Video: The Snowtown Murders and PCR

Vocabulary flashcards covering the key terms, people, forensic methods, and events from The Snowtown Murders lecture, with a focus on PCR and DNA-based identification.

Snowtown Murders

A serial murder case in Snowtown, Australia (1991–1999) led by John Bunting; victims disposed of in a bank vault and in the ‘House of Death.’

House of Death

The residence used by the killers for torture and murder; some victims were found buried in the backyard.

Bank Vault

The Snowtown bank vault where six barrels held eight decomposing bodies, preserved in acid.

Taskforce Chart

Police initiative formed to investigate missing persons; linked Wagner and Bunting and led to the Snowtown investigation.

John Justin Bunting

Ringleader of the Snowtown murders; killed for perceived insults or harms such as obesity, paedophilia, homosexuality, or drug use.

Robert Joe Wagner

Key associate of Bunting; helped murder and dispose of bodies; later linked to the scene by DNA.

Mark Ray Haydon

Member of the group; partner of Barry Lane at times; helped murder and cover up; convicted of assisting in multiple murders.

James Spyridon Vlassakis

Group member; half-brother of Thomas Trevilyan; involved in the Snowtown killings.

Motives for the Murders

Various motives including personal insults, social security pension fraud, financial gain, and possibly sexual factors.

Victims (12 people)

The twelve individuals identified as victims in the Snowtown case (e.g., Clinton Trezise, Ray Davies, Suzanne Allen, etc.).

Identification by Tattoos, Dental Records & Fingerprints

Initial methods used to identify recovered bodies before DNA confirmation.

DNA Testing/Identification

DNA analysis used to confirm identities and links; helped establish kinship and victim matches.

PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)

A technique to amplify DNA fragments so they can be analyzed and compared for identification.

Kinship Analysis

Forensic method using relatives’ DNA to identify individuals or relationships; requires parental DNA for accurate 50/50 inheritance matching.

DNA on Gloves

DNA recovered from gloves found in the bank vault; used with PCR to link suspects to the crime scene.

Ground Penetrating Radar

Imaging tool used to detect disturbed ground and locate bodies or burial sites.

Victims Timeline (1992–1999)

Chronological sequence showing when each victim was identified or associated with the case.

The Verdict

Judgments: Bunting guilty of 11 murders; Wagner guilty of 7; Vlassakis 4; Haydon 7; Suzanne Allen not convicted; life sentences for many.

Updates on Parole & Sentences

Post-trial parole status: Haydon denied parole (2017, 2021); Wagner parole process (2019) dismissed; Vlassakis may apply in 2025.

Discovery of May 1999 Bank Vault

The moment the Snowtown bank vault containing barrels and bodies was uncovered by investigators.

Excited Killers

Term describing the killers’ behavior during murders, including taunting and celebratory acts; described them as acting like kids in a toy shop.

Live (Band)

The band the killers reportedly listened to during most of the killings.

Items Found in the Bank

Knives, bloodstained tools, rope, tape, cloths, pincers, pliers, clamps, and a Variac tool for electric shocks.

Interconnectedness of Victims

Most victims were close associates of the killers; a ‘spider wall’ kept track of community members deemed undesirable.