The Lab Detective | Tortoise Investigates
The Observer-
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Introducing...The Lab Detective
Kathleen Folbigg experienced unimaginable loss. All four of her infant children died suddenly, over a 10-year period. Their deaths were unexplained. Until a police detective turned up at her door, and arrested Kathleen on suspicion of murder.
She was labelled ‘Australia's worst female serial killer’, convicted, and was destined to spend most of the rest of her life in jail.
Until a different type of detective entered her life. A scientist working in a lab who uncovered the truth behind the deaths.
This is the story of a shocking miscarriage of justice, but as journalist Rachel Sylvester starts to investigate how this happened, she learns that Kathleen is not alone – other mothers have endured the same fate, and may also be in prison.
The Lab Detective is a story about the power of science, and the determination of those searching for the truth.
The first 3 episodes are available to listen now.
To listen to the full series now, subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts and Spotify or download the Tortoise app.
Our thanks to The Francis Crick Institute for sharing recordings and insights.
You can watch a short documentary on the genomics team behind Kathleen Folbigg's case filmed at the Crick.
Reporters: Rachel Sylvester
Producer: Gary Marshall
Executive editor: Basia Cummings
Music supervisor: Karla Patella
Sound design: Rowan Bishop
Artwork: Lola Williams
Fact checking: Ada Barume and Madeline Parr
To find out more about The Observer:
Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content
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- No. of episodes: 100
- Latest episode: 2025-07-29
- Society & Culture News Documentary News Commentary
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