Case 338: The Folbigg Children (Part 2/2)

Key Takeaways

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  Meadows Law dictated the police investigation strategy

  “When it came to the unexplained death of an infant, one was a tragedy, two were suspicious, and three most likely pointed to murder. After reviewing the case, one police psychologist concluded, If natural causes are eliminated, then, in my opinion, Kathleen Folbigg became angry and frustrated with her children's crying and need for constant attention to a point where it overwhelmed her.”

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  Experts calculated astronomical odds against natural causes

  “The statistical likelihood that four children could die from SIDS is in excess of one in a trillion. As the children had all been growing normally and their autopsies identified no sign of disease, Dr Opphoven believed that all four of them had been suffocated by the last person to see them alive– Kathleen Folbigg.”

• •

  Kathleen's diaries became central to the prosecution

  “Combined with Kathleen's diary entry from the night Caleb died in which she enthusiastically wrote, Finally Asleep, Professor Berry believed it was possible that Caleb had not only been smothered to death, but also smothered on a previous occasion from which he was able to recover.”

• •

  Craig Folbigg eventually testified against his wife

  “I've lived with the shame of coming and changing that story, he said. I've felt that I couldn't protect those children in life, and I certainly didn't protect them in death. With Craig back on their side and agreeing to testify against Kathleen, the detectives were finally ready to make their move.”

• •

  Media coverage mirrored the Lindy Chamberlain trial

  “The press published some of the most damning expert opinions from the police statement of facts, including Dr. Ophoven's belief that the odds of all four Folbigg children dying of unexplained natural causes was one in a trillion. Accompanied by the excerpt from Kathleen's diary in which she compared herself to her murderous father, it didn't take long before she was considered guilty in the court of public opinion.”

Episode Description

[Part 2 of 2] *** Content warning: child victims *** As police looked into the deaths of Caleb, Patrick, Sarah and Laura Folbigg, they were introduced to Meadows Law – the theory that one infant death is a tragedy, two is suspicious, but three is murder. With suspicion mounting against Kathleen Folbigg, years of investigation eventually led to a legal outcome that no one could have ever seen coming. --- Narration – Anonymous Host Research & writing – Elsha McGill Production & music – Mike Migas Audio editing – Anthony Telfer Sign up for Casefile Premium: Apple Premium Spotify Premium Patreon For all credits and sources, please visit https://casefilepodcast.com/case-338-the-folbigg-children-part-2-2 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.