In the early 1960s, Sydney was a vibrant city, unaware that a predator was moving quietly through its streets. Between 1961 and 1962, five men would fall victim to a killer whose brutality shocked Australia and left investigators scrambling for answers. His name was William Macdonald, an English migrant who blended into the city by day and hunted its most vulnerable by night.

Known later as “The Mutilator", Macdonald became one of Australia’s earliest recognised serial killers, targeting men he lured with alcohol before attacking them with sudden, frenzied violence. His crimes unfolded across familiar Sydney locations, Darlinghurst, Moore Park, the Domain, turning ordinary public spaces into scenes of horror.

In today’s episode, we explore the life and crimes of William Macdonald, a killer whose brutality left a lasting mark on Australia.

• 
  Australia’s Most Feared Serial Killer William MacDonald
• 
  
• CORONERS COURT OF NEW SOUTH WALES - William MacDonald
• Murders Most Foul - William MacDonald “The Mutilator,” Sydney’s Most Disturbed Serial Killer.
• The Daily Telegraph - The Mutilator dead at 90: William MacDonald, who cut off victims’ genitalia, was NSW’s longest-serving prisoner
• The Serial Killer Podcast - William MacDonald | William The Mutilator MacDonald - Part 1 & 2

On 11 May 2012, a house fire on Victory Road in Derby, England, resulted in the deaths of six children from the same family: Duwayne, Jade, John, Jack, Jesse, and Jayden Philpott. The incident initially appeared to be a tragic accident, but within days, the investigation shifted focus to the children’s parents, Mick and Mairead Philpott.

• 
  
• 
  
• 
  
• R v Philpott, Philpott and Mosley Sentencing Remarks
• The Guardian - Mick and Mairead Philpott convicted of manslaughter over Derby house fire
• Yahoo News - Killer dad Mick Philpott 'in a bad way' after being 'attacked in prison'
• BBC.news - https://www.bbc.com/news/special/panels/13/apr/philpott/inc/half_wide/panel.inc?utm_source=copilot.com

In August 2018, the disappearance of Shanann Watts and her two young daughters captured the attention of the world. What began as a missing‑persons case in a quiet Colorado suburb quickly unraveled into one of the most shocking family tragedies in recent history.

Content Warning:

This episode contains detailed discussion of homicide, child harm, and emotionally distressing material. Listener discretion is strongly advised.

References:

• Burden of Proof Podcast: Chris Watts Deep Dive
• Crime Vault Youtube: Chris Watts Interview
• Dreading (crime and psychology) Youtube: Chris Watts Series
• ABC11: Shannon Watts' mother speaks at sentencing
• Wikipedia: Watts Family Murders
• People.com - Where Is Chris Watts Now? Inside His Life in Prison 7 Years After Murdering His Wife and Kids
• Netflix - American murder: The Family Next Door