Matty Episode 5: Intervening Years
Oct 20, 2025
Faye Leveson, the mother of Matty, and Mark Leveson, his father, share their harrowing experiences searching for their son after his disappearance. They discuss the emotional toll of ambiguous loss and the challenge of navigating legal hurdles without closure. The couple describes becoming amateur detectives, using tools like a mattock for their searches, and recounts their struggles with misleading tips and false leads. Community support played a crucial role, as they advocated for justice and reinitiated inquests to uncover the truth behind Matty's case.
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Living In Limbo After Acquittal
- When Michael Atkins was found not guilty, Mark and Faye were left in limbo because Matt was still missing. They felt wrenching envy when they passed funerals, wishing they had a body to bury.
Parents Became Amateur Detectives
- Mark and Faye taught themselves investigative techniques using police timelines, fuel records and moon phases to narrow search areas. They searched National Park at night and daytime, digging with a mattock to test likely burial sites.
Ambiguous Loss Changes Community Support
- Ambiguous loss disrupts normal social rituals so many friends withdraw or don't know how to help. Practical support like meals, listening, or search help matters far more than platitudes.
