Australian backpacker killer case: investigation reopened after 35 years

Australian police have reopened the investigation into serial killer Ivan Milat, known as the "Backpacker Murderer." Decades after his conviction for the murder of seven tourists, 11 episodes potentially linked to him have been identified. A parliamentary inquiry in New South Wales is examining new evidence, including Milat's possible involvement in the disappearance of Kerryn Rowland in 1971.

Australian law enforcement has reopened the investigation into serial killer Ivan Milat, known as the "Backpacker Murderer." Decades after his conviction for the murder of seven tourists, police have identified 11 episodes that could potentially be linked to him. A parliamentary inquiry in the state of New South Wales, initiated in the summer of 2026, is examining new evidence. Milat lured hitchhiking tourists into Belanglo State Forest, where he killed them. The first victims were found in September 1992. In July 1996, Milat was sentenced to seven life terms; he died in prison in 2019. Criminologist Xanthe Weston believes the killer began his crimes as early as 1971. Former British detective Hugh Guez thinks Milat may have been involved in the disappearance of Kerryn Rowland in February 1971. Final results of the investigation are expected to be presented in February 2027.