In this engaging discussion, Steven Braunias, a prominent New Zealand author and journalist, delves into the chilling tales of disappearance featured in his award-winning book, 'Missing Persons.' He shares gripping insights about notorious cases, including that of Grace Millane, highlighting the complexities of youth safety and public perception. The conversation also touches on the intriguing lives of Kim Dotcom and Colin Craig, revealing the tragic dimensions of their stories and the broader implications of absence in society.
The podcast explores the nuanced concept of missing persons, emphasizing that absence can extend beyond physical disappearance to emotional and psychological disconnection.
Grace Millane's tragic case highlights the profound societal impact of missing persons stories, eliciting collective horror while underlining the complexities of closure.
The examination of criminal cases like Mark Lundy's reveals deeper issues regarding justice, media influence, and the handling of evidence in wrongful conviction narratives.
Deep dives
The Nature of Missing Persons
The discussion centers on the concept of missing persons, focusing not just on those who have disappeared but also on individuals who have become lost in their lives. It explores figures like Colin Craig and Kim Dotcom, who may be present yet are perceived as missing in societal narratives. The complexities of their situations are presented, revealing how public perception can overshadow personal truth. This theme reiterates that missing persons are not solely linked to physical absence but can also encompass emotional and psychological displacement.
The Case of Grace Mullane
Grace Mullane's story emerges as a poignant example of the societal impact of missing persons cases, reflecting the collective horror and empathy that arise during such tragedies. Before her body was discovered, her disappearance captivated the nation, highlighting the urgency and desperation of the search. The emotional weight surrounding her case stemmed from the shared sense of loss and fear, resonating deeply with the public. This case underscores the complexities of closure, as the discovery of her tragic fate brought about profound grief rather than relief.
Justice and the Unseen
The character of Jesse Kempson, the murderer of Grace Mullane, is examined to showcase the often-blurred lines between villainy and society's understanding of a perpetrator's persona. Kempson's lack of a compelling individual narrative in the courtroom left him as an enigmatic figure, eliciting widespread disdain. His post-mortem behaviors, described in stark terms, raise questions about societal reactions to heinous acts and how justice is perceived in the context of personal histories. The trial not only served to deliver a verdict but highlighted the broader implications of justice amidst complicated social narratives.
Mark Lundy’s Controversial Conviction
Mark Lundy's case is scrutinized to address the sensationalism surrounding his conviction for the murders of his wife and child, stirring debates about justice and media influence. Initial narratives painted Lundy as a guilty figure, culminating in a trial where dubious evidence, such as a stain on his shirt, played a pivotal role. The conversations surrounding the case reveal a shift in perspective, suggesting that compelling doubts exist about the handling of evidence and the trial's integrity. This discourse raises questions about wrongful convictions and the responsibilities of legal and judicial systems.
Parenthood and the Weight of Crime
The podcast delves into the emotional turmoil faced by families connected to cases of violent crime, focusing on the paradox of loyalty to a loved one accused of heinous acts. The exploration of parents' grief when their children become perpetrators unveils a unique depth of anguish, as they grapple with both loss and betrayal. With illustrations from various cases, including that of Kempson's father, the discussion emphasizes the struggle of supporting a child while coping with overwhelming shame and heartbreak. This aspect of familial pain becomes a central theme, linking the narrative of crime to the human experience of love and loss.
Steven Braunias is a New Zealand author, columnist, journalist and editor. He is the author of 13 books.
In his book, Missing Persons, which was winner of the 2023 Ngaio Marsh Award for Best Non-Fiction, Braunias tells Twelve extraordinary tales of disappearance including former journalist Murray Mason, found dead in the Auckland Domain; the mysterious death of Socksay Chansy, found dead in a graveyard by the sea; the tragic disappearance of backpacker Grace Millane; the enduring mystery of the Lundy family murders.
Join Damien Grant as he interviews Steven about his book, delve into more details of the missing persons cases and and shed some light on the inclusion of Kim Dotcom and Colin Craig.