CLANCY OVERELL | Editor | CONTACT
The late Australian serial killer, Ivan Milat, has today been exonerated of all charges – after new revelations have provided a bit more context to his seven counts of murder against hitchhikers.
Milat was arrested at his home on 22 May 1994 on robbery and weapon charges related to the Onions attack after 50 police officers surrounded the house.
The search of Milat’s home revealed various weapons, including a .22-calibre Anschütz Model 1441/42 rifle and parts of a .22 calibre Ruger 10/22 rifle that matched the type used in the murders, a Browning pistol, and a Bowie knife. Also uncovered were items belonging to several of his victims. Homes belonging to his mother and five of his brothers were also searched, uncovering several more items belonging to some of the seven victims.
Milat died in October last year after a long bout of health complications, however, today he has been completely pardoned for all of the horrible crimes he perpetrated – some of which were used as inspiration for the iconic Australian horror film ‘Wolf Creek’.
Speaking on 2GB radio on Tuesday, NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller said the Milat could have “handled the situation better” but the serial killer, to his knowledge, has not had prior blemishes against his name.
“The fact that Milat didn’t have a chequered history and he’d been a road worker for three and a half years, before he systemically kidnapped, tortured and murdered a bunch of backpackers…” he said.
“You would have to say he’d had a bad day and I’m sure most of the community wouldn’t want to see someone sentenced to seven life sentences after making such a commitment to the community.”
Milat has been posthumously pardoned by NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian today, who says she doesn’t know if this is the right thing to do, but she police force have too much political sway for her to second guess their official statements.
“So, yeah, Milat is innocent.” says Berejiklian
MORE TO COME.
