(https://open.spotify.com/show/6JcuFYqNf4RsETLdWiBQZb?si=c7ef3ad979054c44)It was one of the most horrific acts of domestic violence Australia has seen.
On Wednesday the 19th of February 2020 Hannah Clarke and her three young children Aaliyah, Laianah and Trey were killed by Rowan Baxter, their father & Hannah’s estranged husband - set on fire in their car in a quiet Brisbane street.
It sparked outrage, shock and a community conversation about a form of domestic violence few had even heard of - coercive control.
Now, Nine News Presenter Melissa Downes, alongside Producer Jess Lodge, delve deeper to better understand what happened: speaking to family, friends, first responders, witnesses, domestic violence experts and political leaders - some speaking for the very first time to reveal the whole story... Hannah’s Story.
This podcast explores details from the days, months, even years, leading up to the crime that the public hasn’t been told. Details that will shock you, disappoint you and leave you asking - how did this happen? And what needs to be done to make sure it never happens again? What needs to change to protect other women, and men, in abusive relationships?
We also hope to help spread the messages Hannah’s parents Sue & Lloyd are advocating, through their organisation Small Steps 4 Hannah.
On the first day of her murder trial, the jury learned charges Erin Patterson tried to kill her estranged husband had been dropped. Patterson is standing trial accused of murdering three other family members and attempting to murder a fourth after serving a lunch of beef wellington containing deadly mushrooms. She’s pleaded not guilty to all charges.
See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.
1 Jan 2026TRANSCRIPT
Listen Next - The Mushroom Trial: Say Grace
If you're looking for another podcast to dive into over the holidays, we recommend The Mushroom Trial: Say Grace.
This podcast follows the case of Erin Patterson, currently serving a life sentence for murdering three guests who attended a lunch at her property in the Latrobe Valley in 2023. Co-hosted by Nine reporter Penelope Liersch and The Age Crime & Justice Reporter Erin Pearson, this podcast takes you inside the trial and every update since.
See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.
18 Dec 2025TRANSCRIPT
Terror At Bondi: Stories from 2GB & 9News
On December 14, 2025, Bondi Beach became the site of the deadliest terror attack on Australian soil - 15 innocent people killed when two gunmen opened fire on a Hanukkah celebration.
Built from eyewitness testimony and deeply personal stories gathered in the immediate aftermath, this series documents how a peaceful Sunday evening gathering became one of the darkest days in Australia’s history.
Through interviews recorded by reporters across the 2GB and Nine News teams, hear raw, unfiltered accounts from the scene; sharing their stories of fear and confusion, but also of remarkable acts of courage, bravery and humanity.
See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.
14 Dec 2025TRANSCRIPT
1. Elizabeth
In January 2022, two parents were arrested on the front lawn of their Toowoomba home and charged over the death of their eight-year-old daughter, Elizabeth Struhs. In the months that followed a disturbing story unraveled of a religious cult with extreme beliefs, rejecting medical assistance and placing their complete trust in divine healing.
In a rare and deeply personal interview, Elizabeth’s sister opens up about how their mother’s unwavering devotion to the cult leader shaped their childhood. She shares chilling details of life inside the cult, the suffocating control, and blind faith.
See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.
14 Dec 2025TRANSCRIPT
Listen Next - The Saints
If you're looking for a new podcast over the holidays, we recommend The Saints.
Reporter Pippa Bradshaw unravels one of Australia’s most shocking and heartbreaking stories: the tragic death of eight-year-old Elizabeth Struhs. All 14 members of the fringe religious group known as The Saints - including her own parents - were found guilty of her manslaughter, but many questions remain unanswered.
How did it all go so wrong? How did an innocent child slip through every safety net? How did a system meant to protect her fail so spectacularly? And will those responsible for her death ever repent?
Listen on Apple (https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-saints/id1803524288)
Listen on Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/26lJ9tnE7mztvJE9nIMsWW?si=ca8daa8094e94b8b)
See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.
30 Apr 2025TRANSCRIPT
Preview of 'The Mushroom Trial: Say Grace'
Search for 'The Mushroom Trial: Say Grace' wherever you get your podcasts, then press the follow button. New episodes publish weekly.
See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.
23 Apr 2025TRANSCRIPT
The impact on loved ones - Liberty 'I suffer PTSD from this'
The Block's Eliza and Liberty debrief about how the last 6 years since Eliza's attack has changed their lives. And the impact it can also have on families and loved one around the victim.
The impact of a sexual assault is often felt by loved ones. Liberty is still struggling with PTSD to this day. This is how Eliza and Liberty are travelling 6 years on.
WARNING: This episode includes discussion of sexual assault. We understand this topic can be distressing, so please take care of yourself, and if you're not in the right headspace to listen right now, it's okay to skip this episode or come back when you're ready.
1800RESPECT is available for free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to support people impacted by domestic, family or sexual violence Call 1800 737 732
Follow us and ask anything you want or tell us what to TRY:
INSTAGRAM - instagram.com/elizaandliberty (https://www.instagram.com/elizaandliberty/)
TIKTOK - tiktok.com/@elizaandlibertyp (https://www.tiktok.com/@elizaandlibertyp)
See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.
23 Apr 2025TRANSCRIPT
'On Australia day 2019 I was sexually assaulted' - Eliza's story
The Block's Eliza Paschke shares her story of sexual assault. 6 Years on she is finally comfortable to tell others about it to put pressure on governments do to something about the epidemic of violence against Women and Children.
WARNING: This episode includes discussion of sexual assault. We understand this topic can be distressing, so please take care of yourself, and if you're not in the right headspace to listen right now, it's okay to skip this episode or come back when you're ready.
1800RESPECT is available for free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to support people impacted by domestic, family or sexual violence Call 1800 737 732
Follow us and ask anything you want or tell us what to TRY:
INSTAGRAM - instagram.com/elizaandliberty (https://www.instagram.com/elizaandliberty/)
TIKTOK - tiktok.com/@elizaandlibertyp (https://www.tiktok.com/@elizaandlibertyp)
See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.
6 Apr 2025TRANSCRIPT
Introducing: The Saints
Hannah investigates the tragic death of Elizabeth Struhs and the failures of the system that was supposed to protect her
14 Jul 2024TRANSCRIPT
Episode 1: The Ambush
Australia was left in shock when four young police officers were ambushed on the driveway of a property in the Queensland outback town of Wieambilla: two were executed in cold blood, two were forced to fight for their lives, and an innocent neighbour was murdered. Before the coronial inquest begins, we take you back to the 12th of December, 2022. How did a routine missing persons callout end in the deaths of Constables Matthew Arnold and Rachel McCrow, and neighbour Alan Dare? And how did two officers survive?
Episodes 3 & 4 of The Ultimate Sacrifice are out Monday, July 22nd.
See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.
14 Jul 2024TRANSCRIPT
New from us: The Ultimate Sacrifice
A year on from Hannah's Story, host Melissa Downes and producer Jess Lodge share an update and invite you to listen to their new podcast, The Ultimate Sacrifice. (https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-ultimate-sacrifice/id1754451806)
Tap here for episodes 1 & 2, droping Monday, July 15th (https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-ultimate-sacrifice/id1754451806)
Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-ultimate-sacrifice/id1754451806)
Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/6JcuFYqNf4RsETLdWiBQZb?si=68229072fc844e7c)
Two weeks before Christmas in 2022, what should have been a routine check by four young police officers on a remote property in Wieambilla turned into a massacre. Two officers and an innocent neighbour were murdered by religiously motivated conspiracy theorists before a six-hour firefight ended in the killers' deaths. As the coronial inquest approaches, a haunting question remains unanswered: how could this happen in our own backyard?
See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.
18 Jun 2023
6. Hannah's Legacy
Amidst the grief, there is a story of hope. There has to be, to give Hannah a voice and to ensure her legacy.
So how are Hannah's family, friends and all those touched by the tragedy finding a way forward?
Sue & Lloyd Clarke are working tirelessly to turn Small Steps 4 Hannah into a movement: changing laws, education and conversation. Their commitment inspires others like the mysterious “Mr X” helping them turn a big dream into reality.
Learn more here about Small Steps 4 Hannah (https://smallsteps4hannah.com.au/)
If you or anyone you know is experiencing domestic or family violence, please reach out for help.
1800 RESPECT (https://www.1800respect.org.au/) 1800 737 732
Mensline (https://mensline.org.au/) 1300 78 99 78
Lifeline (https://www.lifeline.org.au/) 13 11 14
Beyond DV (https://www.beyonddv.org.au/)
See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.
11 Jun 2023
5. Lessons Learned
We cannot talk about Hannah Clarke without acknowledging the other women killed in similar circumstances. It’s Australia’s shame - on average one woman is killed every week by a partner or former partner.
In this episode, we ask Queensland’s Police Commissioner and former Attorney General what has changed since Hannah's death, from education to policing and legislation. While DV experts and academics explain what we all need to do to create change in our community.
Learn more here about Small Steps 4 Hannah (https://smallsteps4hannah.com.au/)
If you or anyone you know is experiencing domestic or family violence, please reach out for help.
1800 RESPECT (https://www.1800respect.org.au/) 1800 737 732
Mensline (https://mensline.org.au/) 1300 78 99 78
Lifeline (https://www.lifeline.org.au/) 13 11 14
Beyond DV (https://www.beyonddv.org.au/)
See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.
4 Jun 2023
4. The Inquest
Two years have passed since the unimaginable murder of Hannah and her children. Now the Coronial Inquest begins, with new evidence drawing back the curtain on how this young family’s life was lived and lost. Disturbing details made public for the first time, along with CCTV footage, phone calls, a secret letter and police camera recordings. Intense interest surrounds the Inquest as Hannah’s parents watch on, reliving the worst day of their lives, over and over again.
Learn more here about Small Steps 4 Hannah (https://smallsteps4hannah.com.au/)
If you or anyone you know is experiencing domestic or family violence, please reach out for help.
1800 RESPECT (https://www.1800respect.org.au/) 1800 737 732
Mensline (https://mensline.org.au/) 1300 78 99 78
Lifeline (https://www.lifeline.org.au/) 13 11 14
Beyond DV (https://www.beyonddv.org.au/)
Episode 5: Lessons Learned, coming June 12
See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.
28 May 2023
3. 19th February, 2020
It was a day that shocked Australia: the day Rowan Baxter killed Hannah Clarke and their three children, dousing them in petrol and setting them on fire in a quiet suburban street. We return to the scene of the crime with witnesses, journalists, the lead paramedic - complete strangers caught up in the unthinkable devastation, who are now sharing their story publicly for the first time.
Hannah’s family tells of their final precious moments together as Australia was being told the incomprehensible news.
Learn more here about Small Steps 4 Hannah (https://smallsteps4hannah.com.au/)
If you or anyone you know is experiencing domestic or family violence, please reach out for help.
1800 RESPECT (https://www.1800respect.org.au/) 1800 737 732
Mensline (https://mensline.org.au/) 1300 78 99 78
Lifeline (https://www.lifeline.org.au/) 13 11 14
Beyond DV (https://www.beyonddv.org.au/)
Episode 4: The Inquest coming June 5.
See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.
21 May 2023
1. Hannah Clarke
In February 2020, the name Hannah Clarke was etched into the national consciousness. But who was Hannah?
She was a natural leader, full of energy and positivity. She was a supportive friend, loyal daughter and sister, but most of all an incredible mother.
As we try to understand the evolution of Hannah’s relationship with Rowan Baxter, her family and friends open up their hearts to share their most intimate memories, and their heartbreak, watching a strong woman change before their eyes.
Learn more here about Small Steps 4 Hannah (https://smallsteps4hannah.com.au/)
If you or anyone you know is experiencing domestic or family violence, please reach out for help.
1800 RESPECT (https://www.1800respect.org.au/) 1800 737 732
Mensline (https://mensline.org.au/) 1300 78 99 78
Lifeline (https://www.lifeline.org.au/) 13 11 14
Beyond DV (https://www.beyonddv.org.au/)
See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.
21 May 2023
2. Red Flags
When Hannah left Rowan Baxter things took a dramatic turn, his behaviour escalating from concerning to dangerous. Those around them understood, for the first time, just how controlling he was. By putting the relationship under a microscope we can identify the tactics he used, and how he manipulated everyone around him. As the power dynamic between the couple tilted, Rowan tried everything to regain control.
Learn more here about Small Steps 4 Hannah (https://smallsteps4hannah.com.au/)
If you or anyone you know is experiencing domestic or family violence, please reach out for help.
1800 RESPECT (https://www.1800respect.org.au/) 1800 737 732
Mensline (https://mensline.org.au/) 1300 78 99 78
Lifeline (https://www.lifeline.org.au/) 13 11 14
Beyond DV (https://www.beyonddv.org.au/)
Episode 3: February 19th 2020 coming Monday May 28
See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.
9 May 2023
Introducing: Hannah’s Story
In February 2020 the name Hannah Clarke was etched into the national consciousness after her estranged husband killed her and their three young children in one of the most horrific acts of domestic violence Australia has seen.
It sparked outrage, shock and a community conversation about a form of domestic violence few had even heard of; coercive control.
Now, Nine News Presenter Melissa Downes, alongside Producer Jess Lodge, explore every layer of that conversation with those connected to the tragedy, some speaking for the first time to tell the whole story: Hannah’s Story.
Subscribe now - Coming May 22.
See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.
Inside a recent episode
Charges dropped, jury selected
Published 1 Jan 2026 · Transcript excerpt
[…] In this case, it is alleged by the prosecution that the accused has committed three murders and one attempted murder. She has pleaded not guilty to those charges and so it is for you, the jury and you alone to decide whether she is guilty or not guilty of the crimes alleged against her. It is your role as the jury to decide what are the facts in this case. You are the only ones in this court who can make a decision about the facts. You make that decision from all of the evidence given during the trial. It is also your task to apply the law to the facts that you have found and, by doing that, decide whether the accused is guilty or not guilty of the charged offences. […]
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