Forensic red flags, systemic failures, and the evidence that was never tested

In Part Two of our examination into the fatal police shooting of Luke Gilbert, we move beyond headlines and into the forensic and procedural foundations of the case and what happens when those foundations are missing.

Despite a coronial finding being handed down, critical evidence in Luke’s death was never independently tested, never fully disclosed, and in some instances, appears to have been altered or withheld entirely. From missing and edited CCTV footage, unresolved ballistic inconsistencies, and misclassified weapons, to allegations of conflicts of interest, unlawful autopsy consent, and failures by oversight bodies, this episode methodically examines the red flags that undermine confidence in the official findings.

This is not an episode driven by outrage or speculation. It is driven by evidence, forensic standards, and the legal obligations that apply when police use lethal force. Drawing directly from the coronial record, the concerns raised by Luke’s family, and accepted forensic and investigative principles, this episode asks one central question: can justice exist where transparency does not?

Luke’s case is not just about one man or one night; it is about the systems meant to protect truth and what happens when they fail.

Correction & Clarification

I want to acknowledge and correct an error made at the end of the most recent episode.

When responding to a listener question about Constable Bryce Collins, I incorrectly stated that he was present at the shooting. That was an error.

Constable Collins was not present at the shooting. As mentioned earlier in the episode, his involvement relates to looking Luke up and passing information on to a member of the public.

Accuracy matters deeply to me, especially when discussing cases that carry so much weight for families and the public. Thank you to those who respectfully flagged this, and I appreciate the continued care and accountability from this community.

In this episode of Exhuming the Truth, we return to the Claremont case to focus on Sarah Spiers and the legal and court processes that shaped, limited, and ultimately complicated the pursuit of justice in her case.

Rather than retelling the events themselves, this episode breaks down how the Australian court system operated at the time, why Sarah's case was legally treated differently to the others, and how evidentiary rules, procedural limitations, and the absense of evidence could and could not be argued in court.

Corrie Feehan vanished from Leeman, WA, in April of 2025.

In July 2025, we made an initial episode for Corrie and his family, just 12 weeks after he disappeared. Join us in part two, where we share a heartfelt message from his loving family, who are desperate for answers, and learn about the discrepancies in this case and how you can help us get justice for Corrie and his loved ones.

In this episode of Exhuming the Truth, we return to the case of Sarah Spiers, not to rehash the courtroom outcome, but to confront what happened after the verdict. While a conviction was secured, Sarah herself was never recovered, and the effort to find her body quietly lost momentum once the legal process ended.

This episode examines the uncomfortable reality that justice is often treated as complete when a sentence is handed down, even when families are left without answers, without remains, and without peace. We explore the systemic failures, the lack of sustained searches, and the human cost of allowing cases to fade once they are no longer legally active.

Sarah deserves more than a footnote in legal history. She deserves to be found, acknowledged, and brought home. Until that happens, this case and this conversation is not over.

* Includes an audio clip from Sky News - WA Police Commissioner Chris Dawson *

In January of 2012, 66-year-old Charlie Park walked home after a quiet night at the pub in Boulder, WA.

He was last seen entering his home and was never seen again.

In this episode, we examine what is factually known about Charlie's disappearance, the timeline, the early investigation, and why police have re-opened the case.

This episode discusses a long-term missing person case and a suspected homicide - it may be distressing for some listeners. All information presented is drawn from publicly available reporting and police statements. No individuals are accused or implied to be responsible. This episode is intended for educational and public-interest purposes only. Listener discretion is advised.

responsible podcast description that fits Exhuming the Truth and the gravity of the Bondi Beach shooting. It avoids sensationalism, centres community impact, and still signals analysis and accountability.

Episode Description

In this episode of Exhuming the Truth, we examine the tragic shooting at Bondi Beach—an incident that unfolded in one of Australia’s most iconic public spaces and shattered the sense of safety so many take for granted.

We walk through what is known about the events, separate confirmed facts from speculation, and explore the broader implications for public safety, community trauma, and accountability. Beyond the headlines, this episode considers how violence in public spaces impacts victims, witnesses, first responders, and an entire nation left grappling with shock and unanswered questions.

This is not an episode created for shock value. It is an effort to bear witness, to honour those affected, and to ask the difficult but necessary questions about prevention, responsibility, and how we respond—both as systems and as a society—when violence occurs in plain sight.

Content warning: This episode contains discussion of real-world violence and trauma. Listener discretion is advised.

If you or someone you know is struggling, support is available. In Australia, Lifeline is available 24/7 on 13 11 14.

REEL played via @putaustraliafirst @emekaunscripted

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DR-jXpXEQSk/?igsh=ajJpb3hlYWFkcTBn

British backpacker Peter Falconio vanished on a remote stretch of the Stuart Highway in 2001. His girlfriend, Joanne Lees, survived a terrifying attack, but Peter’s body has never been found.

In this episode, we break down the evidence that led to the conviction of Bradley John Murdoch, the forensic challenges of a case with no body, and the theories that have fuelled decades of public debate.

A haunting outback mystery, a controversial investigation, and one of Australia’s most polarising true crime stories — examined through forensic detail and fact-driven analysis.

In this heartbreaking episode, we honour the life of Hannah McGuire, a 23-year-old teachers aide from Ballarat whose future was stolen in an act of fatal domestic violence.

Hannah's body was found in her burnt-out vehicle in bushland, as her ex-partner, Lachlan Young, had murdered her and tried to stage her death as a suicide.

What he does next will shock you.

We walk through the events leading up to this day, and what sentence was handed down.

Hannah deserved safety and protection; she deserved her life.

This is a community crisis.

• 1800RESPECT – 1800 737 732

National 24/7 counselling, support & safety planning.

• Lifeline – 13 11 14

Crisis support 24/7.

• Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636

Support for anxiety, depression & emotional distress.

• Women’s Domestic Violence Helpline (WA) – 1800 007 339

Support, crisis accommodation & safety planning.

• Men’s Referral Service – 1300 766 491

For men who use violence or feel at risk of doing so.

• DV Assist (Regional WA) – 1800 080 083

Confidential localised FDV support for rural and remote areas.

• Kids Helpline – 1800 55 1800

Support for anyone aged 5–25.

• Police (emergency) – 000

If you or someone else is in immediate danger.

Family & Domestic Violence Support Lines (Australia)