Witness: William Tyrrell – Episode 8: Pressure

Host: Dan Box
Guest: Detective Gary Jubelin
Release Date: November 24, 2024

Introduction: The Vanishing of William Tyrrell

On the serene Mid North Coast of New South Wales lies the township of Kendall, forever marked by the disappearance of three-year-old William Tyrrell. Last seen on September 12, 2014, wearing his beloved Spider-Man suit, William's absence has left an indelible scar on his family and the community. Ten years later, the mystery remains unsolved, with Detective Gary Jubelin at the forefront of the relentless investigation.

Revisiting Kendall: A Decade of Unanswered Questions

Dan Box:
"We're heading into the township, I suppose you call it, of Kendall, where William Tyrrell disappeared from this time." [00:05]

Detective Gary Jubelin, a seasoned homicide investigator, revisits Kendall with host Dan Box. Reflecting on his past tenure, Gary shares, "It brings back every memory in the book." [00:51] The emotional weight of William's case is palpable, intertwining sadness with a burning frustration over the case's handling.

Gary Jubelin: The Relentless Detective

Gary's dedication to the case is unmatched. "It was a tough investigation, but it was an investigation that, yeah, I was up for the challenge," he asserts [01:21]. His colleagues describe him as tenacious and unwavering, often clashing with superiors to secure the necessary resources. Dan Box highlights Gary's portrayal in the TV drama Underbelly, noting his unique traits: "He was an Aries, a practicing Buddhist, and drank green tea instead of coffee." [02:07]. Beyond public perception, Gary is deeply committed to justice, often pushing boundaries to uncover the truth.

Building Trust: The Foster Parents' Campaign

Gary's initial interactions with William's foster parents were strained, with suspicions looming large. "When we were meeting, I could feel that he was just sizing me up," recalls William's foster mother [08:23]. However, as Gary delved deeper, he dismissed them as suspects, fostering a collaborative relationship. Together, they launched the Where's William Campaign, transforming the investigation from a local police matter into a nationwide movement.

William's Foster Mother:
"We trusted police, we trusted him." [09:25]

The campaign's impact was monumental, generating thousands of media reports, organizing community events, and encouraging thousands of tips to Crime Stoppers. Events like public performances of "Bring Him Home" and Walk for William rallies spread awareness widely, keeping William's memory alive across Australia and even internationally.

Paul Savage: A Person of Interest Under Scrutiny

Amid the vast pool of leads, Paul Savage emerged as a key person of interest. Opposite William's last known location, Paul's eccentric behavior and troubling past made him a focal point. Detective Sergeant Laura Beecroft initially spearheaded the investigation into Paul, uncovering his history of harassment towards a local postwoman, leading to an Apprehended Violence Order (AVO) against him.

Interviews and Pressure Tactics

Gary Jubelin employed intense pressure tactics to extract information from Paul. In one pivotal interview [50:17], Gary confronts Paul:

"If you're sitting there and you honestly believe you're telling me the truth about the Spider man suit, I know you're lying." [50:28]

Despite Gary's relentless interrogation, Paul's responses remained evasive and defensive. The police orchestrated elaborate surveillance operations, including leaving Spider-Man suits along Paul's morning walk to gauge his reactions. However, photographic evidence from these operations remained inconclusive, leaving room for doubt.

Internal Struggles Within the Strike Force

Gary's unwavering focus on Paul began to strain relations within the strike force. Detectives like Craig Lambert and Louise Currie questioned the efficacy of targeting Paul without substantial evidence. This internal discord culminated in confrontations and departures, weakening the team's cohesion. Gary's approach, though aggressive, started to falter under the weight of mounting pressures and personal challenges, including his ongoing divorce.

The Decline of the Investigation

By early 2019, the investigation faced significant setbacks. With over 14,000 reports to sift through and dwindling staff due to administrative cuts, Gary's capabilities to manage the case effectively were severely hampered. His superiors opted to remove him from active homicide cases, sidelining him from the William Tyrrell investigation just as an inquest was being prepared [60:50].

Paul Savage's Perspective: Innocent or Conspirator?

Years after the initial investigations, Paul Savage, now 80, maintains his innocence. In a candid encounter with Dan Box [66:38], Paul reveals:

"I did see the suit. I thought it was probably his."

However, discrepancies in his statements and the lack of definitive evidence leave the truth shrouded in ambiguity. Paul's interactions with the detectives, recorded through covert surveillance, show a man tormented by grief and resistance against what he perceives as a setup.

Conclusion: An Ongoing Quest for Truth

The disappearance of William Tyrrell remains one of Australia's most haunting unsolved cases. Detective Gary Jubelin's intense methods, coupled with the unwavering support of William's foster parents, highlight the complexities and challenges of such investigations. As the community continues to seek answers, the legacy of William's story underscores the profound impact of unresolved tragedies on individuals and society alike.

Next week on Witness: The investigation's evolution and new developments are explored, delving deeper into the lingering questions surrounding William Tyrrell's disappearance.

Notable Quotes:

• Gary Jubelin:
  "The nature of homicide investigation... you've got to hunt that person, find that person and gather the evidence." [19:53]

• William's Foster Father:
  "Explain to me how you stalking a woman is a setup." [42:38]

• Paul Savage:
  "I'm not lying. I never seen it the day before." [50:44]

References:

• Where's William Campaign: A nationwide awareness and search effort initiated by William's foster parents and Detective Gary Jubelin.

• Covert Surveillance: Police tactics employed to monitor and pressure Paul Savage, including placing Spider-Man suits as bait.

• Internal Investigations: Challenges within the Kendall strike force, leading to staff departures and diminished effectiveness.

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