearing a balaclava broke into a home in Lower Plenty, Australia. After tying up the parents and their young son, he brutally assaulted their eleven-year-old daughter. Then, he did something truly chilling: he made himself a snack, sat down, and ate it, leaving the family tied up and traumatized in the other rooms.
This monster, who would eventually be dubbed “Mr. Cruel” by the media, was just getting started.
He went on to terrorize the suburbs of Melbourne, executing highly planned child abductions that sparked one of the largest police investigations in Australian history. Then, just as suddenly as he arrived, he vanished.
This case is still open. If you have any information on these abductions, please contact the Melbourne Police. Or Crimestoppers
Phone Number (Within Australia): 1800 333 000
Website (For international listeners or online tips): crimestoppersvic.com.au
Join Jen & Cam as they dive into the details behind 'The Boogeyman of Melbourne: Mr Cruel.'
*We are BEYOND excited to finally announce our next big adventure! Our True Crime Podcast will be turning 10 years old in 2028. To celebrate this huge milestone, we are heading to Europe for a once-in-a-lifetime 11-day trip to Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg!
We would love for you to come along.
It's officially a "Cheers to 10 Years Tour!" from July 8–19, 2028!
SAVE $150 per person if you book by July 20th!
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Our team:
Listener Discretion by Edward October
Research & Writing by Lauretta Allen
Executive Producers Nico & Jesse of The Inky Pawprint
Sources:
https://youtu.be/ArIl4189jDw?si=RpwZGMKgwfzv_cmg
https://youtu.be/Jaq001Evc_c?si=CxsMwY8U6CL-_1pb
Apr 14, 1992, page 5 - The Age at Newspapers.com™ - Newspapers.com™
Mr Cruel - Wikipedia
Chilling new evidence in harrowing ‘Mr Cruel’ investigation | news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site for latest headlines
Major breakthrough in Melbourne’s notorious ‘Mr Cruel’ case - Starts at 60
A new profile of Mr Cruel, who may have been a burglar before he was a killer
Mr. Cruel: The Australian Serial Kidnapper Still at Large
Aug 29, 1987, page 5 - The Age at Newspapers.com™ - Newspapers.com™
Dec 29, 1988, page 1 - The Age at Newspapers.com™
Dec 28, 1988, page 1 - The Age at Newspapers.com™ - Newspapers.com™
Dec 31, 1988, page 2 - The Age at Newspapers.com™
Dec 30, 1988, page 1 - The Age at Newspapers.com™
Dec 29, 1988, page 1 - The Age at Newspapers.com™
Dec 28, 1988, page 1 - The Age at Newspapers.com™
Jul 06, 1990, page 4 - The Age at Newspapers.com™ - Newspapers.com™
Jul 05, 1990, page 3 - The Sydney Morning Herald at Newspapers.com™
Jul 07, 1990, page 5 - The Age at Newspapers.com™
Apr 16, 1991, page 3 - The Age at Newspapers.com™
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Apr 15, 1991, page 1 - The Age at Newspapers.com™
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Jul 07, 1990, page 1 - The Age at Newspapers.com™
Apr 21, 1991, page 5 - The Age at Newspapers.com™ - Newspapers.com™
Apr 17, 1991, page 9 - The Sydney Morning Herald at Newspapers.com™
Apr 30, 1991, page 3 - The Age at Newspapers.com™
Apr 29, 1991, page 3 - The Age at Newspapers.com™
May 27, 1991, page 8 - The Sydney Morning Herald at Newspapers.com™
Apr 15, 1991, page 1 - The Age at Newspapers.com™
Apr 20, 1991, page 1 - The Sydney Morning Herald at Newspapers.com™
Apr 24, 1991, page 10 - The Sydney Morning Herald at Newspapers.com™
Apr 11, 1992, page 20 - The Age at Newspapers.com™
May 29, 1992, page 18 - The Age at Newspapers.com™
May 11, 1992, page 5 - The Age at Newspapers.com™
May 17, 1992, page 3 - The Age at Newspapers.com™
Jan 29, 1995, page 2 - The Age at Newspapers.com™ - Newspapers.com™
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