Podcast Summary: Murder, Mystery & Makeup

Episode: "People die, they should just get over it." - The Monster Who Haunted Australia: Ivan Milat
Host: Bailey Sarian
Release Date: April 22, 2025

Introduction

In this chilling episode of Murder, Mystery & Makeup, Bailey Sarian delves deep into the dark and twisted case of Ivan Milat, infamously known as the Backpacker Murderer. Balancing her passion for true crime with her expertise in makeup artistry, Bailey unravels the horrifying series of events that turned the Australian outback into a hunting ground for one of the country's most notorious serial killers.

Early Life of Ivan Milat

Ivan Milat was born Robert Marco Millat Milat on December 27, 1944, in Guildford, New South Wales, a suburb of Sydney, Australia. Growing up as the fifth of 14 children in a turbulent household, Ivan's early years were marred by violence. His father, a farmer, was notorious for his abusive behavior, often assaulting his children with a two-by-four piece of wood. Neighbors frequently reported hearing incessant yelling and witnessing violent episodes.

From a young age, Ivan and his brothers worked on the family’s tomato farm. Despite this, the domestics didn't curb their mischievous tendencies. By age seven, seven out of ten brothers had early encounters with the law for petty crimes like car break-ins and animal cruelty. Ivan stood out even among his troublesome siblings, exhibiting particularly alarming behavior, such as attacking animals with a machete. A lingering rumor suggested that Ivan had once cut a dog in half with a machete, though this remains unconfirmed.

Early Criminal Activities

At 13, Ivan was sent to a religious boarding school due to his antisocial behavior. His troubled youth continued into his teenage years, leading to multiple incarcerations for theft and break-ins. By 18, Ivan attempted to rob a taxi driver, accidentally paralyzing the driver during the incident. Shockingly, an innocent man was wrongfully convicted for this crime, allowing Ivan to evade justice.

His criminal spree didn't end there. In 1964, Ivan was sentenced to 18 months for breaking and entering, followed by a two-year hard labor sentence for stealing a car in 1966. Despite these imprisonments, Ivan showed no signs of rehabilitation and continued his life of crime upon release in 1970.

Escalation of Crimes

In April 1971, Ivan kidnapped two 18-year-old female hitchhikers near Liverpool railway station. While one managed to escape at a gas station, Ivan was arrested but acquitted of rape and armed robbery charges. Frustratingly, he wasn't held accountable, allowing him to persist in his heinous activities.

Later that year, Ivan faked his suicide by leaving his shoes at The Gap, a known suicide spot in Sydney. Authorities eventually tracked him down in New Zealand, but he was acquitted once more, thanks to a lack of substantial evidence.

By 1975, Ivan had married Karen Duck, a 17-year-old pregnant with his cousin's child. Their relationship was abusive, with Ivan exhibiting controlling and violent tendencies. In 1987, after Karen escaped his grip, Ivan retaliated by burning down her parents' house, yet he remained free from prosecution.

The most disturbing chapter unfolded between 1989 and 1992, as Ivan targeted young backpackers in Belanglo State Forest. Seven hitchhikers vanished, only to be found brutally murdered years later, their bodies left in secluded areas of the forest.

Investigation and Capture

The mounting disappearances culminated in the early 1990s, prompting the New South Wales police to form a special task force in October 1993. Despite extensive investigations, Ivan remained elusive until a pivotal moment in 1990 when British backpacker Paul Onions narrowly escaped an attack by Ivan. Paul's detailed account and description of Ivan led to renewed police scrutiny.

In February 1994, evidence began to mount against Ivan. Police discovered Ivan's silver Nissan Patrol was the same vehicle involved in Paul's attack. Additionally, a trove of weapons and personal belongings of the victims were found in Ivan's home. On May 5, 1994, Paul officially identified Ivan as his attacker, leading to Ivan's arrest on weapons charges.

Trial and Conviction

Ivan's trial commenced in March 1996. Prosecutors presented overwhelming evidence, including ballistic matches of the .22 caliber rifles used in the murders and personal items belonging to the victims found in Ivan's possession. Testimonies from Paul Onions and family members of the victims painted a damning picture of Ivan's character and modus operandi.

Despite maintaining his innocence, Ivan was found guilty of all seven murders on July 27, 1996. He was sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. Notably, the sentencing judge mentioned evidence suggesting the involvement of another individual in at least two of the killings, hinting at possible accomplices within Ivan's family.

Aftermath and Legacy

Ivan's attempts to overturn his conviction were futile. Diagnosed with terminal cancer in 2019, he remained steadfast in his claims of innocence until his death at 74. His legacy, however, was further tainted by the revelation that his great-nephew, Matthew Milat, committed a similar murder in Belanglo State Forest in 2010, suggesting a disturbing familial pattern.

Ivan's case remains a haunting reminder of the depths of human depravity and the challenges faced by law enforcement in bringing serial killers to justice. The unanswered questions about possible accomplices and unsolved cases linked to Ivan continue to resonate, ensuring his story remains etched in Australia's true crime history.

Notable Quotes

• Bailey Sarian [00:37]: "This story is like a dense forest, an empty road, a promise of adventure. I mean, what could go wrong?"

• Bailey Sarian [11:04]: "I feel like that's this whole show, huh? And I say it all the time, but buckle up, baby, because this road trip leads straight to terror."

• Bailey Sarian [35:44]: "This is all according to him on his deathbed. Apparently, Ivan's younger brother had also said Shirley was in on it, which is like, what?"

• Bailey Sarian [45:55]: "He's just. He doesn't really have. It's like, he didn't think further than that. They never do. They're just like, I'm innocent."

Conclusion

Bailey Sarian's comprehensive exploration of Ivan Milat's life and crimes offers listeners a gripping narrative filled with suspense, tragedy, and unresolved mysteries. Through meticulous research and engaging storytelling, she sheds light on one of Australia's most infamous serial killers, leaving listeners both horrified and contemplative about the nature of evil and justice.

Note: This summary excludes all advertisement and non-content segments from the transcript to focus solely on the core narrative of Ivan Milat's case.