The chronological, step-by-step breakdown of the case, the core attacks, and the evidence that will lead to Mr Cruel's identity.
An inaccurate official narrative has kept this notorious case unsolved. My new research reframes Mr Cruel as an experienced, lifelong and violent serial offender, making his true signal finally visible in the historical records.
In 1987, a masked intruder imprisoned a family during a terrifying two hour long home invasion and assault of a child. Police revealed he had struck at least 5 times before. Who was this new offender tormenting the north eastern suburbs of Melbourne?
How the boogeyman of Melbourne's suburbs changed his modus operandi to outsmart the new age of DNA evidence.
When Mr Cruel struck in 1990 in Canterbury and in one of Melbourne’s most expensive streets, residents were forced to face the reality of his crimes. He was sending everyone a message that no place and no one was untouchable.
The April 1991 abduction of Karmein Chan. This was the kidnapping that changed everything.
One year after her abduction, Karmein's remains were found in a shallow grave. With three bullet holes in her skull. Melbournians were shocked. Who could do this to a child? And why had the city's rapist suddenly started to kill?
Armed with secret layout sketches of Mr Cruel's house, Victoria Police conducted the most expensive search in history in their desperate attempt to find him.
Mr Cruel graffitied the strange phrase "More anon" onto the Chan family's car. No one knew what it meant. But the word "Anon" should be remembered as the most blatant calling card ever left at an Australian crime scene.
Mr Cruel had an unusual fetish that he ritualistically included in his crime scenes. And this signature is a forensic bridge between him and an unidentified serial killer that terrorised Melbourne in the 1970s and 80s.
