Summary of Case 307: The Night Caller (Part 1) - Casefile True Crime

Introduction

In Case 307: The Night Caller (Part 1), hosted by Casefile Presents, listeners are taken on a chilling journey through a series of violent crimes that shook the isolated city of Perth in the late 1950s and early 1960s. This detailed exploration uncovers the emergence of an elusive and terrifying figure known as the “Night Caller,” whose reign of terror left the community in fear and baffled the local police.

Background: Perth in the Late 1950s-1960s

Perth, the capital of Western Australia, has long been considered one of the most isolated major cities globally, situated over 2,000 kilometers from the densely populated eastern states. In the late 1950s, Perth was experiencing rapid growth fueled by a post-World War II baby boom and migration. The city's layout featured the Swan River cutting through the center, with sprawling hills and parklands to the east and pristine beaches like Cottesloe and Scarborough attracting swimmers and surfers during the mild winters and scorching summers.

Despite its growth, Perth maintained a facade of safety and community trust. Homes were kept unlocked, windows remained open even at night, and neighbors were close-knit, fostering a sense of security that would soon be shattered.

The Emergence of the “Night Caller”

As Perth entered the 1960s, an obscure and menacing figure began to terrorize the city. Dubbed the “Night Caller,” this individual exploited Perth’s perceived safety, targeting residents with a series of burglaries, prowler sightings, and increasingly violent assaults.

Victims and Specific Incidents

1. The MacLeod Family Incident [00:00 - 04:19]

On November 26, 1958, the MacLeod family of Applecross experienced a horrifying encounter. While Mollie MacLeod, their 15-year-old daughter, was in her sleep room, an intruder broke into their home. As Mollie sensed something amiss, the Night Caller attacked her, resulting in a severe head injury. Despite Mollie's recovery, this incident marked the first overt act of violence by the Night Caller.

Raj Panjabi (00:00): "The new Boost Mobile network is offering unlimited talk, text and data for just $25 a month for life."

2. Pernina Berkman [0:50 - 1:44]

On January 29, 1959, Pernina Berkman, a 33-year-old perfume counter worker, was brutally murdered in her South Perth apartment. Found naked and stabbed multiple times, Pernina became the Night Caller's second known victim. Her murderer remained unidentified, with Fotis Hunters, her boyfriend, being wrongfully suspected and fleeing the city, leaving the real perpetrator free.

3. Gillian Brewer [04:20 - 08:58]

Gillian Brewer, a 22-year-old socialite from Cottesloe, was murdered on December 19, 1959. Her body exhibited gruesome injuries inflicted by a hatchet and scissors, and like Pernina, no fingerprints or clear motives were found. The similarity between the murders sparked concerns about a serial killer operating in Perth.

4. Alex Donkin [08:59 - 14:12]

Alex Donkin, a nursing student residing in Nedlands, was attacked in August 1959. The Night Caller infiltrated her flat, inflicting head injuries that left Alex with lifelong epilepsy, effectively ending her nursing aspirations. Despite Alex’s uncle being a special investigator, the case remained unsolved due to a lack of evidence.

5. Ann Melvin [14:13 - 19:45]

In March 1961, Ann Melvin, a 23-year-old living in Crawley, survived a brutal assault where the Night Caller strangled and attempted to kidnap her. Although she survived, the attack left her traumatized and disabled, leading her to leave Australia in fear.

6. Carmel Reed [19:46 - 27:39]

Carmel Reed, a 20-year-old nursing student in Netherlands, was attacked on June 15, 1963. The Night Caller’s intrusion resulted in multiple injuries and psychological trauma, further escalating the panic in Perth as reports of break-ins and assaults continued unabated.

7. Glenys Peake and Jill Connell [57:05 - 88:25]

On April 9, 1960, Glenys Peake was deliberately run down by a stolen Holden sedan. A month later, May 13, 1960, Jill Connell experienced a similar fate when an 18-year-old was hit by a stolen Morris Minor. These hit-and-run incidents, coupled with other attacks, suggested a pattern of deliberate targeting by the Night Caller, who used stolen vehicles to perpetrate his crimes without leaving fingerprints or evidence.

8. Australia Day Shootings [88:25 - 87:52]

On January 26, 1963, during Australia Day celebrations, the Night Caller escalated his violence by incorporating shootings. Bartender Rowena Reeves and Nick August were ambushed, with Rowena critically injured and Nick sustaining a neck wound. Shortly after, George Walmsley and John Sturkey were fatally shot, further intensifying the community's fear.

Investigation and Police Response

The Perth Police faced immense challenges in apprehending the Night Caller. The offender's ability to avoid leaving fingerprints, coupled with the use of stolen vehicles, made it difficult to establish connections between the crimes. Despite numerous reports and the establishment of special patrols on weekend nights, the Night Caller evaded capture.

Detective Sergeant [Name] noted:

Detective Sergeant: "He was convinced that one perpetrator was responsible for all the attacks, while acknowledging that he had no evidence."

Efforts to trace the firearm used in the shootings led police to test 60,000 rifles without success, indicating the weapon remained unidentified and the perpetrator untraceable.

Public Reaction and Impact on Perth

The Night Caller's reign of terror transformed Perth's societal dynamics. Residents, once trusting and communal, became suspicious and reclusive. Protective measures surged as the community reacted to the fear:

• Locking Doors and Closing Windows: Traditionally open for community trust, residents now secured their homes rigorously.
• Increased Weapon Purchases: Firearms and other defensive tools became common as people sought to protect themselves.
• Demand for Guard Dogs: Animal shelters saw a spike in guard dog adoptions.
• Architectural Changes: The presence of outhouses declined as indoor toilets became standard to avoid nighttime vulnerabilities.

Author Robert Drew, in his memoir Shark Net, reflects on the psychological transformation:

Robert Drew: "They chilled the warm shadows of the peppermint and box trees and flowering gums lining the streets."

Conclusion

By the end of this episode, the Night Caller had left an indelible mark on Perth, instilling lasting fear and altering the city's fabric. Despite heightened police efforts and public vigilance, the Night Caller remained at large, with various assaults and murders continuing to baffle authorities. The community's shift from trust to paranoia underscored the profound impact of the Night Caller's crimes, setting the stage for ongoing investigations and the pursuit of justice in subsequent episodes.

Notable Quotes:

• Raj Panjabi [00:19]: "Customers will pay $25 a month as long as they remain active on the Boost Unlimited plan."

• Detective Sergeant [During Investigation]: "He was convinced that one perpetrator was responsible for all the attacks, while acknowledging that he had no evidence."

• Robert Drew [Memoir Reference]: "They chilled the warm shadows of the peppermint and box trees and flowering gums lining the streets."

Conclusion

Case 307: The Night Caller (Part 1) delivers a comprehensive and harrowing account of a serial criminal's impact on an otherwise serene community. Through meticulous storytelling and detailed victim profiles, Casefile True Crime highlights the complexities of criminal investigations and the profound societal changes wrought by fear and violence.