S2Bonus Episode: How The Killings Changed Claremont

Before it was known as the hunting ground for one of WA’s worst serial killers, Claremont was the go-to destination for young people wanting to be seen.

Every weekend the pubs and clubs were packed.

Some of WA’s wealthiest called Claremont home.

And it was safe.

But a rape, followed by three murders changed that. All of the victims were out in this affluent suburb, on their own.

Within the space of nine months, Claremont would never be the same.

Women stayed in packs and men worried they’d be suspected of these horrible crimes.

While Northbridge, another entertainment district of Perth became popular instead.

Even some 20 years later, before an arrest, “The Claremont Serial Killer” was someone generations of West Australians grew up fearing. The killer could still be out there.

Veteran journalist Alison Fan raised her kids in Claremont, covered this case extensively and even helped search for Sarah Spiers, Jane Rimmer then Ciara Glennon. She grieved with both the Rimmers and Glennons when sadly, their daughters were found murdered.

Alison even interviewed the man police tailed for years as their prime suspect.

Claremont In Conversation host Natalie Bonjolo was in her 20s and going to the same pubs and clubs where the girls disappeared from.

Never letting her friends go home alone, wanting to stay in a pack, she tells of the fear bubble which surrounded Claremont that didn’t exist anywhere else.

In this bonus episode, join Natalie, Alison and Criminal defence lawyer Damien Cripps as they tell their stories of being around Claremont at the time of these crimes, and how it changed a suburb and a State forever.

Tell us your stories from Claremont at claremontpodcast@wanews.com.au, and stay tuned for more bonus episodes.

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