In May 1999, two detectives followed a trail of suspicious missing persons cases to an old, red-brick bank in Snowtown, South Australia.
As they head inside, they head straight for the bank’s vault where they find six large plastic barrels containing human remains. They also find handcuffs, knives…In May 1999, two detectives followed a trail of suspicious missing persons cases to an old, red-brick bank in Snowtown, South Australia.
As they head inside, they head straight for the bank’s vault where they find six large plastic barrels containing human remains. They also find handcuffs, knives, a saw, boxes of disposable gloves and bottles of hydrochloric acid.
They’d come to realise they'd found the dumping grounds of Australia’s worst serial killings, crimes that would see four men sent to prison with lengthy sentences.
But now in 2026, James Vlassaki is set to walk free.
THE END BITS
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CREDITS
Guest: Jeremy Pudney
You can find more info about his book Snowtown: The Bodies in Barrels Murders here.
Host: Gemma Bath
Executive Producer: Gia Moylan
Audio Producer: Scott Stronach
The story is not the first time we've covered the Snowtown Murders. Hear our past episode with Debi Marshall here.
GET IN TOUCH:
Feedback? We’re listening! Email us at [email protected] or send us a voice note, and one of our Podcast Producers will come back to you ASAP.
Tell us what you really think so we can give you more of what you really want. Fill out this survey and you’ll go in the running to win one of five $100 gift vouchers.
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.
Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.more
We are re-issuing this episode from 2019 given that James Vlassakis has been granted parole.
The shocking discovery of eight dismembered bodies in six barrels in the South Australian town of Snowtown made headlines around the world. In total there were 12 victims of a killing team of three men from…We are re-issuing this episode from 2019 given that James Vlassakis has been granted parole.
The shocking discovery of eight dismembered bodies in six barrels in the South Australian town of Snowtown made headlines around the world. In total there were 12 victims of a killing team of three men from the North Adelaide suburbs, led by the depraved John Bunting.
Journalist Jeremy Pudney, who wrote the definitive book on these murders Snowtown: The Bodies in Barrels Murders joined us to talk about the dysfunction that set the scene for these crimes and the evil in the minds of the killers.
You can watch our episodes by visiting our Youtube Channel here.
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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.
Wanting to hear about certain kinds of crime? Check out our Spotify playlists for a curated list of our episodes.
For Support:
Lifeline on 13 11 14
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This is a "Shortcut" episode. It’s a shortened version of this week’s more detailed full episode, which is also available on our feed.
We are re-issuing this episode from 2019 given that James Vlassakis has been granted parole.
The shocking discovery of eight dismembered bodies in six barrels in t…This is a "Shortcut" episode. It’s a shortened version of this week’s more detailed full episode, which is also available on our feed.
We are re-issuing this episode from 2019 given that James Vlassakis has been granted parole.
The shocking discovery of eight dismembered bodies in six barrels in the South Australian town of Snowtown made headlines around the world. In total there were 12 victims of a killing team of three men from the North Adelaide suburbs, led by the depraved John Bunting.
Journalist Jeremy Pudney, who wrote the definitive book on these murders Snowtown: The Bodies in Barrels Murders joined us to talk about the dysfunction that set the scene for these crimes and the evil in the minds of the killers.
You can watch our episodes by visiting our Youtube Channel here.
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.
Wanting to hear about certain kinds of crime? Check out our Spotify playlists for a curated list of our episodes.
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)
In May 1999, two detectives followed a trail of suspicious missing persons cases to an old, red-brick bank in Snowtown, South Australia.
As they head inside, they head straight for the bank’s vault where they find six large plastic barrels containing human remains. They also find handcuffs, knives…In May 1999, two detectives followed a trail of suspicious missing persons cases to an old, red-brick bank in Snowtown, South Australia.
As they head inside, they head straight for the bank’s vault where they find six large plastic barrels containing human remains. They also find handcuffs, knives, a saw, boxes of disposable gloves and bottles of hydrochloric acid.
They’d come to realise they'd found the dumping grounds of Australia’s worst serial killings, crimes that would see four men sent to prison with lengthy sentences.
But now, one of these men, the youngest of the killers, has been granted parole.
THE END BITS
Subscribe to Mamamia
CREDITS
Guest: Jeremy Pudney
You can find more info about his book Snowtown: The Bodies in Barrels Murders here.
Host: Gemma Bath
Executive Producer: Gia Moylan
Audio Producer: Scott Stronach
The story is not the first time we've covered the Snowtown Murders. Hear our past episode with Debi Marshall here.
GET IN TOUCH
We finally have an Instagram! Follow us @truecrimeconversations
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.
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
For tickets to MURDER MYSTERY & MAKEUP - A Live Digital Premiere... head to moment.co/mmm.
I wanted to do something special for all my incredible fans as a thank you. So... for the first time ever... you can be part of an exclusive, LIVE Murder Mystery & Makeup episode. That's right, LIVE BABY.
**…For tickets to MURDER MYSTERY & MAKEUP - A Live Digital Premiere... head to moment.co/mmm.
I wanted to do something special for all my incredible fans as a thank you. So... for the first time ever... you can be part of an exclusive, LIVE Murder Mystery & Makeup episode. That's right, LIVE BABY.
***GET TICKETS at moment.co/mmm***
There's going to be some special surprises, some limited edition Merch and live chatting with you guys.
This is a one night only event you don't want to miss and it cannot be seen anywhere else but Moment by Patreon.
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Hi friends, happy Tuesday!
Welcome back to Murder, Mystery & Makeup! Today, we’re continuing the super sick and twisted Snowtown murders story. And if you thought it couldn’t get any wilder, SPOILER ALERT: it sure does. So strap in and let’s see how this straight up sinister Australian suburb story ends!
Also, let me know who you want me to talk about next time. Hope you have a great rest of your week, make good choices and I'll be seeing you very soon
xo
Bailey Sarian
Today we're headed down under to talk about the Snowtown Murders. This story starts with the discovery of eight decomposing bodies in acid barrels, and it just gets scarier and more gruesome from there. Let me know what you guys think about this one in the comments.
Al…Hi friends, happy Tuesday!
Today we're headed down under to talk about the Snowtown Murders. This story starts with the discovery of eight decomposing bodies in acid barrels, and it just gets scarier and more gruesome from there. Let me know what you guys think about this one in the comments.
Also, let me know who you want me to talk about next time. Forever grateful for you being here. Hope you have a great rest of your week, make good choices and I'll be seeing you very soon
xo
Bailey Sarian
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Between 1992 and 1999, four men in South Australia murdered 12 people - most of whom were friends or family members. In May 1999, investigators were working on a missing persons investigation when they discovered barrels hidden in an old bank vault in Snowtown, South Australia. The remains of 8 peop…Between 1992 and 1999, four men in South Australia murdered 12 people - most of whom were friends or family members. In May 1999, investigators were working on a missing persons investigation when they discovered barrels hidden in an old bank vault in Snowtown, South Australia. The remains of 8 people were found inside the barrels, and when they learned the extent of the crimes that had been committed, the “bodies in barrels” murders became known one of Australia’s most horrific cases. Click here to join our Patreon. Connect with us on Instagram and join our Facebook group. To submit listener stories or case suggestions, and to see all sources for this episode: https://www.inhumanpodcast.com/
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.more
In May 1999, two detectives followed a trail of suspicious missing persons cases to an old, red-brick bank in Snowtown, South Australia.
As they head inside, they head straight for the bank’s vault where they find six large plastic barrels containing human remains. They also find handcuffs, knives…In May 1999, two detectives followed a trail of suspicious missing persons cases to an old, red-brick bank in Snowtown, South Australia.
As they head inside, they head straight for the bank’s vault where they find six large plastic barrels containing human remains. They also find handcuffs, knives, a saw, boxes of disposable gloves and bottles of hydrochloric acid.
They’d come to realise they'd found the dumping grounds of Australia’s worst serial killings, crimes that would see four men sent to prison with lengthy sentences.
But now, 2 years later, two of these men could soon be eligible for release.
THE END BITS
Subscribe to Mamamia
CREDITS
Guest: Jeremy Pudney
You can find more info about his book Snowtown: The Bodies in Barrels Murders here.
Host: Gemma Bath
Executive Producer: Gia Moylan
Audio Producer: Scott Stronach
The story is not the first time we've covered the Snowtown Murders. Hear our past episode with Debi Marshall here.
GET IN TOUCH:
Feedback? We’re listening! Email us at [email protected] or send us a voice note, and one of our Podcast Producers will come back to you ASAP.
Tell us what you really think so we can give you more of what you really want. Fill out this survey and you’ll go in the running to win one of five $100 gift vouchers.
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.
Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.more
True Crime Conversations explores the world's most notorious crimes by speaking to the people who know the most about them. This month we’re focusing on Australia’s most notorious crimes...
It’s the 20th of May, 1999, an autumn day in South Australia.
For 12 months, there has been an inquiry into…True Crime Conversations explores the world's most notorious crimes by speaking to the people who know the most about them. This month we’re focusing on Australia’s most notorious crimes...
It’s the 20th of May, 1999, an autumn day in South Australia.
For 12 months, there has been an inquiry into the disappearance of a woman named Elizabeth Haydon, a 37-year-old mother of eight. But it isn’t just her. Two other people from a similar area have been reported missing. And there has been no trace of them.
But today police will storm a disused bank vault in Snowtown, a disadvantaged bush town about 150 kilometres north of Adelaide.
When they enter, they see six large plastic barrels. Inside are the remains of eight bodies that have been stored in acid. One is believed to be Elizabeth Haydon.
The smell from inside the vault is said to be so bad the police need breathing gear. Some will be traumatised from what they see that day.
Following the discovery, police visit the former home of John Bunting. In his backyard, they find two more bodies buried.
That brings the tally to 10 bodies - making the crimes that have taken place the worst serial killings in Australian history.
They will come to be known as the “bodies in barrels murders” or the “Snowtown” murders, making the sadistic crimes perpetrated by a number of men forever synonymous with a small South Australian town.
But the subsequent investigation would determine that while the bodies were found in Snowtown, that’s not where most of the murders had taken place. They’d been executed in suburban homes. And for years, no one had noticed.
CREDITS
Guest: Debi Marshall the author of 'Killing For Pleasure' and 'Banquet: The Untold Story of Adelaide's Family Murders'
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
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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.
Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.more
In November 1997, John Bunting claimed his sixth victim, and successfully passed it off as a suicide. From there, he and his accomplices moved at alarming speed, torturing and killing another six people until police finally caught up.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adcho…In November 1997, John Bunting claimed his sixth victim, and successfully passed it off as a suicide. From there, he and his accomplices moved at alarming speed, torturing and killing another six people until police finally caught up.
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Arriving in South Australia in the 1980s, John Bunting surrounded himself with people he could easily manipulate: a small group of men who hated pedophiles and gay men, and were determined to rid their community of both.
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