Murder, Mystery & Makeup: Unraveling the Death of Phoebe Handsjuk
Episode Release Date: April 1, 2025
Introduction
In this gripping episode of "Murder, Mystery & Makeup," host Bailey Sarian delves into the perplexing and tragic death of Phoebe Handsjuk, a 24-year-old woman from Melbourne, Australia. Combining her passion for true crime with her expertise in makeup artistry, Bailey presents a meticulous examination of Phoebe's untimely demise, exploring whether it was a "freak accident" or something far more sinister.
Background: Phoebe Handsjuk’s Life
Bailey begins by painting a comprehensive portrait of Phoebe Handsjuk, highlighting her as a vibrant and multifaceted individual. Born on May 9, 1986, in Melbourne, Phoebe was known for her free-spirited nature, athletic prowess in basketball, climbing, and martial arts, as well as her artistic talents. She had a close-knit family, including her parents, Len and Natalie, and her younger brothers, Nikolai and Tom. Despite her outwardly joyful demeanor, Phoebe struggled with deep emotional sensitivities, depression, and substance abuse from her teenage years, which strained her relationships, notably with her on-again, off-again boyfriend, Anthony "Ant" Hampel.
Key Quote:
"Phoebe sounded like a wonderful person... But she felt a lot. I think an empath." – Bailey Sarian (03:45)
The Relationship with Anthony Hampel
Phoebe's relationship with Ant, a 39-year-old events promoter from a prestigious family, was tumultuous. Despite their five-month courtship and moving in together in October 2009 at the Valencia Apartments, their relationship was fraught with verbal abuse and instability. Phoebe sought help from her psychiatrist to escape this toxic relationship but found herself repeatedly returning to Ant.
Key Quote:
"Phoebe had left Ant like four different times in the six weeks before her death. And Phoebe's boss at the hair salon said that Ant always managed to lure Phoebe back in one of those, you know." – Bailey Sarian (07:20)
The Day Before Tragedy: December 1, 2010
Phoebe sent a cryptic text message to her family and her boss, hinting at transformative intentions. This unsettling message raised alarm among her loved ones, especially her mother, Natalie, who reached out to Phoebe's grandmother, Jeanette, for assistance.
Key Quote:
"Phoebe had sent a really strange text message to her brothers, her parents, and her grandmother... 'Merrily, merrily, merrily, Life is but a dream Exo.'" – Bailey Sarian (11:29)
The Day of the Incident: December 2, 2010
Early in the morning, Phoebe was seen leaving her apartment with her dog due to a false fire alarm. Despite returning briefly, she disappeared and was later found dead at the bottom of a garbage chute in the building. The police and coroner concluded her death was a suicide resulting from a "freak accident," attributing it to her high blood alcohol level and the influence of sleeping pills.
Key Quote:
"It's super weird. There's no answers there... So Phoebe's sunglasses were found right next to her in the refuse room, which led to many people asking, 'Why would she take her sunglasses with her while attempting to climb into a garbage chute?'" – Bailey Sarian (28:09)
Investigative Flaws and Suspicious Circumstances
Bailey meticulously critiques the investigation, pointing out numerous oversights:
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Ignored Evidence: The police failed to thoroughly examine the garbage chute area and neglected to test blood samples or collect DNA evidence from the crime scene.
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CCTV Limitations: Essential footage had been overwritten due to the two-day loop, hindering the ability to reconstruct Phoebe's movements.
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Ant’s Behavior: Ant’s seemingly unnaturally calm demeanor upon discovering Phoebe’s body raised suspicions. Additionally, discrepancies in his statements and his handling of Phoebe’s devices suggested potential foul play.
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Unrelated Deaths and Connections: Bailey reveals a troubling pattern where another woman, Bailey Schneider, also dated Ant and died under mysterious circumstances, further implicating him.
Key Quote:
"There was blood smears where she must have, like, gotten her strength to get up and crawl out of the bin. And then she was bleeding to death while she struggled to find the exit." – Bailey Sarian (28:09)
Family’s Quest for Truth
Phoebe's family, particularly her grandfather Roland Legg, a retired detective, vehemently disagreed with the official narrative. Roland conducted his own experiment, demonstrating the improbability of Phoebe accessing the garbage chute unaided, thereby supporting the theory of foul play. Despite their efforts, legal obstacles and Ant’s influential family members, including high-ranking judges, impeded further investigation.
Key Quote:
"Phoebe's grandfather... tried to prove that it would have been virtually impossible to climb into a garbage chute on your own." – Bailey Sarian (36:36)
Conclusion: An Unsolved Mystery
Despite the coroner's ruling of suicide and accidental death, the inconsistencies and overlooked evidence leave lingering doubts. The connection to Ant and the similar death of Bailey Schneider add layers of complexity, suggesting possible wrongdoing. Bailey Sarian leaves listeners contemplating the unresolved nature of Phoebe's death, emphasizing the need for vigilance in seeking justice.
Final Quote:
"What do you think? You think Ant did it? Or he just has really bad luck, huh?" – Bailey Sarian (59:12)
Reflections
This episode masterfully intertwines true crime investigation with emotional depth, urging listeners to question official accounts and consider the often-overlooked details that could alter the narrative. Bailey Sarian's engaging storytelling ensures that Phoebe Handsjuk’s case remains in the spotlight, advocating for thorough and unbiased investigations.
Notable Quotes Summary
- Bailey Sarian (03:45): "I think an empath. Right? I think she would, like, feel deeply."
- Bailey Sarian (07:20): "Phoebe had left Ant like four different times in the six weeks before her death."
- Bailey Sarian (11:29): "Merrily, merrily, merrily, Life is but a dream Exo."
- Bailey Sarian (28:09): "Why would she take her sunglasses with her while attempting to climb into a garbage chute?"
- Bailey Sarian (36:36): "Phoebe's grandfather... tried to prove that it would have been virtually impossible to climb into a garbage chute on your own."
- Bailey Sarian (59:12): "You think Ant did it? Or he just has really bad luck, huh?"
Final Thoughts
Bailey Sarian's exploration of Phoebe Handsjuk's death serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities surrounding unexplained tragedies. By meticulously dissecting the evidence and highlighting investigative shortcomings, she not only honors Phoebe's memory but also advocates for justice and truth in the face of uncertainty.