Lottery Win Ends in Murder - The Tragic Kidnapping of Graeme Thorne

Unraveling the Tragic Tale of Graeme Thorne: A Heartbreaking Kidnapping Case | Dive into the gripping story of 8-year-old Graeme Thorne, abducted in 1960, as we explore the devastating events, the desperate ransom attempt, and the profound impact on Australian society. Join us for a somber journey into a dark chapter in history, shedding light on the importance of child safety and the dangers of publicity.

[coxmosia]

I'm so glad the kidnapper's family left him to fend for himself and not try and defend him. That doesn't happen often.
I truly do feel sorry for the Thorn family though. A life changing amount turned out to be a nightmare for them.

[xTigressStylex]

Not a single trouble in his pathetic life can justify that monster’s actions. He did it all willingly. Yet he was a father himself!
Poor Graeme, and his family. I’ve seen a documentary about this case which was focused a lot on the aftermath. Can’t imagine all the grief mr. Thorne had been through.

[rohsek]

I can’t wrap my head around how someone can weaponise a child for any reason

[aprilcanipe]

He could have let that baby go...he just wanted someone to hurt as much as he did. Sad, pathetic man. Jealousy is an ugly thing.

[sokalbenoit]

I love your way of telling stories. You are straight to the point but not heartless. Your stories have a clear line of events and when told with your voice (which is intriguing and very nice to the ear) they give me the vibe of being right there and I feel all of the emotions. You are truly one of the best storytellers I encountered. Thank you, sir!

[Badficwriter]

A call center I worked at once singled out an employee for identifying a criminal. It was supposed to be praise, but all the employees were uncomfortable. We lived in areas where we could be easily threatened by the criminal's associates. Being identified was a threat, not an accolade.

[waynerichards]

I was near 5 yo when this happened. I have never forgotten how my mother used to talk about Grahame Thorne regularly as an example for why I shouldn't talk to strangers or take lifts from the same. I'm sure this has affected me still to this day.

[sarafleming]

I am just plain stunned! 😢 My heart broke for the parents. Also, I agree with keeping the winner of any lottery, contest, etc. anonymous. It is their winning, their good luck, leave them alone. Yes, I’d love to win a lottery. Yes, I wish it was me when it happens. Would I harm someone or do something to get to the money? Absolutely not. 😊

[gigiwilson]

What a tragedy the Thorne's dream quickly became a nightmare for life, thanks again Paul for another armchair true life thriller

[honinakecheta]

I still think that lottery winners should be anonymous, at least for a certain amount of time after winning like 2-4 years then reveal their identities.

[nitrobowie]

As a viewer from Australia, this was so intriguing & as usual - perfectly presented. Our privacy laws around Lotto winnings are also much respected 😎

[riveramnell]

This is why I’d be scared if I won the lottery. Other winners have been targeted in the US before too. Not kidnappings but threatened with violence if they didn’t give money. I feel bad for this poor man and his family, and the little boy himself. He must have been so scared.

[beverlynorris]

I have so many shows about lottery winners regretting winning. Their lives change so drastically and often for the worse.

[Ms.HarmonyJ]

So tragic how can any human kidnap a little child why it hurts my heart especially when they end up murder I hope he in his family get the justice they deserve Paul as always you and your crew came through like champions ❤

[jayess]

even though the cases are quite disturbing and depressing it's a welcome change, the presenter Paul Brodie with a calm and distinguished style compared to rapid-hire delivery in many other sites :)

[alisonj]

To think he could have just left the boy once hed recieved the money. If only he had accepted the offer and been caught because he still got caught and still got nothing! What a disgusting creep.

[throttlegalsmagazineaustra]

The botanist who identified the plant samples stuck to the blanket was Joyce Vickery. I saw an interview with her many years ago where she spoke of how the detective listened to her findings, "looked very interested and asked if he could take the clippings with him." She died in 1979.

[roxy]

As a small girl growing up in 60’s Australia this story has always haunted me as has the tragic tale of the Beaumont children.
My late husband’s parents knew Mr Beaumont as he was a door to door salesman where he lived. He said it was always awkward when Mr Beaumont knocked on their door. What could anyone say to him?

[theoriginalbluey]

This is just so heartbreaking. That poor family, believing that their luck had finally turned around...

[prudencepineapple]

On side-note, and being born in Sydney, this was very big news. My family lived close-by and my father showed me the still vacant block of land where Graeme body was found. It made me quite upset when both parents appeared on a press conference about Graeme. I distinctly remember Mr Thorne breaking down completely in absolute despair. It broke my heart when his body was discovered in that vacant lot my dad showed me in 1968. The Thorne's divorced not long after.

Another fascinating story for you to tell would be that of Edgar Cook. The mass murderer who struck in the 1960s spreading fear into many Perth, Western.

Last one, Eugene Falleni, also from Australia during the 1920s. She lived her life as a man, even marrying a woman. Strangely, she would use an implement during a 'roll-in-the'hay'. None of his/hers wives knew he was actually a woman. Just have a search for her and her mug-shots.