Witness: William Tyrrell - Episode 10: The Suspect

Host/Author: news.com.au
Release Date: December 8, 2024

Introduction

In the tenth episode of Witness, titled "The Suspect," news.com.au delves deep into the ten-year-old mystery surrounding the disappearance of three-year-old William Tyrrell. Last seen on September 12, 2014, wearing his beloved Spider-Man suit, William vanished from his family home in Kendall, on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales. Despite extensive investigations, his whereabouts remain unknown. The episode explores the intricate web of media leaks, police investigations, and personal testimonies that have shaped this high-profile case.

Media Leaks and Their Impact on the Investigation

The episode opens with journalist Mark Murray, affectionately known as "Moz" among his peers, discussing a pivotal moment in September 2021 when he broke a significant story about the investigation.

Mark Murray (Moz):
"I literally bumped into somebody who is not a detective, was not even based at Parramatta Police Headquarters...". [00:24]

Murray recounts how an anonymous source within the police approached him with claims implicating William's foster mother in his disappearance. Trusting his instincts and following the "golden rule" of journalism—never jeopardize an investigation—Murray consulted his editor, Ben English. Believing the information was credible, they proceeded to publish the story without further verification.

Mark Murray:
"I was paranoid like everybody. I didn't want to talk on the phone... I thought it was 100%. It was sweet." [01:19]

However, this decision inadvertently disrupted the live police investigation. The Homicide Squad, led by Detective Chief Inspector Dave Laidlaw, was unaware of the impending publication.

Dave Laidlaw:
"We are here today at Kendall in relation to the circumstances surrounding William missing from this residence seven years ago." [58:24]

The premature leak led to widespread media coverage, making William's foster mother the focal point of public scrutiny. Murray reflects on the fallout, acknowledging the strain it placed on his professional relationships and reputation.

Mark Murray:
"I think Tyrrell has no boundaries. It's a national. It's like one of those stories that captures the whole nation... certain reporters have become obsessed, haven't they?" [14:30]

Confrontation with Alana Smith

A significant portion of the episode features a heated exchange between journalist Dan Box and Alana Smith, a close associate of William's foster parents. Smith vehemently opposes the podcast's narrative, accusing the journalists of distorting facts and tarnishing reputations without evidence.

Alana Smith:
"I don't give a fuck, Dan. I've articulated my thoughts and my feelings about what you and your current colleagues are doing and how you are skewing..." [20:00]

The confrontation is intense, with Smith making unsubstantiated claims against the foster parents, including allegations of pedophilia and corruption. This exchange highlights the emotionally charged environment surrounding the case and the challenges journalists face when dealing with aggrieved parties.

Personal Testimonies: The Laidlaw Family Perspective

The episode introduces Dave Laidlaw, a cousin of William's foster parents, who provides a personal account of the investigation's toll on his family. Laidlaw shares his initial disbelief upon hearing about William's disappearance and the subsequent stress of learning that law enforcement was scrutinizing his aunt and uncle.

Dave Laidlaw:
"It was it was so frustrating the way that they had constructed this conversation without, I suppose, being... but I feel like they'd led me down a path." [51:48]

Laidlaw describes the invasive nature of the police investigation, including the seizure and extensive examination of the family's vehicle—a gray Mazda 3—which later resulted in significant repairs due to alleged tampering.

Dave Laidlaw:
"It seems to me that almost every panel in the car was replaced. The front bumper, the headlights...". [59:56]

He expresses deep frustration and anger towards the unknown perpetrator, the police's handling of the case, and the enduring impact on his family's life.

Legal Proceedings and Police Tactics

The podcast delves into the legal battles faced by William's foster parents. Despite being charged with financial deception related to dummy bids on their property, they were ultimately acquitted after pleading guilty to lesser charges. The episode critiques the police's aggressive tactics, including extensive surveillance and coercive questioning by the New South Wales Crime Commission.

Mark Murray:
"It's really, because this one, that's my lifeblood is your reputation and your contacts. And there was anger. There was serious anger." [05:35]

Furthermore, the episode highlights the ethical dilemmas faced by journalists when handling leaked information and the delicate balance between public interest and investigative integrity.

Ongoing Investigation and Future Developments

As the episode progresses, it touches upon the suspension of the brief of evidence submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) concerning the foster mother's alleged involvement in disposing of William's body. The episode hints at forthcoming inquest hearings and the continuous media and public interest surrounding the case.

Unknown Journalist:
"The New South Wales Police Force asked the DPP to suspend its consideration of the brief of evidence until the end of the inquest into William's disappearance... The next episode of Witness." [63:24]

Emotional and Societal Impact

Throughout the episode, personal stories underscore the profound emotional toll on both the biological and foster families. The relentless media attention, coupled with aggressive police investigations, has left lasting scars, particularly on the children still living with the foster parents.

Unknown Journalist:
"I've got a daughter around the same age. I look at her and I can't imagine what being treated like this would do to her." [47:28]

These narratives highlight the broader societal implications of high-profile criminal investigations and the delicate interplay between law enforcement, media, and the individuals caught in the crossfire.

Conclusion

Episode 10 of Witness: William Tyrrell provides a comprehensive and emotionally charged exploration of one of Australia's most enduring missing person cases. By weaving together journalistic accounts, personal testimonies, and critical analysis of police procedures, the episode presents a multifaceted view of the complexities surrounding William's disappearance. As the investigation continues, listeners are left anticipating further revelations and the eventual resolution of this heartbreaking mystery.

Notable Quotes:

• Mark Murray:
  "I literally bumped into somebody who is not a detective... who said, I believe that William went over the balcony, that the foster mother was involved, and quite a few details." [00:58]

• Alana Smith:
  "What is it that you fucking want from me? Apart from the truth?" [20:37]

• Dave Laidlaw:
  "I still feel really frustrated and angry. Angry at whoever took William and started this and ruined so many lives." [62:07]

• Unknown Journalist:
  "William has been murdered by his narcissistic psychopath foster mother and the corpse then..." [31:08]

Production Credits:

• Executive Producer: Nina Young
• Sound Design: Tiffany Dimac
• Producers: Emily Pidgeon, Nicholas Adams Jasbar, Phoebe Zukowski Wallace, Tabby Wilson
• Research: Aidan Patrick
• Original Music: Rory O'Connor
• Voice Acting: Beth Box
• Legal Counsel: Stephen Coombs
• Editor at news.com.au: Kerry Warren

This episode is part of Witness Season 1: The Missing 49 Million, which also explores the case of Alan Metcalfe and the disappearance of $49 million from his tech company.