Witness: William Tyrrell - Episode 13 "Helen"

Host/Author: news.com.au
Release Date: May 19, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 13 titled "Helen" of the investigative podcast series Witness: William Tyrrell, hosted by news.com.au, the narrative interweaves the haunting case of Helen Harrison’s 1968 disappearance with the enduring mystery surrounding William Tyrrell’s 2014 vanishing. Through meticulous exploration of court records, witness testimonies, and expert insights, this episode delves deep into potential connections between these two unresolved cases, centering particularly on the enigmatic figure of Frank Abbott.

Helen Harrison’s Disappearance and Murder

The episode opens with a chilling phone call from Frank Abbott, who is incarcerated for unrelated crimes. In this call, Abbott hints at the police's ongoing interest in his connection to a murder, setting a tense tone ([00:26] Dan Box).

Helen Harrison, a 17-year-old with a vibrant personality, was last seen cycling home from her job at a local store in Pitt Town, Western Sydney, on March 16, 1968. Her disappearance was shortly followed by the discovery of her body in a shallow grave near East Karadjong, NSW. Helen was found naked from the waist down, with no immediate cause of death identifiable during the autopsy ([07:40] Gary Jubilin).

Initial Police Investigation

The investigation into Helen's death was extensive. The police canvassed thousands of leads and interviewed numerous individuals in the community. However, despite their efforts, Helen's murder remained unsolved for decades. The case took a significant turn when several crucial pieces of evidence and testimonies emerged years later, casting suspicions on Frank Abbott, who had been previously found not guilty in two trials ([24:10] Dan Box).

Frank Abbott’s Involvement and Alibi

Frank Abbott became a person of interest in Helen Harrison’s murder due to inconsistencies in his alibi. Initially, Abbott claimed to have been at a pub with his brother John on the day of Helen's disappearance. However, his story changed months later, introducing discrepancies that raised further suspicion ([30:23] Jeanette Parish).

Notably, Abbott’s alibi was never fully corroborated, as the police did not interview John, the brother he identified as his alibi witness. Instead, a different brother, Ted, provided conflicting statements, further muddling the investigation ([27:29] Jeanette Parish).

Notable Quote:
"They might have had... So I'm always cautious when we're looking at old investigations that what information did they have at the time."
— Nina Young ([31:19] Nina Young)

Allegations Against Frank Abbott

Over the years, additional allegations surfaced implicating Frank Abbott. In 1990, while serving time for a minor offense, Gary Grimson confessed to the police that Abbott had admitted to murdering Helen Harrison. Grimson detailed a harrowing account where Abbott forcibly raped Helen and claimed responsibility for her death, presenting a supposed physical link—a watch belonging to Helen ([46:58] Dan Box).

Furthermore, two women related to Frank’s wife, Katrina Abbott, came forward in 1977, alleging that Frank had bragged about his violent actions against Helen, including mentions of her underwear and violent assaults ([38:42] Jeanette Parish).

Notable Quote:
"... you have to have more interest put in Abbott."
— Peter Harrison ([16:49] Peter Harrison)

Trials and Verdict

Despite mounting allegations, Frank Abbott was found not guilty of Helen Harrison’s murder after two trials. The defense highlighted the prolonged delay in prosecutorial proceedings and the lack of concrete forensic evidence linking Abbott to the crime. The case was marred by lost or destroyed records and the inability to interview key witnesses, including Frank's wife and brothers, who could have potentially solidified his alibi ([52:25] Dan Box).

Notable Quote:
"He'd be someone you would want to pursue."
— Nina Young ([42:07] Nina Young)

New Evidence and Connections to William Tyrrell

Decades after Helen’s disappearance, connections began to surface linking Frank Abbott to William Tyrrell’s ongoing case. New witness statements, including those from Abbott’s niece and Brian Collier—a local carpenter—alleged that Abbott had confessed to multiple sexual assaults and murders, including that of Helen. These revelations reignited interest in Abbott's potential involvement in both cases, suggesting a possible pattern of predatory behavior ([58:39] Brian Collier).

Notable Quote:
"Frank, he tried to grab her by the throat and strangled her."
— Brian Collier ([60:35] Brian Collier)

Interviews with Witnesses and Family Members

Peter Harrison, Helen's brother, provides a poignant perspective on the unresolved nature of his sister's death. Reflecting on the traumatic experience, he expresses enduring grief and a yearning for closure, especially in light of new allegations against Abbott. Interviews with Frank’s sister, Elaine Harding, and his niece, Di Smith, further complicate the narrative, as they recount disturbing family revelations about Frank’s interactions with young girls ([67:01] Di Smith).

Notable Quote:
"She never got to home. [...] We think this is maybe part of the reason she accepted a lift because of the rain."
— Peter Harrison ([07:41] Peter Harrison)

Conclusion and Ongoing Unsolved Status

Helen Harrison’s murder remains officially unsolved, with Frank Abbott’s innocence still a matter of legal determination despite numerous allegations. The intertwining of her case with William Tyrrell’s disappearance suggests a deeper, more disturbing history of unresolved crimes tied to Abbott. As the podcast concludes, the quest for truth continues, fueled by persistent investigative efforts and the unyielding hope of victims' families for justice.

Notable Quote:
"No one’s been brought to justice. [...] He denies any involvement."
— Gary Jubilin ([55:15] Gary Jubilin)

Key Takeaways

• Frank Abbott remains a controversial figure with a complicated history, implicated in multiple unsolved cases but never convicted.

• Helen Harrison’s case illustrates the challenges of criminal investigations without concrete forensic evidence or reliable witness testimonies.

• William Tyrrell’s ongoing disappearance may share unsettling parallels with Helen’s unresolved murder, hinting at possible patterns in Abbott’s behavior.

• Family and Community Impact: The grief and lack of closure continue to haunt the families involved, underscoring the long-term emotional toll of unsolved crimes.

Notable Quotes with Attribution

• "They think he might have done this. The priest answers." ([03:20] Peter Harrison by Gary Jubilin)

• "Well, if you knew anything, I'd be the first to tell him." ([03:42] Frank Abbott)

• "It's an image that I can't shake." ([17:40] Gary Jubilin)

• "He was a thief, he could pick the eye out of a needle." ([61:04] Brian Collier)

• "If you have fresh and compelling evidence, you could have him retried." ([57:03] Nina Young)

For more exclusive content and updates, follow news.com.au on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. If you have any information regarding what happened to William Tyrrell or Helen Harrison, please contact CrimeStoppers at 1800 333 000 or email witness@news.com.au.