Australian True Crime – Shortcut: Main Suspect in Rachelle Childs Cold Case Found Dead
Host: Meshel Laurie (Australian True Crime)
Guest: Ashley Hanson (Journalist, Host of Dear Rochelle podcast)
Release Date: July 27, 2025
Overview
This episode revisits one of Australia's haunting unsolved murders: the 2001 killing of 23-year-old Rochelle Childs. Journalist Ashley Hanson, who has been investigating the case for her podcast "Dear Rochelle," joins from Thailand with breaking news—the main person of interest, Kevin Carell (born Kevin Stephen Cornwall), has been found dead in Phuket. The episode delves into Carell’s troubled past, suspicious circumstances, and the devastating impact his death has had on Rochelle’s family and the pursuit of justice.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Background of the Rochelle Childs Case
- Rochelle Childs, 23, was murdered in June 2001; her burned body was found 100+ km from home (03:26).
- For 24 years, the case was unsolved; recent investigations zeroed in on her former boss, Kevin Carell.
2. Kevin Carell: The Main Suspect
- History: Born Kevin Stephen Cornwall, later changed his name to Kevin Carell after being acquitted of several sexual assault cases in the 1980s (05:09).
- Relationship: Hired Childs at a used car sales office—had an infatuation and treated her favourably.
- Suspicious Circumstances:
3. Crime Scene Anomalies
- Car Found: Rochelle’s car was found parked near a local hotel in a way she would not have set the seat or wheel lock (05:09).
- Body Discovery: Rochelle was found partially naked and burned, indicating a sexually motivated homicide (10:35).
4. Red Herrings & Other Persons of Interest
- Connection with Local Biker Gang:
5. Suspicious Evidence Against Carell
- Mobile Phone Activity:
- Carell’s claimed alibi (shopping in Campbelltown) was contradicted by phone pings near Rochelle’s home (14:51).
- At 6:08pm the night Rochelle vanished, he made a call to a number nearly identical to hers (last two digits switched), which he later denied remembering (14:51).
“His alibi is that he left work and went shopping at Campbelltown, but his phone pinged in another area... at a really key and a really important time in the evening, around the time that Rachelle disappeared.” – Ashley Hanson, 14:59
6. Carell’s Death in Thailand
- Circumstances:
- Died of a heart attack in Patong, Phuket; police ruled out foul play (16:52, 17:21).
- Last seen with two women from a local bar; they reported his illness to hotel security (17:21).
“He died of natural causes inside his hotel room in Patong, just a few hundred metres from the red light district.” – Ashley Hanson, 16:52
- Post-mortem confirmed cardiac arrest; found unresponsive at 10 am, July 18th.
7. Impact on Rochelle’s Family & The Investigation
- Family’s Response:
- Police Statement:
- The investigation remains open, and the case was recently reopened prior to Carell’s death.
8. Carell’s Estrangement and Daughter’s Statement
- Family Estrangement:
- Carell was estranged from most family by the time of his death.
- His daughter publicly stated she feels no sympathy and believes justice was denied to victims (19:10).
“In her heart, she's always believed that her father was responsible for Rochelle's murder. For me, as a journalist, I think that's a pretty big call when your own daughter believes that you're a killer.” – Ashley Hanson, 19:23
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On the Difficulty for the Childs Family:
"It's another blow in this tragic, tragic case, but we're going to continue to search for the truth." – Ashley Hanson, 18:19
-
On the Rumours Spread by Carell:
"You have to ask yourself, and police did, why was he making up these rumours about her, this man who previously had treated her so well..." – Host, 10:24
-
On the Phone Evidence:
“His alibi is that he left work and went shopping at Campbelltown, but his phone pinged in another area... That phone call in itself is very suspicious.” – Ashley Hanson, 14:59
Key Timestamps
- [05:09]: Ashley Hanson outlines Kevin Carell’s background, criminal history, and connection to Rochelle.
- [08:34]: Discussion on Rochelle’s social circle, relationship with bikies, and Carell’s deflection.
- [10:35]: Grisly details of the crime and Carell’s lack of action after the disappearance.
- [14:51]: Presentation of phone record evidence against Carell.
- [16:52]: Details surrounding Carell’s death in Thailand and police findings.
- [18:19]: Emotional toll on the Childs family and continued efforts for justice.
- [19:10]: Carell’s daughter’s statement and belief in her father’s guilt.
Summary
This episode delivers a riveting, emotionally charged exploration into the latest developments of Rochelle Childs' cold case. Ashley Hanson meticulously recounts the timeline, evidence, and chilling background of the main suspect, Kevin Carell. His sudden death before any charges could be laid leaves Rochelle's family feeling defeated, but the investigation remains open. The revelations, especially involving Carell’s behaviour and his own daughter's damning belief in his guilt, underscore the tragedy and complexity of unresolved violence in quiet Australian communities.
Listeners are encouraged to seek support if distressed by the content, with resources provided at episode’s end.