The case of Leongatha's Erin Patterson, who was recently convicted of murdering three relatives with a deadly mushroom meal, captured headlines around the world. But did you know an even more prodigious killer lived in the same small Victorian farming community in the 1930s? Join Leongatha journalist Matt Dunn, alongside author Katherine Kovacic and former Victoria Police detective Narelle Fraser, as they uncover the chilling story of Arnold Sodeman—a serial killer who terrorised Victoria in the 1930s.

In this episode we investigate the murder of six-year-old June Rushmer, who would become Sodeman's final victim. With the net closing on the killer, Sodeman's behaviour raises suspicions with a workmate, who takes his concerns to police. A confession will be elicited, not just for June's murder, but for three others as well. As angry locals gather to dish out some rough justice, Sodeman is whisked to Melbourne. Meanwhile, the bereft Rushmer family mourns the loss of the "little golden flower of the family".

Explore the overlooked details, the investigative missteps, and the terrifying escalation of Sodeman's crimes. How did one of Victoria's worst killers evade justice for so long? Tune in as we piece together the dark legacy of a murderer who walked unnoticed among the community—until the truth finally caught up. For more information and insights on the show and the life and crimes of Arnold Sodeman, check out arnsodpod.com

Ready to make your own podcast?

Choose the platform that puts creators first. As podcasting's most trusted independent platform, Libsyn is built to empower your voice, not control it. They succeed when you succeed. Share your story on your own terms.

Join the platform where creators succeed. Get your first month free with my code: SODEMAN

Head here: https://signup.libsyn.com/