Witness: William Tyrrell – Episode 15: Cherylee

Host: news.com.au
Release Date: May 21, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 15 of Witness: William Tyrrell, titled "Cherylee," hosts Dan Box and Nina Young delve deeper into the enigmatic disappearance of three-year-old William Tyrrell ten years after he was last seen. This episode uncovers unsettling connections between William's case and other unresolved disappearances and murders on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales, raising critical questions about police investigations and potential overlooked evidence.

The Initial Investigation and Iris Northam's Statement

The episode begins with Dan and Nina attempting to verify statements made by Iris Northam, a witness whose testimony links Frank Abbott—a significant figure in William Tyrrell's disappearance—to multiple unsolved murders.

Dan Box (00:02):
"This is the sound of us hitting an obstacle, or in this case, a series of obstacles."

Iris Northam's statement to the inquest suggested that Frank Abbott often used back roads to evade police presence, specifically mentioning Brimbyn Road—the same area where the body of 17-year-old Sherily Masters was discovered. However, Dan and Nina encounter difficulties in locating this route, indicating potential inaccuracies or deceptions in Iris's account.

Exploring Cheryl Lee Masters' Case

A significant portion of the episode focuses on Cheryl Lee Masters, Sherily's brother, who provides poignant insights into his sister's disappearance and the subsequent police investigation.

Tony Masters (11:24):
"Frank used to help there just about every month. It was okay."

Tony Masters recounts how Cheryl Lee was last seen hitchhiking south in the year 2000 and how the police investigation was fraught with negligence. Notably, Cheryl Lee's remains were mismanaged, with her body being misplaced and her family left without closure.

Iris Northam (35:00):
"I think every possible system really let her down, also let the whole family down."

The episode highlights the systemic failures in handling Cheryl Lee's case, including inadequate police response and the absence of meaningful communication with the family. The coroner's report further exacerbates the family's anguish, citing an "undeterminable cause" of death and numerous clerical errors, such as misspelling Cheryl Lee's name.

Police Response and Oversight Failures

Dan and Nina critically examine the New South Wales Police Force's handling of these cases, emphasizing a pattern of overlooked evidence and insufficient investigations.

Gary Jubalin (32:08):
"If you're looking at a person of interest, you've got to look at them completely."

Dan Box reveals that Iris Northam's statement, which implicated Frank Abbott in Sherily's disappearance, was reportedly not escalated to the Unsolved Homicide team as promised. Attempts to obtain clarity from the police yielded little to no response, suggesting a lack of transparency and possible suppression of crucial information.

Dan Box (34:50):
"The clues were right there in the statement Iris gave the inquest... And they didn't even pass that along."

This segment underscores the frustration and helplessness felt by the families of the missing and murdered, as well as by Dan and Nina, who struggle to uncover the truth amidst bureaucratic indifference.

Patterns of Unsolved Murders on the North Coast

To illustrate the extent of unresolved cases, Dan and Nina map out numerous unsolved murders and disappearances along a specific stretch of the North Coast of New South Wales. Their research uncovers decades of missing persons, many of whom share commonalities such as hitchhiking alone or being found near specific backroads.

Dan Box (52:07):
"And that we know almost certainly is a serial killer."

The hosts identify patterns suggesting the possibility of serial offenders operating in the area, including known killers like Ivan Milat and the Granny Killer. However, they also speculate about the existence of additional unidentified perpetrators responsible for several cases that remain unsolved.

The Emotional Toll and Final Reflections

As the investigation progresses, Dan and Nina share their emotional responses to the harrowing stories and systemic issues uncovered.

Nina Young (58:17):
"I just, I think... I just want to document it here."

Their journey culminates in a somber visit to the location where William was last seen, symbolizing the long quest for answers that remains unresolved. The episode poignantly addresses the human cost of these tragedies, both for the families involved and for those seeking justice.

Dan Box (77:28):
"You couldn't have done any more. You've done so much more than we ever set out to do."

Conclusion and Call to Action

The episode concludes with a poignant reflection on the legacy of William Tyrrell's case and its broader implications for other unresolved cases in the region. Dan and Nina urge the New South Wales Police to re-examine old evidence, follow up on new leads, and prioritize the families seeking closure.

Dan Box (69:06):
"It's up to the police if and how they decide to act."

By shedding light on these interconnected cases, Witness: William Tyrrell – Episode 15: Cherylee not only honors the memories of the lost but also serves as a compelling call to action for greater accountability and thoroughness in law enforcement investigations.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Dan Box (00:02):
  "This is the sound of us hitting an obstacle, or in this case, a series of obstacles."

• Iris Northam (35:00):
  "I think every possible system really let her down, also let the whole family down."

• Gary Jubalin (32:08):
  "If you're looking at a person of interest, you've got to look at them completely."

• Dan Box (34:50):
  "The clues were right there in the statement Iris gave the inquest... And they didn't even pass that along."

• Dan Box (52:07):
  "And that we know almost certainly is a serial killer."

• Nina Young (58:17):
  "I just, I think... I just want to document it here."

• Dan Box (77:28):
  "You couldn't have done any more. You've done so much more than we ever set out to do."

Witness: William Tyrrell – Episode 15: Cherylee is a powerful exploration of unresolved tragedies and the quest for justice, highlighting the urgent need for renewed investigations and support for affected families.