The Frankston Murders - Episode 11: The Ever After

Host: Casefile Presents
Released: March 29, 2023
Created by: Vikki Petraitis
Episode Title: The Ever After

Introduction

In Episode 11, "The Ever After," host Vikki Petraitis delves deep into the enduring impact of Paul Denyer's horrific crimes in Frankston. As Denyer applies for parole after serving nearly three decades, the episode underscores the profound and lasting repercussions his actions have had on victims' families, the community, and law enforcement.

The Reign of Terror

Host Commentary ([00:55] - [02:48]):
The episode begins with a reflection on the extensive trauma caused by Paul Denyer’s seven-week killing spree in 1993. Denyer targeted vulnerable individuals, specifically women, children, and babies, creating an atmosphere of pervasive fear. Petraitis highlights the brutality of his crimes, such as ramming women with shopping trolleys in a Safeway car park and murdering Natalie Russell while she was carrying a school bag. The escalation of his violence notably impacted families, leading to Denyer’s life sentence, which was later reduced to a 30-year non-parole period on appeal—a decision that devastated the victims' families.

Notable Quote:
"We can never underestimate the effect his bid for parole has on the people who knew and loved the victims, but also on every woman who felt personally threatened by Denyer." ([00:55])

Enduring Grief and Trauma

Host Commentary ([02:48] - [06:23]):
Petraitis explores the enduring nature of grief experienced by the victims' families. Sam, a co-host, emphasizes that violent loss leaves a permanent emotional scar. Families like Elizabeth’s cousin Rebecca express ongoing sorrow and anger, compounded by feelings of guilt and the unending fear of Denyer’s potential release.

Rebecca’s Testimony ([04:43] - [05:38]):
Rebecca shares personal memories, highlighting the constant emotional turmoil within her family:

• "I remember Auntie Rita just becoming very sad. I remember Uncle Paul being angry. I remember my mum being angry and sad and angry and sad and angry and sad." ([04:43])

She also notes a sense of solace in knowing Elizabeth was not sexually assaulted, which, while not mitigating the trauma, provided a small measure of comfort.

Host Commentary ([06:23] - [07:47]):
As Denyer’s parole application surfaces, Rebecca expresses skepticism about his rehabilitation:

• "I mean, 30 years seems like a long time, but it's really not. I just feel if someone has the capacity to do what he did, that's not normal." ([06:43])

This sentiment reflects the broader fear among victims' families that Denyer remains a threat despite his incarceration.

Unseen Consequences

Host Commentary ([07:47] - [08:13]):
The podcast underscores the broader repercussions of Denyer’s crimes, noting that many relatives of the victims passed away shortly after the murders—likely exacerbated by the immense stress and grief.

Rebecca’s Reflection ([08:13] - [08:30]):
Rebecca recalls the loss of her uncle Paul Webster at a young age, illustrating the cascade of tragedies stemming from Denyer’s actions.

Law Enforcement Perspectives

Detective Chris McCann ([09:47] - [12:06]):
Detective McCann provides insight into the investigative challenges and missed opportunities in early Denyer encounters. He reflects on the unusual and escalating nature of Denyer’s behavior:

• "If it's something that's unusual... that person doing it has obviously got serious mental issues, and they need to be found sooner rather than later before they do something else." ([10:30])

McCann ponders the "what ifs" of the case, suggesting that earlier intervention might have prevented some of the murders.

Notable Quote:
"We all have to live with the fact that had something happened early on and we were able to connect him, that he was the person responsible for killing the cats, imagine had we had the ability to connect information at that time and at least get to him and speak to him, it would have probably changed the course of history because he would have suspected, oh, somebody's watching now. May not have ever stopped him." ([12:06])

Personal Stories of Loss and Resilience

Jake’s Story ([17:48] - [37:54]):
One of the most poignant segments features Jake, Debbie Freeme's young son, who lost his mother at just 12 days old. Raised by his father Gary, who later became a quadriplegic following a motorcycle accident, Jake recounts his struggles with grief, depression, and substance abuse. Despite these challenges, Jake has worked towards healing and now advocates against Denyer’s parole, connecting with families of other victims to strengthen the fight against his release.

Notable Quotes:

• "Over the years, it did make me quite suicidal. I went through a lot of depressive and anxiety issues, and I guess they still linger today." ([24:16])
• "I will be there and I'm gonna fight against it as best as I possibly can. And I hope to not just fight alone because obviously it's something that I can't do alone." ([36:32])

Jake’s Reflection on Denyer’s Danger ([37:02] - [38:34]):
Jake passionately argues against Denyer’s release, emphasizing the enduring threat he poses:

• "He can only know the power of what he'd done and the power he felt doing it. And that's where that sickness will never leave him because he will always have that power within him." ([37:54])
• "Do it. And that's all. Just do it. Because there's no way that anyone like that should deserve to breathe the same air that we as humans should have to worry." ([38:03])

Community and Ongoing Memorials

Memorial Efforts ([50:25] - [52:01]):
The community’s ongoing remembrance of the victims is highlighted through annual commemorations and the efforts of the Frankston SES in search operations and memorial events.

Brian McManus’s Account ([51:04] - [52:01]):
Brian McManus shares a deeply personal memory from a 25th-anniversary memorial, emphasizing the persistent presence and support of emergency services during times of grief.

Rehabilitation and Public Safety Concerns

Prison Insights ([39:34] - [43:04]):
Former prison officers and law enforcement officials discuss Denyer’s behavior in prison, reinforcing the belief that he remains a significant threat. Bill, a former prison officer, criticizes the system for not adequately containing Denyer:

• "He did very bad things and should be punished accordingly. And he stole three lives. Potentially more, we don't know. But he stole three lives that we know about." ([54:34])

Senior Sergeant Peter Bull’s Perspective ([53:47] - [54:03]):
Peter Bull rates Denyer’s dangerousness exceptionally high, underscoring the impossibility of rehabilitation:

• "On a scale of 1 to 10, I'd easily put him as a 20. It's that far off the scale." ([53:47])

Victims' Friends and Families Speak Out

David Lindbrick ([43:17] - [47:29]):
David, Natalie's boyfriend, describes the profound impact her murder had on his life, leading him to pursue a career in politics to foster positive societal change.

Tracey’s Tribute ([45:13] - [46:12]):
Tracey, a friend of Elizabeth, honors her memory by naming her daughter after her and maintaining commemorative rituals. She firmly opposes any notion of Denyer’s rehabilitation:

• "Tracey... they are universally united in wanting to keep him in jail... He's not only destroyed one family, he's destroyed three families." ([16:20])

Conclusion

Vikki Petraitis powerfully conveys that Paul Denyer's crimes have left an indelible mark on the community and the lives of those affected. The episode emphasizes the urgent need to ensure Denyer remains incarcerated to prevent further tragedy. Through personal stories, authoritative insights, and emotional testimonies, "The Ever After" serves as a compelling plea to remember the victims and protect society from Denyer's continued threat.

Final Thoughts:
"Until the government makes a law to keep Paul Denyer in prison, it is torture for the families of the women he murdered. The fear they have that he will get out and destroy more lives is palpable."

Notable Moments

• Gary's Motorcycle Accident ([26:11] - [33:54]):
  Jake recounts the tragic loss of his father Gary in a motorcycle accident, further illustrating the series of traumas faced by Denyer’s victims’ families.

• Commemorative Reenactments ([52:01] - [55:05]):
  Reenactments of commemorative events highlight the community's solidarity and the enduring pain of loss.

Key Takeaways

• Persistent Fear: Denyer’s potential release continues to evoke deep fear and anxiety among victims’ families and the broader community.
• Unyielding Grief: The emotional toll of the murders remains as acute today as it was decades ago, with families struggling to find closure.
• Authority Insights: Law enforcement and prison officials unanimously agree that Denyer poses an ongoing threat, reinforcing the call to prevent his release.
• Community Resilience: Despite the immense hardships, families and friends strive to honor the victims’ memories and advocate for justice.

This episode serves as a somber reminder of the far-reaching consequences of violent crime and the imperative to safeguard communities from individuals like Paul Denyer.