The Case Of
ABC
The Case Of is your eyes and ears inside the courtroom for Australia's biggest trials, unpacking major trials recently heard in court and cases in the headlines. This podcast will explain how it all works and answer your questions along the way.
The Case Of is the follow-up to the hit podcast Mushroom Case Daily, and all episodes of that show will remain available in the back catalogue of The Case Of.
The response to Mushroom Case Daily was overwhelming, with more than 8,000 emails from listeners, many of them noting how the coverage had given them unprecedented insight into Australia's criminal judicial system. We decided to convert the podcast into an ongoing trial coverage feed to continue delivering on this front, following cases that capture the public's attention.
Our most recent season covers the murder of 24-year-old Toyah Cordingley, who was killed when she went for a walk with her dog on one of north Queensland's idyllic beaches, in 2018. Seven years later, 41-year-old Rajwinder Singh fought the charge of her murder at a trial in Cairns.
Additional seasons of The Case Of include The Croc Wrangler, following the reality star and Northern Territory celebrity Matt Wright, charged with attempting to pervert the course of justice related to the investigation of a fatal helicopter crash.
The Romance Scam follows the trial and appeal of Perth woman Donna Nelson, who was charged with drug trafficking in Japan.
Snowtown Parole follows serial killer James Vlassakis's parole proceedings.
Easey St Murders follows the committal hearing for alleged killer Perry Kouroumblis, who police believe attacked Suzanne Armstrong and Susan Bartlett in their Melbourne terrace house.
Kumanjayi Walker is a six-part series revisiting the murder trial and coronial inquest that followed the police shooting of a young Walpiri man in Yuendumu, in 2019.
The Mushroom Lunch continues to follow all proceedings related to Erin Patterson's triple murder conviction in July 2025.
The Case Of is the follow-up to the hit podcast Mushroom Case Daily, and all episodes of that show will remain available in the back catalogue of The Case Of.
The response to Mushroom Case Daily was overwhelming, with more than 8,000 emails from listeners, many of them noting how the coverage had given them unprecedented insight into Australia's criminal judicial system. We decided to convert the podcast into an ongoing trial coverage feed to continue delivering on this front, following cases that capture the public's attention.
Our most recent season covers the murder of 24-year-old Toyah Cordingley, who was killed when she went for a walk with her dog on one of north Queensland's idyllic beaches, in 2018. Seven years later, 41-year-old Rajwinder Singh fought the charge of her murder at a trial in Cairns.
Additional seasons of The Case Of include The Croc Wrangler, following the reality star and Northern Territory celebrity Matt Wright, charged with attempting to pervert the course of justice related to the investigation of a fatal helicopter crash.
The Romance Scam follows the trial and appeal of Perth woman Donna Nelson, who was charged with drug trafficking in Japan.
Snowtown Parole follows serial killer James Vlassakis's parole proceedings.
Easey St Murders follows the committal hearing for alleged killer Perry Kouroumblis, who police believe attacked Suzanne Armstrong and Susan Bartlett in their Melbourne terrace house.
Kumanjayi Walker is a six-part series revisiting the murder trial and coronial inquest that followed the police shooting of a young Walpiri man in Yuendumu, in 2019.
The Mushroom Lunch continues to follow all proceedings related to Erin Patterson's triple murder conviction in July 2025.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Oct 10, 2025 • 2min
INTRODUCING: The Case Of Snowtown Parole
In just over a week, one of the murderers behind Australia's most infamous serial killings is set to be released on parole.The Case Of Snowtown Parole looks at James Vlassakis's role in the killings and why he has been given the opportunity for parole, when it was denied for the other two murderers, and how he will be reintegrated into the community.In this season of The Case Of, Stephen Stockwell will be joined by ABC reporters James Wakelin and Rebecca Brice. James reported from Snowtown the day the bodies were uncovered in May 1999.Follow The Case Of in the ABC Listen app or wherever you get your podcasts so you can get the full story when it drops on Tuesday.The Case Of is the follow-up to the hit podcast Mushroom Case Daily, and all episodes of that show will remain available in the back catalogue of The Case Of.
Oct 9, 2025 • 26min
Croc Wrangler: How Matt Wright is appealing his verdict
Immediately following his guilty verdict, Croc Wrangler Matt Wright stood on the Darwin court steps and said he would appeal. His legal team has now made good on that promise, and we have all the details.In this episode, ABC Darwin court reporter Olivana Lathouris joins Stephen Stockwell to explain the appeal grounds, including the alleged mistake Wright's lawyers say the judge made. We also have some Spicy updates about Matt Wright's life outside the courtroom.The Case Of is the follow-up to the hit podcast Mushroom Case Daily, and all episodes of that show will remain available in the back catalogue of The Case Of.--It's the trial everyone in Darwin is talking about. In February 2022 a helicopter on a crocodile egg collection mission crashed in remote Arnhem Land, killing the egg collector and paralysing the pilot.NT Croc Wrangler Matt Wright isn't on trial for the crash, but for what allegedly he did after. Charged with attempting to pervert the course of justice, prosecutors say he tried to interfere with the investigation.Matt Wright has pled not guilty and denies all the allegations.To hear the background of this story, listen to our episode introducing the case of the croc wrangler.The Case Of is the follow-up to the hit ABC podcast Mushroom Case Daily. The response to Mushroom Case Daily was overwhelming, with more than 8000 emails from listeners, many of them noting how the coverage had given them unprecedented insight into Australia's criminal judicial system.We decided to convert the podcast into an ongoing trial coverage feed to continue delivering on this front, following cases that capture the public's attention.
Oct 7, 2025 • 28min
Romance Scam: Answering your questions
Throughout The Case of the Romance Scam, you've sent in heaps of questions, asking things like why Donna Nelson is in solitary confinement, what happened to the man she was going to visit and why the court sketches looked so different.In this episode, North Asia Correspondent James Oaten and Australian Story producer Olivia Rousset join Stephen Stockwell to answer all your questions, complete with some surprising revelations around life in Japan.To catch up on The Case of the Romance Scam you can listen back here:Episode one: Who is Donna NelsonEpisode two: The evidence that defined the trialEpisode three: Last Chance for Donna NelsonEpisode four: Donna's appeal resultEpisode five: Donna's path homeYou can also check out the Australian Story on Donna Nelson produced by Olivia Rousset to learn more about Donna's story.The Case Of is the follow-up to the hit podcast Mushroom Case Daily, and all episodes of that show will remain available in the back catalogue of The Case Of.
Oct 2, 2025 • 17min
Mushroom Lunch: Erin Patterson's appeal confirmed
In an administrative hearing today, Erin Patterson's legal team confirmed her plans to appeal her murder conviction.In this episode, Kristian Silva joins Stephen Stockwell to explain what we learnt from this hearing, how Patterson's appeal could unfold and the new faces on her legal teamIf you've got questions about the case that you'd like Kristian and Stocky to answer in future episodes, send them through to thecaseof@abc.net.au.To recap the story of Erin Patterson's mushroom lunch, check out this series:Mushroom Recap: The LunchMushroom Recap: Who is ErinMushroom Recap: The Murder WeaponMushroom Recap: The Deadly DeclineMushroom Recap: The Cover UpTo catch up on how the trial of Erin Patterson unfolded, you can listen back to all our Friday Wrap episodes:A tragic accident or ultimate betrayal? Our Friday WrapWhat happened to the leftovers? Our Friday WrapDeath caps, DNA and drama: Our Friday WrapEverything you need to know about Erin's messages: Our Friday WrapKey moments in the case so far: Our Friday WrapExplaining Erin's evidence: Our Friday WrapThe biggest moments of Erin's evidence: Our Friday WrapKill them all, or reconnect? Our Friday WrapJudging Erin's lies: Our Friday Wrap
Sep 30, 2025 • 27min
Romance Scam: Donna's path home
Even though Donna Nelson's appeal has failed, it's opened the door to diplomacy that could get her back to Australia.In this episode, North Asia Correspondent James Oaten and Australian Story producer Olivia Rousset join Stephen Stockwell to discuss how Donna's family took the appeal dismissal and the next steps in their fight to get her out of prison in Japan.To catch up on The Case of the Romance Scam you can listen back here:Episode one: Who is Donna NelsonEpisode two: The evidence that defined the trialEpisode three: Last Chance for Donna NelsonEpisode four: Donna's appeal resultRead James Oaten's story about a Japanese woman arrested for drug trafficking in Australia. You can also check out the Australian Story on Donna Nelson produced by Olivia Rousset to learn more about Donna's story.If you have any questions you'd like James, Olivia and Stocky to answer in future episodes, please email thecaseof@abc.net.au.The Case Of is the follow-up to the hit podcast Mushroom Case Daily, and all episodes of that show will remain available in the back catalogue of The Case Of.
Sep 25, 2025 • 9min
Romance Scam: Donna's appeal result
Desperate to overturn her drug trafficking conviction, Donna Nelson lodged an appeal with the Japanese courts. Today they handed down their decision.In this mini-episode, North Asia Correspondent James Oaten joins Stephen Stockwell from outside the appeal court with the decision and an explanation of what comes next.To catch up on The Case of the Romance Scam you can listen back here:Episode one: Who is Donna NelsonEpisode two: The evidence that defined the trialEpisode three: Last Chance for Donna NelsonYou can also check out the Australian Story on Donna Nelson produced by Olivia Rousset to learn more about Donna's story.If you have any questions you'd like James, Olivia and Stocky to answer in future episodes, please email thecaseof@abc.net.au.The Case Of is the follow-up to the hit podcast Mushroom Case Daily, and all episodes of that show will remain available in the back catalogue of The Case Of
Sep 23, 2025 • 32min
Romance Scam: Last chance for Donna Nelson
After her trial, the judges retired to consider Donna Nelson's fate. Then came the moment Donna and her family feared the most.In this episode, James Oaten and Olivia Rousset join Stephen Stockwell to talk through the verdict, and the appeal she's now hanging her hope on.If you have any questions you'd like James, Olivia and Stocky to answer in future episodes, please email thecaseof@abc.net.au.This is the third episode of The Case of the Romance Scam. You can catch up here on episode one and episode two.To learn more about Donna's case, check out the Australian Story on Donna Nelson produced by Olivia Rousset. The Case Of is the follow-up to the hit podcast Mushroom Case Daily, and all episodes of that show will remain available in the back catalogue of The Case Of
Sep 18, 2025 • 32min
Romance Scam: The evidence that defined the trial
Japan’s legal system has a 99% conviction rate, so Donna Nelson and her family knew she had a hard case to argue. But when they saw the judge become tearful about Donna’s experience, a window of hope appeared. In the second episode of the Romance Scam, James Oaten and Olivia Rousset join Stephen Stockwell to explain how Donna Nelson’s drug trafficking trial unfolded, her conditions in prison, and the evidence that turned the case. If you have any questions you’d like James, Olivia and Stocky to answer in future episodes, please email thecaseof@abc.net.au.You can listen back to the first episode of The Case of the Romance Scam here.The Case Of is the follow-up to the hit podcast Mushroom Case Daily, and all episodes of that show will remain available in the back catalogue of The Case Of.
Sep 16, 2025 • 26min
Romance Scam: Who is Donna Nelson?
Perth woman Donna Nelson said she was going to Japan to meet the man she was going to marry. Instead, she was arrested at a Tokyo airport, carrying two kilograms of methamphetamine.While Japanese prosecutors say Donna was a drug mule, her family says she was the victim of a prolonged romance scam. Later this month, judges will deliver their judgement on Donna Nelson's appeal — her last chance to clear her name and return to Australia.Stephen Stockwell is joined by North Asia Correspondent James Oaten and Australian Story producer Olivia Rousset to cover Donna Nelson's case. In our first episode, we talk through who Donna Nelson was, and how she ended up with the drug-filled bag.If you have any questions you'd like James, Olivia and Stocky to answer in future episodes, please email thecaseof@abc.net.au.The Case Of is the follow-up to the hit podcast Mushroom Case Daily, and all episodes of that show will remain available in the back catalogue of The Case Of.
Sep 11, 2025 • 41min
Croc Wrangler: Oli, Matt and Stocky tell you what they really think
During any trial we're limited in what we can say, but now the jury has found Matt Wright guilty of two counts of attempting to pervert the course of justice, we're off the chain.In this episode Olivana Lathouris and Matt Garrick join Stephen Stockwell to talk through some of the surprising moments, what evidence we thought hit hardest and what made this trial so sad. Also, Oli reveals a bit about circus life in Darwin outside the courtroom.If you have any questions you'd like Oli and Stocky to answer in future episodes, please email thecaseof@abc.net.au.The Case Of is the follow-up to the hit podcast Mushroom Case Daily, and all episodes of that show will remain available in the back catalogue of The Case Of.--It's the trial everyone in Darwin is talking about. In February 2022 a helicopter on a crocodile egg collection mission crashed in remote Arnhem Land, killing the egg collector and paralysing the pilot.NT Croc Wrangler Matt Wright isn't on trial for the crash, but for what allegedly he did after. Charged with attempting to pervert the course of justice, prosecutors say he tried to interfere with the investigation.Matt Wright has pled not guilty and denies all the allegations.To hear the background of this story, listen to our episode introducing the case of the croc wrangler.The Case Of is the follow-up to the hit ABC podcast Mushroom Case Daily. The response to Mushroom Case Daily was overwhelming, with more than 8000 emails from listeners, many of them noting how the coverage had given them unprecedented insight into Australia's criminal judicial system.We decided to convert the podcast into an ongoing trial coverage feed to continue delivering on this front, following cases that capture the public's attention.
