Episode 6: It's in the File
Summary
Host Helen Thomas examines the 1975 disappearance of Julie Garcia Saleh, reviewing the 2016 coronial brief and forensic evidence from her apartment. The episode features expert Liz Porter analyzing the 1975 and 2003 crime scene investigations, alongside forensic scientist Steve Gatowski who revisits his 2003 carpet sample collection. It also details contradictory witness statements from suspects John Power, Tommy Collins, and John Grant, highlighting the lack of retained exhibits and the family's ongoing struggle for closure.
Topics discussed
Reopening the case and the first cold case unit
The coronial brief and the apartment scene details
The missing black cape and witness accounts
Forensic analysis and the loss of physical evidence
1975 and 2003 forensic investigations compared
Interview with forensic scientist Steve Gatowski
Context of the 1970s and Julie's naivety
Blood type analysis and forensic limitations
Contradictory tips and burial rumors
Statements from John Power's and Tommy Collins' wives
Tommy Collins' background and character
Tommy Collins' death and John Grant's proximity to other crimes
John Grant's conflicting accounts to police and Jules
Jules Thatcher's testimony and police response
Gail's account and Grant's refusal to cooperate
John Power's interviews and recorded conversations
The 2018 coronial finding and family notification
Closing thoughts on the need for immediate police response
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