The Real Horror Stories Behind “Wolf Creek”

While disturbing, Bradley Murdcoh wasn’t the first to be found guilty of killing backpackers in Australia. Ivan Milat’s trail of destruction began in 1971, where he found himself on trial for the alleged rape of two female hitchhikers, he was never convicted as the prosecution were unable to mount a convincing case. Paul Onions would find himself victim to Ivan Milat after hitchhiking in Sydney. Milat picked up Onions on January 25, 1990 and introduced himself as “Bill.” It was only when Milat’s questions about Onion’s plans started to create an uneasy atmosphere as well as Milat’s racists remarks and ranting. As Milat pulled up to the side of the road, Onions tried to make a break for freedom, only to be stopped in his tracks by Milat pointing a revolver at him, and being ordered to put on his seatbelt. Onions decided to ignore Milat’s demands and made a break for it anyway, leaving behind his backpack and all his possessions. Onions managed to flag down a car and was taken to Sydney to replace his lost passport and return to the U.K.

Move forward to 1992, and two bodies are found in the Belangalo State Forest, also known as “Executioners Drop.” The bodies were identified as British backpackers Caroline Clarke and Joanne Walters, in a location not too far from where the original incident with Paul Onions had taken place. Both girls had been reported as missing since the start of May that year, and when found the body of Joanne Walters had been stabbed a number of times. Walter’s spine was attacked and it is speculated that this caused her to be paralysed while still witnessing the horrific ordeal. It was also reported that it seemed her clothing had been undone and then fastened again, showing sexual assault. Caroline Clarke’s body was also found with multiple stab wounds, a spinal wound and four bullets in her skull.

Other bodies would be found over the next few years showing the same trademarks of clothing being undone and then refastened and stab wounds to the spine. When police found they were looking for a serial killer, independent reports pointed towards Ivan Milat. Paul Onions also contacted the Australian authorities in 1994 with details of his attack, which was backed up by the testimony of the woman who had picked up Onions following the ordeal. The police soon recognised that if Onions was able to identify Milat, then there was a possibility Milat could then be tied into the other murders. A raid was carried out on various Milat family properties where police found plenty of evidence to help them secure a conviction, evidence that included the possessions of Milat’s victims. Millet was sentenced to seven life sentences as well as six years imprisonment for his attack on Paul Onions on July 27, 1996. Milt continues to protest he is innocent and appeals against his sentence in 2001, his appeal was denied. Police believe that Milat is responsible for many more murders where cases could not be mounted against Milat for a number of reasons.