Casefile True Crime: Case 309 – Lindsay Jellett

Release Date: March 8, 2025
Host: Casefile Presents

Introduction

In Case 309 of Casefile True Crime, titled "Lindsay Jellett," listeners delve into the tragic and mysterious death of Lindsay Jellett, a gentle man with disabilities whose untimely demise raised suspicions and led to a complex investigation. This episode meticulously explores the circumstances surrounding Lindsay's disappearance, the subsequent discovery of his body, the ensuing police investigation, and the eventual conviction of his sister, Judith Jengiz.

Background

[00:00 - 03:47] Lindsay Jellett’s Early Life and Care

Lindsay Jellett's life was profoundly altered by a traumatic accident in 1955 when he was two and a half years old. A truck struck Lindsay and his twin sister, Judith, while they were in a pram, resulting in severe brain damage for Lindsay. This incident left him with cognitive disabilities and developmental delays. Despite these challenges, Lindsay grew into a friendly and affectionate adult, living in a residential care unit on Grano Street, Ararat, where he was supported by live-in staff dedicated to fostering his independence.

The Day of Disappearance

[04:00 - 10:15] May 10, 1994: A Routine Walk Turns Tragic

On Tuesday, May 10, 1994, Lindsay lived his typical day at the Grano Street care unit. At around 4:00 PM, he requested permission for his daily walk—a cherished time when he enjoyed exploring the nearby golf course and main street. By 6:30 PM, Lindsay had not returned, prompting his carers to initiate a search. Initial efforts, including checking his room, the backyard, and surrounding areas, yielded no results. Concern escalated, leading to a police notification at 7:00 PM.

Search and Discovery

[10:16 - 17:50] The Harrowing Search and Uncovering the Body

The Ararat branch of the State Emergency Service (SES) was mobilized to assist law enforcement in searching for Lindsay. Their extensive efforts, which included utilizing searchlights and canvassing nearby farms and roads, initially proved fruitless. The following morning, a breakthrough occurred when a local farmer discovered Lindsay's body near a dirt road northeast of his home. The scene suggested a vehicular accident, but discrepancies raised red flags:

• [15:30] Crash Investigators' Observations: "Lindsey's body was arranged too neatly by the side of the road. If he'd been hit by a car while walking, his body would have been flung and landed awkwardly."
• [16:45] Autopsy Findings: Lindsay showed signs consistent with being run over, but he was already deceased, indicating foul play rather than a simple accident.

Investigation

[17:51 - 33:30] Piecing Together the Puzzle

Detectives analyzed forensic evidence, linking the type of vehicle involved in the incident to Lindsay's sister, Judith Jengiz. Key findings included:

• [25:10] Tire Tracks and Vehicle Identification: "The owner of a local tyre shop was certain they'd been made by Bridgestone Eager S340 tyres," narrowing down the suspect vehicle to Judith's 1982 Ford Fairmont Ghia sedan.
• [28:50] Forensic Evidence: Smears of automatic transmission fluid and grease matched Judith's aging vehicle, reinforcing suspicions.

Despite the mounting evidence, the critical question remained: Why would Judith, who had always been a loving sister, commit such an act? The detectives uncovered financial motives:

• [29:20] Motive Emerges: Lindsay had a trust fund that had been dwindling, primarily due to Judith's demands for money to satisfy his needs. A memo from the trust fund clerk revealed that Judith was depleting Lindsay's funds to the detriment of his financial security.

Suspects and Motive

[33:31 - 44:20] Judith Jengiz Under Scrutiny

Further investigation into Judith's background unveiled additional motives and suspicious behavior:

• [35:50] Financial Greed: "Judith treated Lindsay's money as though it were her own," with significant withdrawals and unexplained expenditures noted.
• [38:15] Access to Medications: Judith possessed a blank prescription pad, allowing her to acquire medications like Noctec, a potent sedative found in toxic levels in Lindsay's system.
• [40:05] Poisoning Attempts: Ilya Kafiryuk, Judith’s ex-husband, revealed that Judith had previously poisoned him by adding syrup to his food, leading to prolonged hospitalization.

These revelations painted a picture of Judith as someone who would go to extreme lengths to gain control of Lindsay's finances.

Trial and Outcome

[44:21 - 53:10] Legal Proceedings and Conviction

Bringing Judith to justice proved challenging:

• [48:30] Evidence Challenges: The autopsy could not definitively prove the cause of death, complicating the murder charge.
• [50:45] Courtroom Decisions: Initially charged with murder, Judith's case was dismissed and recharged as attempted murder, based on the theory that she ran over Lindsay after poisoning him.
• [52:10] Conviction: Despite appeals, Judith was convicted of attempted murder and sentenced to 10 years in prison, with a non-parole period of six years.

[53:11 - 54:17] Aftermath and Reflection

Judith served her sentence and was released in 2002. Lindsay’s trust fund was subsequently managed by remaining family members, with final distributions sealed in court records. The episode concludes by highlighting the betrayal and loss felt by the community, especially given Lindsay's kind nature and the suspicion that his sister, a trusted family member, orchestrated his demise for financial gain.

Conclusion

Casefile True Crime's episode on Lindsay Jellett presents a heart-wrenching narrative of trust betrayed and the extent of human greed. Through meticulous investigation and forensic analysis, the podcast showcases how even those closest to us can harbor dark intentions. The case serves as a sobering reminder of the complexities involved in criminal investigations, especially when deep familial bonds are tested by underlying motives.

Notable Quotes

• [15:30] Crash Investigator: "Lindsey's body was arranged too neatly by the side of the road. If he'd been hit by a car while walking, his body would have been flung and landed awkwardly."

• [25:10] Tyre Shop Owner: "The tracks were made by Bridgestone Eager S340 tyres."

• [33:31] Detective: "Judith was depleting Lindsay's funds to the detriment of his financial security."

• [35:50] Clerk’s Memo: "Judith had complained... she was forced to buy him everything he wanted, using money from his account."

• [40:05] Ilya Kafiryuk: "Judith had put something in my food."

These quotes encapsulate pivotal moments in the investigation, highlighting the forensic evidence, financial motives, and incriminating testimonies that ultimately led to Judith Jengiz's conviction.