368. The Boogeyman of Melbourne: Mr Cruel

On August 22nd, 1987, a man wearing a balaclava broke into a home in Lower Plenty, Australia. After tying up the parents and their young son, he brutally assaulted their eleven-year-old daughter. Then, he did something truly chilling: he made himself a snack, sat down, and ate it, leaving the family tied up and traumatized in the other rooms.

This monster, who would eventually be dubbed “Mr. Cruel” by the media, was just getting started.

He went on to terrorize the suburbs of Melbourne, executing highly planned child abductions that sparked one of the largest police investigations in Australian history. Then, just as suddenly as he arrived, he vanished.

This case is still open. If you have any information on these abductions, please contact the Melbourne Police. Or Crimestoppers

Phone Number (Within Australia): 1800 333 000

Website (For international listeners or online tips): crimestoppersvic.com.au

Join Jen & Cam as they dive into the details behind 'The Boogeyman of Melbourne: Mr Cruel.'

*We are BEYOND excited to finally announce our next big adventure! Our True Crime Podcast will be turning 10 years old in 2028. To celebrate this huge milestone, we are heading to Europe for a once-in-a-lifetime 11-day trip to Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg!

We would love for you to come along.

It's officially a "Cheers to 10 Years Tour!" from July 8–19, 2028!

SAVE $150 per person if you book by July 20th!

You can visit our webpage travel webpage here to see the itinerary:

https://0tcp711.s.gy/VOfMrW

If you’re nervous or want more info, RSVP

for a 6pm July 16th Zoom call

https://0tcp711.s.gy/Ue4NG8

Our team:

Listener Discretion by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Edward October ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Research & Writing by Lauretta Allen

Executive Producers Nico & Jesse of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Inky Pawprint⁠⁠