Sixteen years after two barrels were recovered from tunnels beneath a South Australian reservoir, the science is moving again.

In this episode of Sleepers, Bryan Littlely speaks with forensic scientist, toxicologist, and criminologist Asha Walther from Exhuming the Truth about her independent preliminary examination of material recovered from the barrels.

Those barrels have long formed part of an investigative theory surrounding the 1973 disappearance of Joanne Ratcliffe and Kirste Gordon from Adelaide Oval. That theory has never been proven, and there is currently no evidence establishing that either girl was ever inside them.

But the barrels are real. The material recovered from them is real. And now new preliminary forensic findings are in

.

Asha reveals that presumptive testing produced a positive reaction consistent with the presence of blood or haemoglobin-related activity. At this stage, the testing cannot determine whether that blood is human or animal, and no DNA identification has been made.

Preliminary pH testing has also found material from the barrels to be acidic. Again, that doesn't establish what substance was present, why it was there, or support any particular theory about how the barrels may have been used. Further chemical analysis is required.

Then there's the expanding foam.

The unusual material inside the barrels raises another set of questions. What happened to the significant amount of liquid apparently once present beneath the foam? What may have been absorbed into it? And could the chemical composition of the foam itself help establish when it was manufactured or placed inside the barrels?

Asha explains how techniques including GCMS analysis may help characterise its chemical composition and potentially narrow its age to a useful timeframe. She also explains why microscopic examination can reveal biological material that would never be visible to the naked eye, particularly after decades of environmental exposure.

Most importantly, the preliminary examination isn't where this investigation ends.

Subject to the necessary permits and approvals, material is intended to undergo further independent specialist examination through a university laboratory in the United Kingdom. That next stage could include species-specific or human-specific testing, DNA analysis, chemical examination, and further analysis of the expanding foam.

Bryan also confronts the question that inevitably follows: after another independent presumptive result consistent with blood, should South Australia Police now receive material from the barrels for further examination? And if these tests eventually produce something significant, how important will the documented chain of custody become?

Max doesn't interrupt this time. We leave Bryan and Asha to follow the evidence and explain what the science tells us, what it doesn't, and what needs to happen next.

After sixteen years, the next step isn't another theory.

Join Bryan, Max and the SLEEPERS team LIVE at the Arkaba Hotel, Wednesday 30 September 2026.

Expect new cases, new information, advance developments in current investigations, and the story behind an upcoming hunt through the Adelaide Hills for one very particular item.

Doors 6:30 pm | Show 7:30 pm

BOOK TICKETS — SLEEPERS LIVE

EVENT DETAILS — ARKABA HOTEL

Always remember – fight like Jo.

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What happens when someone decides, after years of silence, that it's finally time to tell their story?

In this special episode of Sleepers, investigative journalist Bryan Littlely takes listeners behind the scenes of the investigative process itself.

You'll hear how one witness's recollection of a hitchhiker seen shortly after Gus Lamont's disappearance led to an unexpected conversation about another missing person, and how that conversation opened the door to an entirely new lead.

The second half of this episode follows the real-time journey of information that recently found its way into the Sleepers' investigation. It's a rare opportunity to hear how new material is assessed, why not every lead becomes a case, and why careful listening remains one of the most important tools available to any investigator.

If you've arrived here after watching the video shared on Bryan Littlely's Facebook page, welcome. You'll find the direct link to that video HERE

Together, the video and this episode explain not just what was discovered, but how information like this reaches Sleepers in the first place.

At its heart, this episode isn't about a single witness, a single video or a single cold case.

It's about people.

People who have carried memories for years.

People looking for somewhere they'll be heard.

And the belief that every genuine piece of information deserves careful consideration, because behind every unsolved case is a family still waiting for answers.

If you have information about any of the cases discussed in Sleepers, we'd genuinely like to hear from you.

The Skull Video

At the time of posting, all links are current.

The Video can be found by clicking - HERE

If today's episode has sparked your curiosity, we'd love to meet you in person.

Join Bryan Littlely, Max Marten and a host of Australia's leading true crime researchers, investigators, forensic specialists and authors at

Crime Scene Victor Harbor—AUGUST 21-23 2026 - a unique weekend dedicated to investigation, education and conversation.

The programme includes Sleepers Live, where you'll experience the investigation in a completely different way, hear exclusive material, and join the discussion.

Importantly, proceeds from the event support Leave A Light On, continuing the shared commitment to helping families and keeping forgotten stories alive.

For tickets and the full programme, visit the festival website - HERE - that's where tix are available,

#SleepersPodcast, #Sleepers, #BryanLittlely, #MaxMarten, #AustralianTrueCrime, #AdelaideTrueCrime, #SouthAustralia, #ColdCasesAustralia, #MissingPersons, #InvestigativeJournalism, #CrimeSceneVictor, #SleepersLive, #LeaveALightOn

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