Tortoise Investigates15 Juli 2025

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 full series is available to listen now.

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

Our thanks to The Francis Crick Institute for sharing recordings and insights.

Watch a short documentary on the genomics team behind Kathleen Folbigg's case filmed at the Crick

To find out more about The Observer:

Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content

Head to our website observer.co.uk

Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists

If you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com

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