It’s a cold July night in Melbourne in 2013 when an elderly neighbour hears terrifying screams coming from the home next door. When police arrive, they find 49-year-old Teresa Mancuso murdered in her parent's garage, the victim of a vicious act of family violence at the hands of her ex-husband.

Though Teresa’s two sons, Daniel and Luke, knew immediately who was responsible, it would take two excruciating years of living in fear before their father was finally arrested and charged.

Grieving and back in the house where their mother died, the brothers found unexpected hope through the fence. Their Greek neighbour, a loving grandmother, began passing home-cooked meals to the boys, adopting them as her own and ultimately inspiring a movement now known as Yiayia Next Door.

In this episode of True Crime Conversations, Daniel Mancuso joins us to reflect on his mother’s legacy, navigating deep grief, breaking the cycle of family violence, and turning community kindness into a powerful movement for change.

GET IN TOUCH

Want us to cover a case on the podcast? Email us at truecrime@mamamia.com.au or send us a voice note.

Make sure to leave us a rating and review on Apple & Spotify to let us know how you're liking the episodes.

CREDITS

Guests: Daniel Mancuso

Host: Gemma Bath

Senior Producer: Tahli Blackman

Producer: Ella Maitland

Video Editor: Julian Rosario

Audio Designer: Tegan Salder

Mamamia acknowledges the traditional owners of the land on which we have recorded this podcast.

Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.