Arabic version: مهرجان فيكتور هاربور يجذب متتبعي القضايا الباردة

According to ABC News, Crime Scene Victor Harbor brought writers, podcasters and citizen sleuths together in regional South Australia to discuss unsolved crimes and the enduring impact on victims’ families. The event was billed as Australia’s first true crime festival and was held at Victor Harbor’s art deco theatre.

Festival organiser Bryan Littlely, a former journalist, farmer and true crime podcast host, said live events allow audiences to question statements and evidence. He said social media had helped create a culture in which more people see themselves as investigators, while families can speak publicly and pursue independent inquiries.

Attendees Sharon Ferguson and Nanette Simpson brought newspaper clippings and notes to the festival hub. Ferguson had material about Hazel Pope and Joyce Eastwood, who were last seen in 1970 after leaving the meatworks where they worked. Crime Stoppers SA says the pair unloaded two suitcases, were picked up by a male taxi driver and were never heard from again.

The program also examined the murder of Peter Falconio and attempted kidnapping of Joanne Lees. Meni Caroutas, host of The Missing Australia, told the audience that the evidence leading to Bradley John Murdoch’s murder conviction was overwhelming, while noting that alternate theories continue to circulate online.

Investigative crime journalist Debi Marshall spoke about South Australia’s unsolved “family” murders. Only Bevan Spencer von Einem was convicted in connection with any of the abductions. Marshall and victims’ relatives are campaigning for suppression orders on the names of people who were police witnesses, informants or suspects to be lifted.