For eight years one of Queensland’s worst serial sex offenders prowls the suburbs of south-east Queensland, casing granny flats and townhouses, attacking women then disappearing under cover of darkness. He becomes known as the Night Stalker. He targets women alone in their homes and attempts to hide his identity by wearing hoodies and gloves. In one case he even steals his victim’s mobile phone, delaying her call for help. But when police link multiple attacks to the same offender through DNA, the QPS launches Operation Oscar Melya, a massive multi-unit investigation, to bring down this monster.
We thank the Yuggera people on whose land this episode of Breakthrough was produced.
The Queensland Police Service acknowledges all members, including those attached to the Crime and Intelligence Command, who contributed in some way to the investigation of this case and their ongoing efforts to prevent, disrupt, respond and investigate serious crime.
The QPS is extremely grateful to the brave women and survivors whose stories formed part of this episode. It is through your courage to come forward and report, that the Night Stalker was able to be identified and stopped.
In addition, the QPS acknowledges all members including those attached to Crime and Intelligence Command, and the Brisbane Region and South Eastern Region, who contributed in some way to the investigation of this case and their ongoing efforts to prevent, disrupt, respond and investigate serious crime.
Special thanks to those members who have assisted with the production of this podcast episode, including: Assistant Commissioner Katherine Innes APM; Detective Chief Inspector Melissa Anderson BM APM; Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Mooney; Detective Sergeant Stephanie Witt; Detective Sergeant Fabian Colless; and Sarah Trienne, Maeghan Gillespie and the team at Queensland Police Service Media.
Breakthrough is co-produced by Moo Media and the Queensland Police Service.
Writer and host: Matthew Condon
Producer: Kate Morris
Audio production: Wasabi Audio
Qld Crime Stoppers: Crime Stoppers Queensland | Make a Report Today (crimestoppersqld.com.au)
Stop it Now Australia. Are you concerned about your own thoughts or behaviour or those of another adult or child? There are services than can assist. Contact Stop it now Australia who can provide confidential support to people to learn to manage their thoughts and harmful behaviours. Call the helpline 1800-01-1800 or check out their website which contains self-help resources.
QPS Reporting Page: Policelink - Reporting | QPS
© Queensland Police Service 2023