Casefile Presents: Julie's Gone – Detailed Summary

Podcast Information:

• Title: Casefile Presents: Julie's Gone
• Host/Author: Casefile Presents
• Producer/Reporter: Helen Thomas
• Release Date: July 30, 2025

Introduction

"Casefile Presents: Julie's Gone" delves into the mysterious disappearance of Julianne Garcia Sale, a 19-year-old who vanished from her Melbourne apartment in July 1975. Produced and reported by investigative journalist Helen Thomas, renowned for her work on the Easy Street Murders series, this episode revisits one of Australia's most haunting cold cases, uncovering new evidence and fresh leads after five decades.

Background of the Case

On a fateful night in July 1975, Julianne Garcia Sale, nicknamed Julie, disappeared from her inner-city apartment in Melbourne. Just shy of her 20th birthday, Julie had recently relocated to Australia from the United States to live with her sister. The night of her disappearance was marked by a seemingly ordinary gathering with three men, one of whom was later linked to the notorious Easy Street Murders.

Narrator: "Fifty years ago, on the first night in July 1975, Julianne Garcia Sale vanished. Nine days shy of her 20th birthday, the Californian teenager who'd been living with her sister in Melbourne was just gone." (01:15)

Key Individuals Involved

• Julianne Garcia Sale: The 19-year-old victim whose disappearance remains unsolved.
• Three Men Present: The only persons of interest in the case, with one later connected to the Easy Street Murders.
• Helen Thomas: Investigative journalist leading the renewed investigation.
• Witnesses and Family Members: Including poignant interviews with Julianne's mother and unidentified witnesses.

The Night of Disappearance

On the evening Julie disappeared, she was in the company of three men, sharing pizza and beer in her Melbourne apartment. The atmosphere, as recalled by a witness, was "happy, friendly" before Julie suddenly left to make a phone call and never returned. Despite the apparent normalcy, Julie's disappearance has baffled investigators for decades.

Witness: "I just can't remember the details at all. You know, it was all happy, friendly. There was no, you know, we went over there for a drink and that was it. She went away and we got tired of waiting and left." (01:57)

Initial Investigation Shortcomings

In the days following Julie's disappearance, the police failed to thoroughly canvass her neighbors, missing potential eyewitness accounts. However, "Casefile Presents" sheds light on new witness testimonies that suggest Julie was possibly dragged into a car from a phone box—the last known location she was seen.

Narrator: "Three men, they came and they grabbed her. Grabbed her and put her into the car. And she lost her shoe." (02:07)

Despite these crucial observations, these witnesses were not interviewed by the police at the time, leaving significant gaps in the investigation.

Forensic Evidence and Investigative Efforts

Investigations revealed that the apartment was meticulously fingerprinted. A chemist collected samples that appeared to be blood from various locations within the flat, including the kitchen, a tea towel on Julie's bed, the bathroom, a stairwell, and the telephone booth opposite the flat. This evidence suggests a possible struggle or foul play.

Investigator: "They have fully fingerprinted the flat. The chemist took samples of what appeared to be blood from the kitchen from a tea towel located on Julie's bed, from the bathroom, from a stairwell and telephone booth opposite the flat." (02:46)

Family's Plea for Justice

Julianne's mother has been a relentless advocate for her daughter's case, traveling to Australia multiple times to urge the police to continue investigating. Her emotional appeals highlight the family's enduring hope for closure.

Julianne's Mother: "I want the police never to close the case. Never. I don't want this case to be closed. In the dead file." (03:12)

Further intensifying her quest for answers, she recounts a chilling encounter with one of the men involved:

Julianne's Mother: "And I asked him, what did you do? Please tell me what you did with my daughter. And that's when he took his finger and he went across his neck like you would cut into somebody's throat." (03:37)

Current Status and Ongoing Questions

Despite sustained efforts, no charges have been laid in Julie's disappearance. Helen Thomas's investigation aims to answer critical questions:

• Is it too late for justice after five decades?
• What truly happened to Julianne Garcia Sale?

The renewed scrutiny and fresh evidence hope to bring long-awaited answers to Julie's family and the community.

Narrator: "In Case File presents Julie's Gone. We asked, is it too late for justice? What happened to Julieann Garcy Salain?" (03:25)

Conclusion

"Casefile Presents: Julie's Gone" serves as a compelling exploration of a cold case that has haunted Australia for fifty years. Through meticulous investigation, new witness testimonies, and relentless determination, Helen Thomas strives to uncover the truth behind Julie's mysterious disappearance. This episode not only honors the memory of Julianne Garcia Sale but also underscores the enduring quest for justice in unresolved criminal cases.

Availability:
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