Civilian Sleuths
Civilian Sleuths is a new investigative podcast shining a forensic light on Australia’s most challenging unsolved murders and missing persons cases.
For decades, these crimes have haunted families, investigators, and communities searching for answers—not for lack of effort, but because the tools of the past were limited.
Using original source material, coronial records, archived media, and modern analytical tools, Civilian Sleuths recreates timelines, re-examines evidence, and explores theories that may have been overlooked for decades. But the most powerful tool remains public memory.
Behind every cold case is a real person. A family. A life interrupted. And often, someone who still knows the truth.
If you know something—no matter how small—it may matter.
Launching January 6 with new episodes every second Tuesday, Civilian Sleuths invites you to become part of the investigation.
Unsolved. Unforgotten. Unfinished.
Listener discretion advised.
Civilian Sleuths
Denise McGregor: The Night She Didn't Come Home
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How does a thirteen-year-old girl disappear within 180 metres of her own home?
On Monday, 20 March 1978, Denise McGregor left her family home in Pascoe Vale to buy dinner from a nearby fish and chip shop.
On the walk home, she separated from her younger sister at the corner of Bell Street and Anderson Street to visit a local milk bar — approximately 180 metres from her front door.
She did not return.
Later that evening, Denise was reported missing. The following morning, her body was discovered on Merriang Road in Wallan East, approximately 40 kilometres north of Melbourne.
Her murder remains unsolved.
This episode reconstructs the confirmed timeline of Denise McGregor’s disappearance using witness statements, police records, inquest material, and contemporaneous reporting.
It establishes what is known — and where the gaps begin.
The case remains open with Victoria Police.
Information:
Anyone with information relating to the disappearance or murder of Denise McGregor is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.police.vic.gov.au/crime-stoppers
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Content warning:
This episode discusses the sexual assault and murder of a child and contains descriptions of how a child’s body was found. Listener discretion is advised.
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