Casefile True Crime: "Matty" Episode 1 - Summary

Episode Overview

The first episode of "Matty", produced by Casefile Presents and hosted by Lauren O’Keefe, introduces listeners to the heartbreaking story of Matthew (Matt) Leveson, a 20-year-old who vanished in Sydney in 2007. This series details his family’s tireless quest to find him, explores the challenges faced by loved ones of missing people, and gives voice to rarely-shared aspects of loss and resilience. In Episode 1, listeners meet Matt through the memories of his parents, Mark and Faye, getting to know their family and the events leading to Matt’s disappearance.

Key Discussion Points

The Reality of “Missingness” (06:30–13:17)

• Lauren O’Keefe opens with the emotional turmoil of having a loved one disappear, describing how the search can extend indefinitely:

  “Have you ever had that terrifying experience at a crowded place where, for just a few moments, you’ve lost sight of your child?... Imagine if those few moments extended into an hour, a week, a year, or a lifetime.” (06:38)

• She connects her own experience of her brother Dan’s disappearance with the Levesons’ story, framing the series:

  “Missingness is an experience that stays with you just below the surface, ready to be triggered by anything.” (11:15)

• The goal is to show what families endure beyond the headlines:

  “Behind all the publicity embellishing their nightmare, I also wanted to give them an opportunity to talk about the things that were missing from the public conversation.” (12:24)

• Lauren sets the stage for hearing the Levesons’ story from “before the cameras,” to understand their transformation as advocates and survivors.

Meeting Mark and Faye Leveson: Family Life Before Tragedy (13:17–22:47)

Mark’s Background

• Mark grew up in Sydney, aimed for a life outside the office but ultimately became an accountant with his own practice.
• He recalls a close-knit community and friends:

  “My friends refer to me as a nob. I’m a Gnawy Old Boy and we get together at least twice a year.” (13:36)

Faye’s Background

• Faye experienced strict, traditional upbringing; her father didn’t value education for women, pushing her towards marriage.

  “My dad thought that women should be barefooted and pregnant and education would be wasted on a female.” (14:34)

• She left school early, worked office jobs, and met Mark at a wedding. Their courtship was rapid and romantic, despite her father's initial resistance.

Their Life Together

• Both share anecdotes about falling in love, marrying young, and negotiating family expectations.
• The couple had three sons: Peter, Matthew, and Jason.
• The Leveson household was noisy, energetic, and loving, though not without its sibling rivalries.

Matthew’s Early Life

• Matthew (Matt) was sensitive, introverted, creative, and loved animals. His mother saw herself in his stubbornness.
• The brothers had a fierce love despite frequent scuffles; “When it came to the crunch, if one of them was in trouble, they were always there for one another.” (20:34 – Faye)
• Family events were cherished, with Mark recalling how “if ever one wasn’t there, didn’t matter which one, it broke the cycle.” (20:46)

Matt’s Teen Years and Coming Out (22:47–32:50)

Schooling and Friendships

• Matt struggled at his original primary school, but blossomed after transferring to a smaller one.
• He was introverted and preferred crafts to sports, making him a target for bullies until the school change.

Sexuality and Family Support

• Matt’s first significant relationship was with a girl, Rachel, with whom he remained friends.
• At 17, Matt came out to Rachel, then later to his parents via a heartfelt letter before his HSC exams:

  “I do not know what the outcome of this letter will be, but I hope you will love me and accept me for who I am…” (28:30, letter read by Lauren)

• His parents were accepting and supportive, with Mark stating, “It changes nothing. So get home and keep studying.” (30:33)
• Faye recalls, “We knew, so it didn’t really bother us at all… Once he came out… he was my fashion stylist.” (31:04)

Early Adult Life and Hopes

• Matt started a pathology course but struggled with spelling and eventually left. He thrived in jobs at Big W and a call centre, NRMA Insurance.
• He was technically skilled and enjoyed helping set up computers and sound systems at home and at work (32:12–32:50).
• With boyfriend Daniel, Matt adored travel, finding bargains, and seeking adventure.

The Arrival of Michael Atkins (33:42–43:58)

Relationship Shift

• After breaking up with Daniel, Matt entered a relationship with the much older Michael Atkins, initially keeping his new living arrangements secret from his parents.
• Mark and Faye were concerned by Atkins’ age (23 years older) and demeanor, but felt voicing their suspicions would isolate Matt.

  “We had to [accept him] for Matt’s sake... If we said to Matt, mate, you can’t see this guy, he’s too old for you, Matt would just say, ‘get nicked’ or something stronger and we’d lose touch with Matt.” (42:10 – Mark)

• The Levesons later learned Matt had initially lived out of his car, as Atkins wouldn’t let him bring clothes into the apartment—a reveal that deeply unsettled them.

Matthew’s Isolation

• Atkins exerted control: Matt was rarely allowed to spend time alone with family or friends. Interactions with the Levesons were strictly managed.

  “Atkins rarely gave them opportunities to see their son alone… He wouldn’t keep eye contact with you. As soon as they finished their lunch or their dinner, he’s, ‘Come on, Matt, we’ve got to go.’” (43:48 – Faye)

Matt’s State Before Disappearance (45:11–53:56)

Family and Social Life

• Matt talked excitedly about redesigning a ring for his 21st, loved planning events, and enjoyed cooking themed meals for friends.
• However, Faye noticed Matt became subdued and clingier in the months before he vanished:

  “The saying goodbye got more huggier, tighter. And we tried to get him on his own one day… but Atkinson wouldn’t let him out of his sight.” (48:10 – Faye)

• Family and friends witnessed tension and even physical altercations between Matt and Atkins.

The Final Days

• Matt’s colleagues were aware of increasing conflict with Atkins. On his last known day, Matt complained about jealousy and controlling behavior:

  “Fuck off, Mike,” (49:43 – Matt, reacting to a call during work). “I’ve had enough of Mike’s bullshit. He’s too jealous. He wants threesomes and I don’t want it… he thinks he’s God’s gift to man.” (49:57 – Matt to colleague)

• After clubbing, a series of texts between Matt and a friend, John Burns, reveal anger and distress:

  “Mike’s having a fucking cry. He’s taken me home and won’t let me stay. Fucken cunt.” (3:20am, 51:50) “He needs to get over himself.” (3:31am, 52:10)

A Mother’s Intuition

• Faye reveals her long-standing fear for Matt's safety due to his sexuality, a fear that now haunts her in hindsight:

  “I cried for… I was fearing for him personally, his life. I used to say to him, Matt, please be careful. I’m going to find you dead in the gutter somewhere… It still haunts me.” (53:11 – Faye)

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• Lauren O’Keefe: “No one is ever prepared for a loved one to suddenly disappear. That’s the thing about missingness.” (12:40)
• Faye Leveson (on Mark proposing while her father held a knife):

  “He spun around with this knife in his hand. I thought I’d done the wrong thing here, I’m sure.” (16:43 – Mark)

• Faye Leveson (after Matt came out):

  “He used to tell me, no, don’t wear that, Mum. You know, he was my fashion stylist.” (31:04)

• On Matt’s last message:

  “Mike’s having a fucking cry. He’s taken me home and won’t let me stay. Fucken cunt.” (51:50 – Matt to his friend John)

• Faye Leveson’s intuition:

  “I used to say to him, Matt, please be careful. I’m going to find you dead in the gutter somewhere… It still haunts me.” (53:11)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 06:30 – Introduction to “missingness” and Lauren O’Keefe’s mission
• 13:17 – Mark and Faye’s background, meeting, and early life
• 21:07 – Matt’s childhood and personality
• 22:47 – Matt at school, friendships, and coming out
• 27:52 – Matt’s coming out letter and parents’ reaction
• 32:12 – Matt’s jobs, talents, and interests
• 33:42 – The introduction and impact of Michael Atkins
• 45:11 – Matt’s relationship with family/friends as tension increases
• 49:43 – Last work shift, text messages, and leadup to disappearance
• 51:50 – Final text message exchange during Matt’s last night

Episode Tone and Style

The episode is empathetic and intimate, blending reflective narration from Lauren O’Keefe, candid recollections by Mark and Faye, and deep emotional honesty. It balances investigative curiosity with respect and sensitivity to the family’s grief and perseverance.

What to Expect Next

• The episode ends as Matt goes missing, with ominous signs pointing to Michael Atkins.
• A preview teases the beginning of the family’s and police’s search, hints at suspicious behavior from Atkins, and the transfer of Matt’s case to homicide (54:07–54:33).

For Further Listening

The rest of the “Matty” series is available on all major podcast platforms, exploring the investigation, the Leveson family’s public fight for answers, and the broader experiences of families of the missing.