As police looked into the deaths of Caleb, Patrick, Sarah and Laura Folbigg, they were introduced to Meadows Law – the theory that one infant death is a tragedy, two is suspicious, but three is murder. With suspicion mounting against Kathleen Fo…[Part 2 of 2]
*** Content warning: child victims ***
As police looked into the deaths of Caleb, Patrick, Sarah and Laura Folbigg, they were introduced to Meadows Law – the theory that one infant death is a tragedy, two is suspicious, but three is murder. With suspicion mounting against Kathleen Folbigg, years of investigation eventually led to a legal outcome that no one could have ever seen coming.
---
Narration – Anonymous Host
Research & writing – Elsha McGill
Production & music – Mike Migas
Audio editing – Anthony Telfer
Sign up for Casefile Premium:
• Apple Premium
• Spotify Premium
• PatreonFor all credits and sources, please visit https://casefilepodcast.com/case-338-the-folbigg-children-part-2-2
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.more
Married couple Craig and Kathleen Folbigg wanted nothing more than to be parents. Throughout the late 1980s and 1990s, Kathleen gave birth to four children—Caleb, Patrick, Sarah and Laura—but tragically, none of them survived past their second b…[Part 1 of 2]
*** Content warning: child victims ***
Married couple Craig and Kathleen Folbigg wanted nothing more than to be parents. Throughout the late 1980s and 1990s, Kathleen gave birth to four children—Caleb, Patrick, Sarah and Laura—but tragically, none of them survived past their second birthdays. While each death was initially attributed to natural causes, the question started to emerge – had Kathleen done something to harm her children?
---
Narration – Anonymous Host
Research & writing – Elsha McGill
Production & music – Mike Migas
Audio editing – Anthony Telfer
Sign up for Casefile Premium:
• Apple Premium
• Spotify Premium
• PatreonFor all credits and sources, please visit https://casefilepodcast.com/case-338-the-folbigg-children-part-1-2
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.more
She was once called "Australia’s worst female serial killer." Kathleen Folbigg spent 20 years imprisoned for the deaths of her four children, convicted by a flawed system. In 2023, science proved she was innocent, leading to an immediate pardon and release.
In this deeply personal interview, Kathle…She was once called "Australia’s worst female serial killer." Kathleen Folbigg spent 20 years imprisoned for the deaths of her four children, convicted by a flawed system. In 2023, science proved she was innocent, leading to an immediate pardon and release.
In this deeply personal interview, Kathleen speaks about the trauma of her long ordeal and the bittersweet reality of her freedom. She reveals what it was like to be suddenly released, the pain of seeing her private diaries weaponised, and the enduring grief of belonging to the "unfortunate club of the childless mum."
This is a powerful, raw conversation about survival and the lifelong consequences of a devastating miscarriage of justice.
You can find out more about Kathleen and Tracy Chapman's book, Inside Out, here.
SURVEY
Want to win a $1,000 gift card in just 3 minutes? Fill out this short survey to help True Crime Conversations gather more information on what content you want to hear from us!
CREDITS
Guest: Kathleen Folbigg
Host: Claire Murphy
Senior Producer: Tahli Blackman
Group Executive Producer: Ilaria Brophy
Audio Engineer: Jacob Round
GET IN TOUCH
Follow us on Instagram and TikTok @truecrimeconversations
Make sure to leave us a rating and review on Apple & Spotify to let us know how you're liking the episodes.
Want us to cover a case on the podcast? Email us at [email protected] or send us a voice note.
If any of the contents in this episode have caused distress, know that there is help available via Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.more
In 2003, Kathleen Folbigg was wrongfully convicted of killing her four children - Caleb, Patrick, Sarah, and Laura, and was eventually sentenced to 30 years in prison.
Investigative journalist Quentin McDermott joins us to discuss his new book Meadow’s Law and the extraordinary scientific breakt…In 2003, Kathleen Folbigg was wrongfully convicted of killing her four children - Caleb, Patrick, Sarah, and Laura, and was eventually sentenced to 30 years in prison.
Investigative journalist Quentin McDermott joins us to discuss his new book Meadow’s Law and the extraordinary scientific breakthroughs that helped overturn her conviction.
Quentin is joined by our guest host and Criminologist Dr. Xanthé Mallett, to explore what went wrong in the investigation, and how the case reshaped the conversation around justice, motherhood, and medical evidence.
You can purchase your copy of Meadow's Law here.
Click here to subscribe to ATC Plus on Apple Podcasts and access all ATC episodes early and ad-free, as well as exclusive bonus episodes.
Join our Facebook Group here.
Do you have information regarding any of the cases discussed on this podcast? Please report it on the Crime Stoppers website or by calling 1800 333 000.
For Support:
Lifeline on 13 11 14
13 YARN on 13 92 76 (24/7 crisis support phone line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples)
1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732
Blue Knot Helpline: 1300 657 380
CREDITS:
Guest Host: Dr. Xanthé Mallett
Guest: Quentin McDermott
Executive Producer/Editor: Matthew Tankard
This episode contains extra content from NINE Entertainment and The ABC.
GET IN TOUCH:
https://www.australiantruecrimethepodcast.com/
Follow the show on Instagram @australiantruecrimepodcast and Facebook
Send us a question to have played on the show by recording a voice message here.
After 20 years in prison, Kathleen Folbig, once labelled Australia’s worst female serial killer, was released in just 56 minutes. New genetic evidence cleared her of killing her four children, flipping one of the country’s most infamous cases on its head.
Kathleen’s story is one of loss and a just…After 20 years in prison, Kathleen Folbig, once labelled Australia’s worst female serial killer, was released in just 56 minutes. New genetic evidence cleared her of killing her four children, flipping one of the country’s most infamous cases on its head.
Kathleen’s story is one of loss and a justice system that got it badly wrong. But her fight isn't over.
In this episode, investigative journalist Quentin McDermott, author of Meadow’s Law, joins us to unpack how a flawed theory about SIDS helped send Kathleen to prison—and the science, advocacy, and determination that finally set her free.
You can find Quentin's book here.
CREDITS
Guest: Quentin McDermott
Host: Claire Murphy
Senior Producer: Tahli Blackman
Audio Producer: Jacob Round
GET IN TOUCH
Follow us on TikTok @truecrimeconversations
Want us to cover a case on the podcast? Email us at [email protected] or send us a voice note.
Rate or review us on Apple by clicking on the three dots in the top right-hand corner, click Go To Show, then scroll down to the bottom of the page, click on the stars at the bottom and write a review. You can also leave a comment for us on Spotify.
If any of the contents in this episode have caused distress, know that there is help available via Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.more
Ep 224: When new scientific evidence emerged upon an appeal, would one of Australia’s most infamous child murderers have her sentence overturned?
This is the Kathleen Folbigg Story
Sources for Today's Episode:
ABC documentary Fighting for Freedom
Articles from ABC news
CNN.com
The National
Un…Ep 224: When new scientific evidence emerged upon an appeal, would one of Australia’s most infamous child murderers have her sentence overturned?
This is the Kathleen Folbigg Story
Sources for Today's Episode:
ABC documentary Fighting for Freedom
Articles from ABC news
CNN.com
The National
University of New Castle News
National Library of Medicine
Sponsors:
(thanks for using our promo codes, it really does help the show!)
Tush Baby -
Whether you’re carrying a kid who wants to see the world or just looking to save your back, Tushbaby is here to make parenting a little easier—one day/carry at a time. Visit Tushbaby.com and start customizing your own carrier. Make sure to use code CRIMEWOMEN for 20% your first order.
AquaTru -
Today our listeners receive 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier! Just go to AquaTru.com and enter code “WAC2“ at checkout.
Shopify -
Upgrade your business and get the same checkout RareBeauty uses. Sign up for your $1-per-month trial period at shopify.com/crimewomen, ALL LOWERCASE.
Credits:
Written and Hosted by Amy Shlosberg and Meghan Sacks
Produced by James Varga
Audio Editor, Jose Alfonzo
Script Editor, Abagail Belcastro
Music by Dessert Media
Special Thanks to: Siobhhann
Get Even More Women&Crime Episodes:
• Patreon - Ad-free shows starting at $2 a month, or upgrade for $5 a month to get a new extra episode every month, as well as exclusive virtual HappyHours with Meg & Amy. Check-out other tiers for perks such as lectures, true crime book club, and more! Visit our Patreon page for more info: https://www.patreon.com/womenandcrime
• Apple Subscriptions - Exclusive episodes and ad-free regular stories are now available through Apple’s podcast app for only $4.99 a month, or save with an annual membership.
• YouTube Memberships - Exclusive episode available on YouTube for only $4.99 a month. https://www.youtube.com/@WomenandCrime/membership
Help is Available:
If you or someone you know is in a crisis situation, or a victim of domestic, or other violence, there are many organizations that can offer support or help you in your specific situation.
For direct links to these organizations please visit https://womenandcrimepodcast.com/resources/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesmore
One after the other, the children just kept dying.
By the time Laura Elizabeth Folbigg was laid to rest at just one-and-a-half years old, the world wanted answers, and her mother Kathleen Folbigg stood accused of one of the most heinous crimes imaginable, the murder of four of her own children, all…One after the other, the children just kept dying.
By the time Laura Elizabeth Folbigg was laid to rest at just one-and-a-half years old, the world wanted answers, and her mother Kathleen Folbigg stood accused of one of the most heinous crimes imaginable, the murder of four of her own children, all under the age of two.
How to support:
For extra perks including extra content, early release, and ad-free episodes -
Go to - Patreon
How to connect:
Website
Instagram
Facebook
Twitter
Please check out our sponsors and help support the podcast:
Zocdoc - Go to zocdoc.com/MADNESS and download the Zocdoc app for FREE. Then find and book a top-rated doctor today. Many are available within 24 hours.
Better Help - This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp - Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/MADNESS and get on your way to being your best self.
Babbel - Get up to 55% off your subscription when you go to babbel.com/Madness
PDS Debt - PDS DEBT is offering free debt analysis to our listeners just for completing the quick and easy debt assessment at www.PDSDebt.com/mad
Vessi - Click vessi.com/MADNESS and use code MADNESS for 15% off your entire order! Free shipping to CA, US, AU,JP, TW,KR, SG
Hello Fresh - Go to HelloFresh.com/madness50 and use code madness50 for 50% off, plus your first box ships free!
Manly Bands - There's no better time to invest in a Manly Bands wedding ring than right now. We're offering a 25% discount on all wedding rings at ManlyBands.com with code MADNESS.
Rocket Money - Stop throwing your money away. Cancel unwanted subscriptions and manage your expenses the easy way by going to RocketMoney.com/minds
Liquid IV - Grab your Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier Sugar-Free in bulk nationwide at Costco or get 20% off when you go to www.liquid-iv.com and use code MADNESS at checkout.
CrimeCon Appearances:
Join us in London (June 10 - 11) or in Orlando (September 22 - 24). And don't forget to quote "MADNESS" to claim your discount.
CrimeCon UK - https://www.crimecon.co.uk
CrimeCon US - https://www.crimecon.com
Research & Writing:
Matt Snell
Sources:
7news.com.au: Kathleen Folbigg’s ex-husband Craig Folbigg speaks out after her pardon
ABC.net.au Kathleen Folbigg conviction questioned after scientists discover genetic mutation which 'likely' killed two children
BBC: Kathleen Folbigg: Woman jailed over infant deaths pardoned
BHP: Our history
CNN: Genetics may free a woman convicted of killing her 4 babies and help other parents explain the unexplainable
Crimelibrary.org: Her Father's Daughter - The Kathleen Folbigg Story
Daily Mail: Read the ominous handwritten letters a convicted baby killer sent to her best mate from behind bars - as they claim new evidence proves she DIDN'T smother her four kids to death: 'She's innocent'
Huntervalley.com
Justice for Kathleen Folbigg: Plea for Craig Folbigg to Provide His DNA
Mamamia: When Kathleen Folbigg was 15, she learned the truth about her family's dark history
Mayo Clinic: Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
Nationwide Children’s Hospital: Laryngomalacia
New Zealand Herald: Kathleen Folbigg: Notorious serial killer savagely bashed after moving prisons
news.com.au: Inside serial baby killer Kathleen Folbigg’s violent and tragic life
Redacted report of Dr Michael Diamond dated 16 April 2019
Skynews.com.au: Tracy Chapman tells Kathleen Folbigg's former husband 'no point holding grudges' after ex wife pardoned over kids' deaths
Supreme Court of New South Wales: R v Folbigg [2005] NSWCCA 23 (17 February 2005)
The Age: 'I read her diary,' husband tells court
The Age: Killing them softly
The Daily Telegraph: Crime Week — The true story of child killer Kathleen Folbigg
The Daily Telegraph: Kathleen Folbigg: Scientists plea for ex-husband's DNA
The Guardian: Kathleen Folbigg hoped for ‘genetic miracle’ after murder convictions, prison letters show
The Guardian: Kathleen Folbigg pardoned and released after 20 years in jail over deaths of her four children
The Guardian: Kathleen Folbigg to testify at inquiry into convictions for killing her four babies
The Guardian: Kathleen Folbigg’s ‘fierce women’ on the need to challenge misogyny in criminal cases
The Sydney Morning Herald: ‘Dear Trace’: Kathleen Folbigg’s prison letters to childhood friend
The Sydney Morning Herald: Brutal father, tragic children: Folbigg was doomed to trauma
The Sydney Morning Herald: Four dead by their mother's hand
YouTube: Despite Kathleen's release from jail, Craig Folbigg still believes his children were murdered
YouTube: IN FULL: NSW Attorney-General pardons Kathleen Folbigg | ABC News
YouTube: Kathleen Folbigg speaks after being released from a jail near Grafton | 7NEWS
YouTube: Kathleen Folbigg's tragic life started long before her babies died | ABC News
YouTube: The unshakeable faith of the supporters behind the Kathleen Folbigg pardon | 7.30more
Earlier this week, in an historic decision, the NSW attorney general made the extraordinary announcement that Kathleen Folbigg had been granted a pardon after 20 years in prison.
In 2003, Kathleen was sentenced to thirty years for the murders of three of her children and the manslaughter of a fourt…Earlier this week, in an historic decision, the NSW attorney general made the extraordinary announcement that Kathleen Folbigg had been granted a pardon after 20 years in prison.
In 2003, Kathleen was sentenced to thirty years for the murders of three of her children and the manslaughter of a fourth. And while she always maintained her innocence, it wasn’t until a second inquiry into Kathleen's convictions, that new scientific developments led to revelations that three of her children could have died of natural causes.
As the dust settles from this week’s announcement, attention has turned to understanding the failures that put her in jail, the scientific advancements that freed her, and quashing her convictions once and for all.
THE END BITS
Subscribe to Mamamia
CREDITS
Guest: Dr Xanthe Mallett
The latest episode of her podcast, Motive & Method, saw Xanthe and her cohost interview Kathleen's best friend Tracy Chapman. Listen here.
Host & Producer: Emma Gillespie
Executive Producer: Gia Moylan
Audio Producer: Tegan Sadler
GET IN TOUCH:
Feedback? We’re listening! Call the pod phone on 02 8999 9386 or email us at [email protected]
Join our closed Facebook community to discuss this episode. Just search True Crime Conversations on Facebook or follow this link https://bit.ly/tcc-group
If any of the contents in this episode have caused distress, know that there is help available via Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636
Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
Just by reading our articles or listening to our podcasts, you’re helping to fund girls in schools in some of the most disadvantaged countries in the world - through our partnership with Room to Read. We’re currently funding 300 girls in school every day and our aim is to get to 1,000. Find out more about Mamamia at mamamia.com.au
Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.more
After 20 years behind bars, Kathleen Folbigg has been pardoned, and released from prison.
A landmark inquiry saw NSW’s top prosecutor accept there was reasonable doubt about her convictions over the deaths of her four children.
If you’re not aware or Kathleen’s story, you’re about to hear our epis…After 20 years behind bars, Kathleen Folbigg has been pardoned, and released from prison.
A landmark inquiry saw NSW’s top prosecutor accept there was reasonable doubt about her convictions over the deaths of her four children.
If you’re not aware or Kathleen’s story, you’re about to hear our episode with investigative journalist Jane Hansen who unpacked the forensic evidence that was to be examined in the inquiry. The evidence that has now led to Kathleen Folbigg’s freedom...
Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.more
Kathleen Folbigg has been described as 'Australia’s worst female serial killer' and 'Australia’s most hated woman'... but what if she never actually committed the crimes she was convicted of.
In 2003 she was found guilty of three counts of murder and one count of manslaughter over the deaths of he…Kathleen Folbigg has been described as 'Australia’s worst female serial killer' and 'Australia’s most hated woman'... but what if she never actually committed the crimes she was convicted of.
In 2003 she was found guilty of three counts of murder and one count of manslaughter over the deaths of her four children, but now over 150 world-renowned scientists are petitioning for Kathleen's release, with a fresh inquiry underway this week reexamining the evidence of the case.
CREDITS
Guest: Jane Hansen
Listen to Jane's podcast Mother's Guilt here.
Host: Gemma Bath
Executive Producer: Gia Moylan
Audio Producer: Madeline Joannou
GET IN TOUCH:
Feedback? We’re listening! Call the pod phone on 02 8999 9386 or email us at [email protected]
Join our closed Facebook community to discuss this episode. Just search True Crime Conversations on Facebook or follow this link https://bit.ly/tcc-group
If any of the contents in this episode have caused distress, know that there is help available via Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636
Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
Just by reading or listening to our content, you’re helping to fund girls in schools in some of the most disadvantaged countries in the world - through our partnership with Room to Read. We’re currently funding 300 girls in school every day and our aim is to get to 1,000. Find out more about Mamamia at mamamia.com.au
Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.more
Kathleen Folbigg is thought to be one of the most infamous serial killing women in Australia. She was found guilty of the murder of her three infant children, Patrick aged eight months, Sarah aged 10 months and Laura aged 19 months, between 1989 and 1999. She was also convicted of the manslaughter o…Kathleen Folbigg is thought to be one of the most infamous serial killing women in Australia. She was found guilty of the murder of her three infant children, Patrick aged eight months, Sarah aged 10 months and Laura aged 19 months, between 1989 and 1999. She was also convicted of the manslaughter of her first child Caleb in 1989.
The main evidence used against Kathleen were her personal diary entries, however there was very little physical forensic evidence to support the prosecution's case against her.
Dr Xanthe Mallett is a trained forensic scientist and criminologist who has met Kathleen, and covered her case for her book Mothers Who Murder: And Infamous Miscarriages of Justice. Xanthe joins this episode to explore Kathleen’s upbringing, the death of her children, and the court cases and inquiry that followed.
CREDITS
Guest: Dr Xanthe Mallett https://bit.ly/motherswhomurder
Host: Jessie Stephens
Producer: Elise Cooper
RESEARCH
• ‘Mothers Who Murder: And Infamous Miscarriages of Justice‘ by Xanthe Mallett https://bit.ly/motherswhomurder
• Justice NSW Kathleen Folbigg Report Published 2019 Media Release https://bit.ly/justice-nsw-folbigg
• ‘Guilty Of Killing Her Own Children? Has Kathleen Folbigg Been Wrongly Convicted? Australian Story, ABC TV https://bit.ly/aus-story-kathleen-folbigg LINKS
• The Tragic Story Of Dean Shillingsworth And Rachel Pfitzner https://bit.ly/dean-shillingsworth CONTACT US
Join our closed Facebook community to discuss this episode. Just search True Crime Conversations on Facebook or follow this link https://bit.ly/tcc-group
If any of the contents in this episode have cause distress know that there is help available via Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636
Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.more
