Psychologist Suggests NSW Backpacker Disappearances May Be The Work Of A Serial Killer

The recent disappearance of three backpackers in New South Wales may be the doing of a serial killer, according to one of Australia’s most high-profile forensic psychologists – despite police stating they’ve uncovered zero evidence of foul play in their investigations.

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Tim Watson-Munro yesterday told The Daily Telegraph that the May disappearance of Belgian backpacker Theo Hayez, and the February disappearance of Frenchman Erwan Ferrieux and his travelling partner Hugo Palmer, could be linked.

Hayez went missing in Byron Bay, while authorities believe Ferrieux and Palmer may have drowned some 400 kilometres south at a beach near Port Macquarie.

“Statistically the odds of three backpackers missing in the same region in a short space of time is very unlikely and we know that these type of killers prey on vulnerable people or those that are likely not been missed for some time,” Watson-Munro said.

Earlier this week, NSW Police said preliminary DNA tests conducted on bones found at Flynn’s Beach linked the remains to Ferrieux. Investigators are yet to locate Hayez or Palmer, however one other human bone found near Shelly Beach will be DNA tested.

“It’s a bit too cute to say they’ve all drowned,” Watson-Munro told 7 News last night.

“It’s a huge coincidence if that’s the case.”

But Watson-Munro, who has been involved with high-profile criminal defendants including Hoddle Street killer Julian Knight and corporate fraudster Alan Bond, stopped short of saying their disappearances were definitely caused by a serial killer.

“I don’t want to to be over dramatic or start fear on the eastern seaboard but there is no doubt there are serial killers in our midst,” he told the Daily Telegraph.

In a statement obtained by the paper, a New South Wales Police Force spokesperson said there’s currently nothing to suggest the disappearances were linked.

“To suggest otherwise is not only factually inaccurate, but also reckless to the perception of safety in the community, and potentially distressing to the loved ones of the men,” they said.

Investigations are ongoing.

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