Episode 2: First Kill
- Catching Evil
- Jan 1, 2026
- 6 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
Unmasking a Monster: The Wanda Beach Murders & the Chilling Connection to a US Killing Rampage
This chilling episode of Catching Evil dives into the notorious Wanda Beach murders in Sydney, Australia, unravelling the shocking secrets behind the brutal killing of two innocent teenage girls, best friends Marianne Schmidt and Christine Sharrock.
We expose the seductive yet sinister figure at the heart of this mystery. Christopher Wilder, a charming monster who fled to America following the Wanda Beach murders, would go on to leave a trail of terror as he abducted and murdered perhaps as many victims as Ted Bundy. We expose the links between Australia's greatest unsolved double murder and a spree killing rampage across America, including:
How this charismatic wealthy businessman became America's most wanted fugitive?
For the first time in six decades, iconic Australian journalist and former Senator Derryn Hinch reveals a shameful secret to Catching Evil about his involvement in the case
Two of Marianne Schmidt's siblings give a voice to their beloved sister and tell us about the fun-loving teen who was obsessed with fashion and Elvis Presley. We provide the key connection between Wilder and the two girls' infatuation with the King of Rock and Roll.
We also begin a deep dive into Wilder's troubled past and discover how his considerable charm hid a psychopathic double life. The witness accounts and police blunders we expose will leave you questioning how this monster evaded justice for so long.
For decades, numerous suspects have been put forward as potential perpetrators of the Wanda Beach murders, but a dedicated police cold case unit systematically ruled them all out - all except one.
Wilder, a charismatic and ruthless serial killer, remains the last suspect standing. And we'll reveal the compelling evidence that points to his guilt.
But in a shocking twist, the investigation unit made a stunning discovery: the most critical piece of forensic evidence in the case, a semen sample found on Marianne's bathing costume, has gone missing in the lab.
If recovered, modern DNA analysis could confirm once and for all that Wilder was the killer, and bring closure to the families of the victims.
In this explosive episode, we delve into the shocking revelations and explore the reasons why the Wanda Beach murders have remained a haunting enigma for so long. Until now.
These evocative photographs of a windswept Wanda Beach were taken by Marianne Schmidt's older brother Hans during a visit there with Catching Evil co-host Andy Byrne. It was the first time Hans had returned to the scene in over half a century, since the day, a week after his sister's murder, when detectives took him and his siblings back there to gather evidence.
A Dark Secret Kept For Decades
In this episode of Catching Evil, iconic Australian journalist and former Senator Derryn Hinch reveals a scandalous secret from his early career. Known for his fearless campaigns against violent sexual criminals during his time in the Senate, he finally confesses to an act he deeply regrets.
Back in January 1965, as a young cub reporter, Hinch was covering the infamous Wanda Beach murders—one of Sydney's most haunting unsolved cases. Two teenage girls, Marianne Schmidt and Christine Sharrock, were brutally murdered, leaving the nation in shock.
In a bid to secure a scoop, Hinch admits he stole a photograph of Marianne Schmidt from her home. This stolen image was published in the newspaper he worked for, a move he now describes as shameful. "I wouldn't do it today," Hinch confesses, reflecting on the pressures and ethics of journalism.
Hinch's illustrious career spans decades, earning him a reputation as a relentless campaigner for justice. He fought tirelessly for tougher sentences against paedophiles and sex offenders, even serving time for naming a paedophile priest.
His dedication to justice saw him elected to the Australian Senate, where he continued his crusade. This revelation adds a new layer to Hinch's complex legacy, showcasing the lengths to which young journalists once went for a story.
The Crime that Shocked the Nation
On a windy January day in 1965, seven-year-old Wolfgang Schmidt became the only witness to a chilling crime that shocked the nation. While playing on Wanda Beach with his older sister Marianne and her friend Christine, Wolfgang noticed a fair-haired “surfie” youth hunting crabs with a knife and spear. Unbeknownst to the children, this boy would soon lead Marianne and Christine to their deaths—and Wolfgang would be the last to see them alive.
As the group sought shelter from the sand-lashing winds, Marianne and Christine decided to take a walk, leaving the younger children behind. Wolfgang, curious and restless, ran after them and spotted the same crab-hunting youth walking between the girls, his hands on their shoulders. Wolfgang described the boy as shirtless, with greasy, fair hair and a towel slung over his shoulder.
But something felt wrong. The boy asked one of the girls her name, but neither replied. Wolfgang sensed tension, later telling detectives the boy looked angry.
Moments later, the trio disappeared into the dunes. Wolfgang fell, and by the time he got up, they were gone. He returned to his siblings, but his unease lingered. Later, while searching for Marianne, he encountered the youth again—this time without his knife or spear. Wolfgang bravely asked, “Where are the girls?” but the boy walked past him, shaking and silent.
Wolfgang’s testimony became crucial in identifying the killer, but the case remains unsolved. His innocent eyes saw what adults missed: a predator in plain sight.
Now, decades later, his story reminds us of the courage of a little boy who tried to save his big sister—and the evil that slipped through his tiny fingers.
The impact of Marianne and Christine's murders stretched beyond their families, affecting the entire community. Yet, despite the years, the quest for justice and closure remains at the heart of their concerns.
We invite you, our listeners, to join us in this pursuit. If you knew Marianne or Christine, or if you had an encounter with Christopher Wilder at Wanda Beach or elsewhere, your story could be vital. Sharing your experience might help bring closure to this case or support someone else who has been affected.
Please reach out to us at info@catchingevil.com
Click to send us an audio message here: https://www.speakpipe.com/catchingevil
Your voice matters, and together, we can shine a light on these dark memories and work towards healing and justice.
Catching Evil is committed to making a meaningful impact in the lives of those affected by violent crime, particularly in light of the chilling legacy of serial killer Christopher Wilder, who left behind an unknown number of victims. In our pledge to honour these individuals and support their families, we donate to homicide and victims of violence nonprofits in both America and Australia.
Survivors of Homicide Inc, based in Connecticut, provides assistance to anyone who has lost a loved one to violent crime.
All services are offered to members free of charge, including one-on-one counselling, support groups, court support throughout the judicial process and personal advocacy in working with law enforcement and other community agencies.
It was founded in 1983, just before Christopher Wilder went on his rampage, by a group of families trying to cope with the murder of a loved one that shattered their lives.
When you donate to Yesterday Today Tomorrow Women, you are investing in the empowerment of women across generations. This Florida based nonprofit was founded by Kris Conyers, who was abducted off the street at gunpoint by Christopher Wilder when she was 11 years old.
YTT Women is dedicated to advancing women’s mental health and social wellbeing and contributions directly support community-based initiatives that raise awareness, provide resources, and foster safe, supportive spaces for women to grow and heal.
Mary’s House Services was founded in 2015 by a dedicated group of concerned citizens from Sydney’s northern suburbs, close to where Christopher Wilder was born and lived wth his family. Members of the local clergy, health authorities, philanthropists and community and business leaders came together to help provide safety for women and their children, victim-survivors of violence and abuse.
The Mary’s House refuge was established to address the significant gap in government funded services and to save lives in the region by providing critical support and a safe space to cope with their trauma and begin to rebuild their lives.
How to donate: https://mhs-summer-appeal-2025.raiselysite.com/#donate
Catching Evil, proudly part of the Acast Creator Network, is an Original Voices presentation for Sticky Toffee Media
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