Digest

This podcast delves into several true crime cases, beginning with an introduction to the \"Too Faced: John of God\" series, which investigates the dark empire of a Brazilian spiritual healer. The hosts, Karen and Georgia, then share personal stories from their podcast tour, including travel mishaps, first-class perks, and humorous anecdotes from live shows in Melbourne. The narrative shifts to the chilling \"backpacker murders\" in Australia, detailing the discovery of victims and the investigation that led to the conviction of serial killer Ivan Millat. The podcast also covers the \"Blackout Strangler\" case of Edward Joseph Linovsky, an American soldier who murdered women in WWII Melbourne, exploring his motives and execution. Finally, a listener-submitted story about a \"hometown murder\" involving a serial killer neighbor is shared, highlighting the pervasive nature of true crime.

Outlines

00:00:00

Introduction to True Crime and Travel Anecdotes

This segment introduces the podcast series \"Too Faced: John of God,\" exploring the darker truths behind a Brazilian spiritual healer's empire. It then transitions to Karen and Georgia's \"Rewind\" podcast, recorded live from Nassau, Bahamas, where they recap a Melbourne show, share a humorous chair mishap, and discuss overcoming travel anxiety by flying first class, enjoying its perks like unique salt and pepper shakers and lounge amenities. They also touch upon a news story about a muesli company murder and a Tim Tam confession.

00:24:34

The Backpacker Murders: Ivan Millat's Reign of Terror

This section details the horrific \"backpacker murders\" in Australia, beginning with the discovery of victims in Belanglo State Forest. It covers the identification of Ivan Millat as the prime suspect through forensic profiling, his violent background, and a crucial clue provided by his brother's wife. The testimony of survivor Paul Onions and evidence found in Millat's home, including victim trophies and weapons, led to his conviction for seven murders and subsequent life sentences. Despite his conviction, Millat maintained his innocence, and his brother suggested the possibility of more unsolved cases.

01:01:14

Millat's Later Life and Unsolved Mysteries

The podcast updates on Ivan Millat's life in prison, including his self-harm incidents and hunger strike. It also touches upon continued violence within his family, with his great-nephew and friend being convicted of murder, and a past shooting linked to Millat. The initial reluctance of authorities to acknowledge the disappearances due to tourism concerns is discussed, along with new police efforts. The segment briefly mentions Ivan Millot's death and his nephew's claims of him being framed, before introducing a new case.

01:04:47

The Blackout Strangler: Edward Joseph Linovsky

This part of the podcast focuses on Edward Joseph Linovsky, the \"Blackout Strangler,\" an American soldier in WWII Melbourne. It details his murders of Ivy Violet in the Cloud, Pauline Thompson, and Gladys Hosking, occurring during wartime blackouts. Linovsky's confession, his fascination with female voices as a motive, and his troubled upbringing are explored. The investigation, including the discovery of yellow clay linking him to the crimes, led to his arrest and conviction under U.S. military law.

01:24:03

Trial, Execution, and a Hometown Horror

The podcast concludes with the trial and execution of Edward Joseph Linovsky at Pentridge prison in 1942, noting he was the only American executed on Australian soil. It then shifts to a listener-submitted \"hometown murder\" story from Rebecca, whose parents discovered their house was built over a burial site, leading to the revelation of a serial killer neighbor and subsequent family involvement in further crimes.

Keywords

Q&A

• What is the podcast "Too Faced: John of God" about?

  "Too Faced: John of God" is a limited series podcast that delves into the darker aspects of John of God's global influence, exploring the alleged abuses and disappearances associated with his spiritual healing empire.

• What is the main topic of the "Rewind" episode?

  The "Rewind" episode features Karen and Georgia recapping a past live show recorded in Melbourne, Australia. They also share personal anecdotes, including a humorous chair-breaking incident and their experiences traveling first class.

• Who was Ivan Millat and what crimes is he known for?

  Ivan Millat was an Australian serial killer responsible for the "backpacker murders" in the late 1980s and early 1990s. He targeted young backpackers, often hitchhikers, and committed brutal acts of violence, with many victims found in Belanglo State Forest.

• How was Ivan Millat eventually caught?

  Ivan Millat was linked to the murders through various pieces of evidence, including ballistics, a crucial statement from a survivor named Paul Onions, and a backpack belonging to one of the victims found in his family's possession. His arrest and subsequent trial led to his conviction.

• Are there any unsolved cases related to Ivan Millat?

  Yes, Ivan Millat's brother claimed there were many more victims. Authorities believe there are at least 11 other unsolved missing persons cases with similar MOs that could be linked to Millat, though he maintained his innocence.

• Why was Edward Joseph Linovsky known as the "Blackout Strangler"?

  Linovsky was called the "Blackout Strangler" because his murders occurred in Melbourne during wartime blackouts, which reduced visibility and created a dangerous atmosphere. He strangled his victims.

• What was Edward Joseph Linovsky's motive for the murders?

  Linovsky confessed that his motive was a fascination with female voices, particularly when they were singing. He claimed he killed women to "get at their voices."

• How did the police identify Edward Joseph Linovsky as a suspect?

  A witness saw a U.S. soldier covered in yellow mud near a crime scene. Yellow clay matching the crime scene was later found in Linovsky's tent, shoes, and on his person, leading to his arrest.

• What was unique about the police appeal in the Pauline Thompson case?

  In a Victorian first, police created a mannequin dressed in Pauline Thompson's clothes and placed a photograph over its face to solicit witness information, aiming to identify her killer.

• What psychological theories were discussed regarding Edward Joseph Linovsky?

  Theories discussed included "symbolic matricide," relating to his resentment towards his mother, and the possibility of "dual personalities," suggested by his behavior changes when intoxicated.

Show Notes