Adelaide True Crime Tours

  How Police Caught Bevan Spencer von Einem: The Investigation Behind the Family Murders The arrest and conviction of Bevan Spencer von Einem in 1984 marked a turning point in one of South Australia’s most notorious criminal cases. Von Einem’s capture was the result of determined detective work, forensic innovation, and the courageous voices of survivors and witnesses. Here’s how investigators finally caught the man believed to be linked to the infamous “Family Murders.” The Crime That Broke the Case On July 5, 1983, the body of 15-year-old Richard Kelvin was found in Adelaide’s northern suburbs. The circumstances were harrowing: Kelvin had been missing for weeks, and his body showed signs of prolonged captivity and drug administration. The case quickly became a top priority for South Australian Police. Connecting the Dots Detectives noticed disturbing similarities between Kelvin’s murder and a series of unsolved cases from the late 1970s and early 1980s, where young men had disapp...

Serial killers have cast a long shadow over Australia’s history, leaving communities searching for answers and justice. The process of catching these offenders is a complex blend of forensic science, investigative tenacity, and public involvement. Here’s a deeper look at how serial killers are caught, with real-life Australian examples that reveal both the challenges and breakthroughs in these high-stakes cases. 1. Recognizing the Pattern The first breakthrough often comes when investigators connect seemingly unrelated crimes: Ivan Milat (Backpacker Murders):   In the early 1990s, the discovery of multiple bodies in the Belanglo State Forest led police to recognize a disturbing pattern among missing backpackers. The similarities in victim profiles and disposal methods pointed to a serial offender. The Snowtown Killers:   A string of disappearances in South Australia eventually revealed a chilling pattern, with victims linked by social circles and financial exploitation. 2. Bui...

The Family Murders, a series of brutal crimes committed in Adelaide during the late 1970s and early 1980s, left a permanent mark on South Australia’s collective memory. The case, involving the disappearance and murder of several young men, remains one of the most disturbing chapters in Australian criminal history. Yet, its impact extended far beyond the courtroom—reshaping public attitudes, media narratives, and the trajectory of gay rights in the state. A Climate of Fear and Suspicion At the time of the murders, South Australia was still grappling with the social and legal status of LGBTQ+ people. Although homosexuality had been decriminalized in 1975 (making SA the first Australian state to do so), stigma and discrimination persisted. The Family Murders, with their focus on young male victims and allegations of a secretive, elite group of perpetrators, intensified public suspicion and fear around gay communities.   Media Sensationalism:   News coverage often sensationalized ...

  Bevan Spencer von Einem: As the End Nears, Will Secrets Finally Surface? Few names in South Australian criminal history evoke as much fear, speculation, and unresolved pain as Bevan Spencer von Einem. Convicted in 1984 for the murder of 15-year-old Richard Kelvin, von Einem has long been suspected of involvement in a broader web of disappearances and deaths—often linked to what has been called the “Family Murders.” Now, as reports indicate von Einem is gravely ill and nearing the end of his life, the possibility that he may finally reveal long-held secrets is both urgent and profound. Why von Einem’s Testimony Still Matters For decades, families of missing and murdered young men have lived with unanswered questions. Police and investigators have pursued leads, but the full extent of what happened—and who was involved—remains shrouded in mystery. Von Einem, now in his late seventies, is one of the last living links to a case that has haunted South Australia for generations. Unreso...

  True crime isn’t just about the people who commit offences. Some of the most disturbing stories are about what happens when the systems designed to protect us bend, twist, or quietly break their own rules. One of the most talked‑about Australian examples in recent years is the saga involving lawyer‑turned‑police‑informant Nicola Gobbo . You don’t need to know every legal detail to understand why this case shook people’s trust in the justice system – and why it still matters. Why integrity in the justice system matters Most of us grow up with a simple idea of how justice works: Police investigate Lawyers defend or prosecute Courts decide Underneath that is a web of ethical rules designed to keep the process fair. Things like: Your lawyer must act   in your best interests Conversations with your lawyer are   confidential The state should not secretly   stack the deck   against you When those rules are respected, even people who are guilty can trust that the p...