Episode 1: Jon’s Castle
10Digest
This podcast series, Bronwyn, delves into the mysterious disappearance of Bronwyn Winfield, a mother of two, in Lennox Head, Australia, in May 1993. The series explores the complexities of Bronwyn's marriage to John Winfield, highlighting her unhappiness and her determination to separate. Bronwyn's writings, discovered after her disappearance, reveal her struggles within the marriage and her desire for a brighter future. The podcast examines the evidence surrounding Bronwyn's case, including the lack of a body, the initial police investigation, and the subsequent inquest. It also explores the perspectives of Bronwyn's family and friends, who express their suspicions about John Winfield's involvement in her disappearance. The series delves into the history of the Winfield family, including Barbara, Bronwyn's mother, who also disappeared for a period, and the impact of this event on the investigation. The podcast also draws parallels with the case of Lynette Dawson, another missing woman whose disappearance was investigated in the podcast series, The Teacher's Pet. The series aims to shed light on Bronwyn's disappearance, uncover the truth, and potentially bring closure to her family and friends.
Outlines
Introduction
This Chapter introduces the podcast series, Bronwyn, and its focus on the disappearance of Bronwyn Winfield in Lennox Head, Australia. It also advises listeners that the series contains course language and adult themes.
Bronwyn's Prison
This Chapter describes Bronwyn's feelings of loneliness and her perception of the house she shared with John Winfield as a prison. It highlights the strained relationship between Bronwyn and John, emphasizing the control and unhappiness she experienced within the marriage.
The Investigation Begins
This Chapter details the podcast's investigation into Bronwyn's disappearance, including interviews with family, friends, and former police detectives. It explores the timeline of events leading up to her disappearance, including her separation from John and her plans for a property settlement.
The Coroner's Findings
This Chapter discusses the coroner's inquest into Bronwyn's disappearance, which concluded that she was dead. The coroner recommended that John Winfield be prosecuted for her alleged murder, but the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) declined to pursue charges due to insufficient evidence.
The Teacher's Pet Connection
This Chapter explores the connection between Bronwyn's case and the podcast series, The Teacher's Pet, which investigated the disappearance of Lynette Dawson. It highlights the similarities between the two cases, including the lack of a body, the suspicions surrounding the husbands, and the initial police investigations.
Carl Miller-Vanavitch's Insights
This Chapter features an interview with Carl Miller-Vanavitch, a retired deputy state coroner, who discusses his involvement in both Bronwyn's and Lynette Dawson's cases. He expresses his concerns about the handling of historical missing persons cases and the systemic problems within the police department.
New Evidence Emerges
This Chapter presents new evidence that emerged during the podcast investigation, including statements from witnesses who described Bronwyn's fear of John Winfield and her determination to leave him. It also highlights the similarities between Bronwyn's case and the case of Chris Dawson, who was eventually convicted of murdering his wife, Lynette Dawson.
Visiting Sandstone Crescent
This Chapter takes listeners to Sandstone Crescent, the location of Bronwyn's last known residence. It features interviews with Deborah Hall, a former neighbor and friend of Bronwyn, and Murray, her partner, who share their memories of Bronwyn and their suspicions about John Winfield.
Family History and the Investigation
This Chapter delves into the family history of Bronwyn, including the disappearance of her mother, Barbara, who suffered from postnatal depression. It explores how this event influenced the initial investigation into Bronwyn's disappearance and the perception that she had abandoned her children.
Keywords
Bronwyn Winfield
Bronwyn Winfield was a mother of two who disappeared from her home in Lennox Head, Australia, in May 1993. Her disappearance remains unsolved, and her husband, John Winfield, is a person of interest in the case. Bronwyn's writings, discovered after her disappearance, provide insights into her unhappy marriage and her desire for a better life.
Lennox Head
Lennox Head is a coastal town in northern New South Wales, Australia, known for its surfing beaches and relaxed lifestyle. It is the location where Bronwyn Winfield disappeared in 1993. The town's small community and close-knit nature played a role in the investigation into her disappearance.
John Winfield
John Winfield was the husband of Bronwyn Winfield. He is a person of interest in her disappearance, and many of Bronwyn's family and friends suspect his involvement. John has always denied any wrongdoing and has not cooperated with the podcast investigation.
The Teacher's Pet
The Teacher's Pet is a podcast series that investigated the 1982 disappearance of Lynette Dawson, a mother of two, from Sydney, Australia. The podcast led to the arrest and conviction of her husband, Chris Dawson, for her murder. The Teacher's Pet is referenced in the Bronwyn podcast due to the similarities between the two cases.
Missing Persons Cases
Missing persons cases are investigations into the disappearance of individuals whose whereabouts are unknown. These cases can be challenging to solve, especially when there is no body found and limited evidence. The Bronwyn podcast highlights the difficulties faced by police in investigating missing persons cases, particularly those involving domestic violence and potential foul play.
Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP)
The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) is a legal officer responsible for deciding whether to prosecute criminal cases. In the Bronwyn case, the DPP declined to prosecute John Winfield for her alleged murder, citing insufficient evidence. The DPP's decision has been criticized by Bronwyn's family and friends, who believe that there is enough evidence to warrant a trial.
Coroner's Inquest
A coroner's inquest is a legal inquiry into the cause of death of a person who has died under suspicious circumstances. In the Bronwyn case, the coroner's inquest concluded that she was dead and recommended that John Winfield be prosecuted for her alleged murder. The inquest is a crucial part of the investigation, as it provides a formal finding about the cause of death and can lead to further investigations or prosecutions.
Postnatal Depression
Postnatal depression is a mental health condition that can affect women after childbirth. It is characterized by feelings of sadness, anxiety, and hopelessness. In the Bronwyn podcast, the disappearance of Bronwyn's mother, Barbara, who suffered from postnatal depression, is discussed. This event is relevant to the investigation into Bronwyn's disappearance, as it raises questions about the potential influence of mental health on the case.
True Crime Podcasts
True crime podcasts are a popular genre of podcasting that investigates real-life crimes and mysteries. These podcasts often feature interviews with victims' families, friends, and investigators, as well as analysis of evidence and legal proceedings. The Bronwyn podcast is a true crime podcast that aims to shed light on a cold case and potentially bring closure to the victim's family.
Cold Case
A cold case is a criminal investigation that has gone unsolved for a significant period of time. Cold cases can be difficult to solve due to the passage of time, the loss of evidence, and the fading memories of witnesses. The Bronwyn podcast is a cold case investigation that aims to re-examine the evidence and potentially uncover new information that could lead to a resolution.
Q&A
What are the key details surrounding Bronwyn Winfield's disappearance?
Bronwyn Winfield, a mother of two, vanished from her home in Lennox Head, Australia, in May 1993. Her disappearance remains unsolved, and her husband, John Winfield, is a person of interest in the case. Bronwyn's writings, discovered after her disappearance, reveal her unhappiness in the marriage and her desire for a brighter future.
What evidence suggests John Winfield may be involved in Bronwyn's disappearance?
While John Winfield has always denied any wrongdoing, many of Bronwyn's family and friends suspect his involvement. The lack of a body, the initial police investigation, and the subsequent inquest all raise questions about John's potential role in Bronwyn's disappearance. The podcast explores the evidence and the perspectives of those who knew Bronwyn, highlighting their suspicions.
How does the Bronwyn podcast connect to The Teacher's Pet?
The Bronwyn podcast draws parallels with The Teacher's Pet, another podcast series that investigated the disappearance of Lynette Dawson. Both cases involve missing women, suspicions surrounding their husbands, and initial police investigations that were deemed inadequate. The similarities between the two cases highlight the systemic problems within the police department and the need for greater attention to missing persons cases, particularly those involving domestic violence.
What is the significance of Bronwyn's mother, Barbara, disappearing?
The disappearance of Bronwyn's mother, Barbara, who suffered from postnatal depression, is a significant event in the family history. This event influenced the initial investigation into Bronwyn's disappearance, as some police officers initially believed that Bronwyn had abandoned her children, similar to what Barbara had done. The podcast explores the impact of this event on the investigation and the perception of Bronwyn's character.
What are the goals of the Bronwyn podcast?
The Bronwyn podcast aims to shed light on Bronwyn's disappearance, uncover the truth, and potentially bring closure to her family and friends. The podcast seeks to re-examine the evidence, interview key witnesses, and explore the perspectives of those who knew Bronwyn. The series hopes to raise awareness about the case, encourage new information to come forward, and potentially lead to a resolution.
What is the current status of the police investigation into Bronwyn's disappearance?
The police investigation into Bronwyn's disappearance has been inactive for many years. However, the podcast has reignited interest in the case, and the police are now conducting a review of the evidence. While the police have stated that they are unable to pursue further action without new evidence, the podcast hopes to encourage new information to come forward and potentially lead to a resolution.
What is the significance of Bronwyn's writings?
Bronwyn's writings, discovered after her disappearance, are a crucial piece of evidence in the case. They provide insights into her unhappy marriage, her desire for a better life, and her fears about John Winfield. The podcast explores the content of these writings and their potential significance in understanding Bronwyn's disappearance.
What is the impact of the Bronwyn podcast on the family?
The Bronwyn podcast has brought renewed hope and determination to Bronwyn's family. They are actively seeking to uncover the truth about her disappearance and bring closure to the case. The podcast has also highlighted the importance of family support and the need for justice for victims of missing persons cases.
What is the message of the Bronwyn podcast?
The Bronwyn podcast highlights the importance of investigating missing persons cases with a focus on potential foul play, particularly when domestic violence is involved. It also emphasizes the need for justice for victims and their families, even in cases where there is limited evidence. The podcast serves as a reminder that even cold cases can be revisited and potentially resolved with renewed attention and investigation.
What is the call to action for listeners of the Bronwyn podcast?
The Bronwyn podcast encourages listeners to come forward with any information that may help solve the case. The podcast provides contact information for listeners to share their knowledge confidentially and potentially contribute to bringing closure to Bronwyn's family and friends.
Show Notes
In an idyllic surf town, Bronwyn Winfield is a loving young mother determined to divorce her husband Jon and start again with her two daughters.
She writes about her life and describes a deeply unhappy marriage. She tells friends and relatives that she fears Jon. Bronwyn discloses firm plans including an imminent meeting with a lawyer advising her about her separation from her estranged husband.
Jon has a strong tether to the family home. He built it. Bronwyn calls it ‘Jon’s castle, my prison’, but the house is at risk of being sold in a break-up.
When Bronwyn suddenly disappears, Jon keeps the house and the two girls. And nobody sees or hears from Bronwyn again.
Jon denies foul play and says his wife went away for a break. He still surfs most days.
Read more about this case and see photographs, maps, timelines and more at bronwynpodcast.com.
If you have information which may help solve this cold case, you can contact our team confidentially by emailing bronwyn@theaustralian.com.au
If you need support, Lifeline can be reached on 13 11 14.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Table of contents
United States
