Creek dressing gown death had 'hallmarks of something suspicious’ | Say My Name | Australian Story

Key Concepts:

• Unidentified female body found in Daraban Creek
• Missing person report for Louisa
• Initial police investigation and conclusion of non-suspicious circumstances
• Coroner's finding of death by drowning
• Private investigation and podcast
• Louisa's background: Libya, family dynamics, drug use, relationship with Joe
• Water depth analysis of Daraban Creek
• Coercive control and domestic violence
• Louisa's mental state and journal entries

1. Discovery of the Body and Initial Investigation:

• A walker discovered a body in Daraban Creek in 2011. The body was identified as a female in her early 20s, wearing specific clothing items including a pink dressing gown and a tiger pattern hair clip.
• The initial police assessment deemed the circumstances "not suspicious."
• The police officer who took Louisa's missing person report failed to connect it with the unidentified body found in the creek.

2. Family's Perspective and Concerns:

• Louisa's brother, Tess, found it odd that Louisa's boyfriend reported her missing.
• The family found the police's conclusion of drowning suspicious, citing Louisa's swimming ability and lack of suicidal tendencies.
• A family member working for the police confirmed Louisa's death in the creek.

3. Autopsy and Coroner's Report:

• The autopsy found no definitive cause of death, and toxicology reports only detected cannabis.
• The police concluded there were no suspicious circumstances, and the coroner accepted the death as consistent with drowning.
• The coroner refused a request for an inquest.

4. Private Investigation and Podcast:

• Tess hired private investigator Julia Robson, a former police officer, to investigate Louisa's death.
• Robson partnered with journalist Cla to create a podcast about the case.
• The podcast aimed to uncover the truth about Louisa's death and challenge the police's narrative.

5. Louisa's Background and Family History:

• Louisa had a difficult upbringing, including spending two years in Libya with her father, where she faced restrictions and potential abuse.
• Her mother, Helen, worked hard to bring her daughters back to Australia.
• Louisa's mother's death had a significant impact on her.

6. Relationship with Joe and Domestic Violence:

• Louisa's relationship with Joe was described as controlling and abusive.
• Friends and family witnessed physical violence between them.
• Louisa made statements to the police about Joe's abuse, including incidents of slapping, punching, and pouring boiling water on her.
• Joe was charged with assault, indicating police awareness of the escalating violence.

7. Water Depth Analysis and Drowning Theory:

• The podcast team investigated the water depth of Daraban Creek at the time of Louisa's death.
• They found that the water was only 40 cm deep, making it difficult to drown unless incapacitated.
• They recreated the creek level and concluded that it was unlikely Louisa could have drowned without being unconscious.

8. Louisa's Mental State and Journal Entries:

• The police report suggested Louisa was depressed, but friends and family disputed this.
• Louisa's journal entries revealed struggles and challenges, but also resilience and determination.
• A key phrase from her journal, "Fuck the world before it [ __ ] you. Never give up," was shortened in the police report, omitting the important "never give up" part.
• In the months leading up to her death, Louisa faced financial difficulties and was trying to find work.

9. Last Days and Final Sightings:

• The last day Louisa was seen alive was October 2, 2011.
• A neighbor heard banging and a door slam at her residence.
• Joe claimed to have seen Louisa's pink nightgown in the creek.

10. Conclusion:

• The investigation into Louisa's death reveals inconsistencies and unanswered questions.
• The podcast aims to shed light on the case and challenge the official narrative of drowning.
• The evidence suggests that Louisa's death may not have been accidental and warrants further investigation.