Sodeman: The Schoolgirl Strangler

Sodeman: The Schoolgirl Strangler
Podcast Description
In the quiet farming town of Leongatha, a modern-day murder mystery gripped the world—the shocking case of Erin Patterson, convicted of poisoning three relatives with a deadly mushroom meal. But long before this tragedy, another sinister figure lurked in the shadows of the same small Victorian farming community.Join journalist Matt Dunn, along with true-crime author Katherine Kovacic and former detective Narelle Fraser, as they unravel the chilling tale of Arnold Sodeman, a serial killer whose reign of terror in the 1930s left an indelible mark on history. Through gripping storytelling and expert insights, this podcast uncovers the dark past of Leongatha and explores what drives individuals to commit unspeakable crimes. Listen in as we peel back the layers of deception, horror, and intrigue—because some stories refuse to be buried. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast delves into the dark history of Leongatha, focusing on the life and crimes of serial killer Arnold Sodeman in the 1930s, with episodes exploring the unsolved murder of Mena Griffiths and the investigative missteps that allowed Sodeman to evade capture. Topics include crime investigation, psychological factors behind murder, and community impact.

In the quiet farming town of Leongatha, a modern-day murder mystery gripped the world—the shocking case of Erin Patterson, convicted of poisoning three relatives with a deadly mushroom meal. But long before this tragedy, another sinister figure lurked in the shadows of the same small Victorian farming community.
Join journalist Matt Dunn, along with true-crime author Katherine Kovacic and former detective Narelle Fraser, as they unravel the chilling tale of Arnold Sodeman, a serial killer whose reign of terror in the 1930s left an indelible mark on history. Through gripping storytelling and expert insights, this podcast uncovers the dark past of Leongatha and explores what drives individuals to commit unspeakable crimes.
Listen in as we peel back the layers of deception, horror, and intrigue—because some stories refuse to be buried.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The case of Leongatha’s Erin Patterson, who was recently convicted of murdering three relatives with a deadly mushroom meal, captured headlines around the world.
But did you know an even more prodigious killer lived in the same small Victorian farming community in the 1930s?
Join Leongatha journalist Matt Dunn, alongside author Katherine Kovacic, former Victoria Police detective Narelle Fraser, as they uncover the chilling story of Arnold Sodeman—a serial killer who terrorised Victoria in the 1930s.
In this final episode we examine the court case and eventual conviction of Sodeman. While his lawyers would argue that his acts were demonstrative of insanity sparked by alcohol, the jury and the judge were having none of it – and the killer was ordered to hang. Despite the sentence, his lawyers would eventually take his case to the Privy Council in London. It was all in vain. The hangman would wait a little while longer, but not indefintely.
Explore the overlooked details, the investigative missteps, and the terrifying escalation of Sodeman’s crimes. How did one of Victoria’s worst killers evade justice for so long?
Tune in as we piece together the dark legacy of a murderer who walked unnoticed among the community—until the truth finally caught up.
For more information and insights on the show and the life and crimes of Arnold Sodeman, check out arnsodpod.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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