Exhuming the Truth

Asha Walther

Exhuming the Truth is a True Crime podcast hosted by a forensic biologist, toxicologist, criminologist, and forensic investigations research student, Asha Walther. With several years of experience in cold case analysis, Asha explores cold cases, current cases, missing persons, no-body murders, sexual assaults, domestic violence-related crimes, and more while discussing old, current, and emerging forensic techniques that detail many crimes. You will hear from expert guests, victims of crime, and other special guests.   So, get comfortable while we open our next case file and attempt to Exhume the Truth.

  1. 4H AGO

    Where is Tristan Griffiths? Part Two

    Missing since January 22, 2025, from South Boulder, Kalgoorlie, Tristan Griffiths’ case has been marked by frustrating gaps from missing CCTV footage to delays in official responses. In Part Two, we break down the critical timeline, the investigative challenges, and the lengths Tristan’s family has gone to keep his story alive. This episode also explores a broader question: when justice is selective, delayed, or incomplete, can it truly be called justice? Join me as we follow the ongoing search for Tristan, highlight systemic issues in missing persons investigations, and examine why accountability matters, not just for one case, but for all.

    31 min

  2. FEB 17

    Mosman Park Tragedy

    In the aftermath of the tragedy in Mosman Park, headlines moved quickly — using words like “monster,” “evil,” and “unthinkable.” But what happens when we stop at outrage?  In this episode of Exhuming the Truth, forensic scientist and criminologist Asha Walther examines the structure of murder-suicide through a research-based lens, exploring why the homicide and suicide cannot be separated, why language shapes policy, and why simplistic narratives may prevent us from understanding risk. Drawing on established criminological and psychological research, this episode explores: • The behavioural structure of murder-suicide • The psychology of hopelessness and cognitive narrowing under chronic stress • Caregiver burden and systemic strain • The pressures surrounding Australia’s National Disability Insurance Scheme • Why affluence does not equal immunity • And why contextualising violence is not the same as excusing it   This is not an episode about justification. It is an episode about prevention.   Because when we reduce complex human collapse to moral shorthand, we stop asking the questions that could protect future families.   Every child’s life holds equal weight. Every postcode contains invisible stories. And every word we use shapes what happens next. Listener discretion advised.  References& Further Reading (As discussed in this episode of Exhuming the Truth)   Arnsten, A. F. T. (2009). Stress signalling pathwaysthat impair prefrontal cortex structure and function. NatureReviews Neuroscience, 10(6), 410–422.https://doi.org/10.1038/nrn2648   Beck, A. T., Weissman, A., Lester, D., &Trexler, L. (1974). The measurement of pessimism: The Hopelessness Scale. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 42(6), 861–865. https://doi.org/10.1037/h0037562   Bronfenbrenner, U. (1979). TheEcology of Human Development: Experiments by Nature and Design. Harvard University Press.   Clement, S., Schauman, O., Graham, T., et al.(2015). What is the impact of mental health-related stigma on help-seeking? Asystematic review. Psychological Medicine, 45(1), 11–27. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0033291714000129   Joiner, T. (2005). Myths AboutSuicide. Harvard University Press. (See also: Joiner, T. (2005). Interpersonal-PsychologicalTheory of Suicidal Behavior.)   Marzuk, P. M., Tardiff, K., & Hirsch, C. S.(1992). The epidemiology of murder-suicide. Journal ofthe American Medical Association (JAMA), 267(23),3179–3183. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.1992.03480230073031   McEwen, B. S. (1998). Protective and damagingeffects of stress mediators. New England Journal ofMedicine, 338(3), 171–179.https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJM199801153380307   Resnick, P. J. (1969). Child murder by parents: Apsychiatric review of filicide. American Journal ofPsychiatry, 126(3), 325–334.   Schulz, R., & Sherwood, P. R. (2008). Physicaland mental health effects of family caregiving. AmericanJournal of Nursing, 108(9 Suppl), 23–27.   Wilson, M., Daly, M., & Daniele, A. (1995).Familicide: The killing of spouse and children. AggressiveBehavior, 21(4), 275–291.       NationalDisability Insurance Scheme Official website: https://www.ndis.gov.au   NDIS Review (2023–2024): https://www.ndisreview.gov.au   Australian Productivity Commission – NDIS Study Report(2017): https://www.pc.gov.au/inquiries/completed/ndis-costs/report     LifelineAustralia 13 11 14 https://www.lifeline.org.au BeyondBlue 1300 22 4636  https://www.beyondblue.org.au   SuicideCall Back Service AustralianContext & Policy ResourcesNationalDisability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)Suicide& Mental Health Support (Australia)

    27 min

  3. FEB 10

    Where is Scott Hayden?

    In this episode, we are sharing an urgent appeal for information regarding the disappearance of Scott Colin Hayden, aged 46. Scott was last seen on 30 May 2025 in Tibbuc, along Thunderbolts Way near Barring/Gloucester, NSW. At the time, he was wearing a white T-shirt and light-coloured shorts, and he may have been barefoot. Scott has distinctive tattoos, which are available to view in the reference images shared with this episode. If you saw Scott on 30 or 31 May, or if you have CCTV or dashcam footage from the following areas, your information could be critical: Bucketts Way Thunderbolts Way Dungog Wauchope Bulahdelah Coffs Harbour and surrounding regions If you have any information, no matter how small it may seem, please contact us or Crime Stoppers. This appeal has been shared at the request of Scott’s family. Please consider sharing this episode to help widen the search and bring Scott home.

    21 min

  4. FEB 3

    Justice for Luke Gilbert - Part Two

    Forensic red flags, systemic failures, and the evidence that was never tested In Part Two of our examination into the fatal police shooting of Luke Gilbert, we move beyond headlines and into the forensic and procedural foundations of the case and what happens when those foundations are missing. Despite a coronial finding being handed down, critical evidence in Luke’s death was never independently tested, never fully disclosed, and in some instances, appears to have been altered or withheld entirely. From missing and edited CCTV footage, unresolved ballistic inconsistencies, and misclassified weapons, to allegations of conflicts of interest, unlawful autopsy consent, and failures by oversight bodies, this episode methodically examines the red flags that undermine confidence in the official findings. This is not an episode driven by outrage or speculation. It is driven by evidence, forensic standards, and the legal obligations that apply when police use lethal force. Drawing directly from the coronial record, the concerns raised by Luke’s family, and accepted forensic and investigative principles, this episode asks one central question: can justice exist where transparency does not? Luke’s case is not just about one man or one night; it is about the systems meant to protect truth and what happens when they fail. Correction & Clarification I want to acknowledge and correct an error made at the end of the most recent episode. When responding to a listener question about Constable Bryce Collins, I incorrectly stated that he was present at the shooting. That was an error. Constable Collins was not present at the shooting. As mentioned earlier in the episode, his involvement relates to looking Luke up and passing information on to a member of the public. Accuracy matters deeply to me, especially when discussing cases that carry so much weight for families and the public. Thank you to those who respectfully flagged this, and I appreciate the continued care and accountability from this community.

    50 min

  5. JAN 29

    Justice for Sarah Spiers - Part Two

    In this episode of Exhuming the Truth, we return to the Claremont case to focus on Sarah Spiers and the legal and court processes that shaped, limited, and ultimately complicated the pursuit of justice in her case. Rather than retelling the events themselves, this episode breaks down how the Australian court system operated at the time, why Sarah's case was legally treated differently to the others, and how evidentiary rules, procedural limitations, and the absense of evidence could and could not be argued in court.

    31 min

  6. JAN 27

    Where is Corrie Feehan? Part Two

    Corrie Feehan vanished from Leeman, WA, in April of 2025. In July 2025, we made an initial episode for Corrie and his family, just 12 weeks after he disappeared. Join us in part two, where we share a heartfelt message from his loving family, who are desperate for answers, and learn about the discrepancies in this case and how you can help us get justice for Corrie and his loved ones.

    18 min

  7. JAN 20

    Justice for Sarah Spiers

    In this episode of Exhuming the Truth, we return to the case of Sarah Spiers, not to rehash the courtroom outcome, but to confront what happened after the verdict. While a conviction was secured, Sarah herself was never recovered, and the effort to find her body quietly lost momentum once the legal process ended. This episode examines the uncomfortable reality that justice is often treated as complete when a sentence is handed down, even when families are left without answers, without remains, and without peace. We explore the systemic failures, the lack of sustained searches, and the human cost of allowing cases to fade once they are no longer legally active. Sarah deserves more than a footnote in legal history. She deserves to be found, acknowledged, and brought home. Until that happens, this case and this conversation is not over. * Includes an audio clip from Sky News - WA Police Commissioner Chris Dawson *

    15 min

  8. JAN 13

    Where is Charlie Park?

    In January of 2012, 66-year-old Charlie Park walked home after a quiet night at the pub in Boulder, WA. He was last seen entering his home and was never seen again. In this episode, we examine what is factually known about Charlie's disappearance, the timeline, the early investigation, and why police have re-opened the case. This episode discusses a long-term missing person case and a suspected homicide - it may be distressing for some listeners. All information presented is drawn from publicly available reporting and police statements. No individuals are accused or implied to be responsible. This episode is intended for educational and public-interest purposes only. Listener discretion is advised.

    17 min
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About

Exhuming the Truth is a True Crime podcast hosted by a forensic biologist, toxicologist, criminologist, and forensic investigations research student, Asha Walther. With several years of experience in cold case analysis, Asha explores cold cases, current cases, missing persons, no-body murders, sexual assaults, domestic violence-related crimes, and more while discussing old, current, and emerging forensic techniques that detail many crimes. You will hear from expert guests, victims of crime, and other special guests.   So, get comfortable while we open our next case file and attempt to Exhume the Truth.

Information

  • Creator
    Asha Walther
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    48
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Asha Walther
  • Show Website
    Exhuming the Truth

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