The Ultimate Sacrifice

Episode 17. The Coroner's Recommendations

Weeks out from the third anniversary of the Wieambilla shootings, the State Coroner hands down his report - finding the actions of the Trains on 12 December, 2022 was not a ‘terrorist act’. Some, but not all, of the key issues raised in the inquest are addressed in the Coroner's 10 recommendations - including drones for regional police, mandatory mental health checks for gun licences, intelligence sharing and training for triple 0 call operators. The McCrow and Arnold families voice their disappointment at the findings and recommendations. They pledge to continue to channel their grief into bringing about systemic changes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 16: The Plea Deal

A major update in Donald Day Jr’s case - the man originally accused of inciting the deadly police ambush has struck a surprise plea deal in the United States. Melissa Downes is joined by Arizona journalist Cody Lillich to unpack the legal twists, the FBI recordings and how Day walked away with a watered-down conviction.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 15: Donald Day Jr.

A year after the Wieambilla shootings, on the other side of the world, FBI agents swarmed a petrol station in a remote Arizona town, making a dramatic arrest and revealing the man behind the name “Don”.  Donald Day Jr. is now heading to trial on five federal charges and the evidence against him has been laid bare in new court documents; disturbing videos praising the Trains, online comments boasting about being “an x-con, who’s armed to the teeth”, and the cache of guns found at his home.  In this episode, U.S Correspondent Jonathan Kearsley breaks down the evidence and how rejected plea deals, and attempts to throw out the charges, have drawn out this case.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 14: A Legacy of Change

Heartache and disappointment consumed the coronial inquest on its final day. The mothers of Rachel McCrow and Matthew Arnold deliver emotional statements, sharing the many “what ifs” that still haunt them from that day, and the critical questions that remain unanswered. In this episode, new details come to light around radio blackspots, body worn cameras, the Arnold family’s agonising five-hour wait for answers, and Rachel McCrow’s final message. And as Internal Investigations hone in on opportunities for improvement, the families are demanding more be done; fighting for Matt and Rachel’s legacy to be one of change, so their sacrifice will protect others.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 13: The Missing Persons Report

Ominous final emails sent by Gareth Train never made it into the hands of Queensland police.  Why were those four young constables sent to that property, into that ambush, without all the information? Would it have even made a difference? This episode takes us back to the start, unravelling the missing persons report that set this whole series of tragic events in motion.  More than a dozen New South Wales and Queensland police officers are called into the witness box; every conversation, phone call and email scrutinised.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.