Crime Reporting
When I was in university, I thought I was ready to undertake criminology.
I studied hard and threw myself into study. Forensic psychology, investigative theory, law and more. I even applied to the Victorian Police Academy and was preparing to sit my entrance exam.
Death by a thousand cuts, a lot of the course material and the general public saddened me. The general obsession and idolisation of killers, the unhealthy consumption of fictional crime.. The romanticisation of violence, the casual sexualisation of victims’ pain, made me feel sick to my stomach. I realised I did not want to be associated with “crime enthusiasts” or true crime culture that treats real tragedy as entertainment. So I paused my studies.
Until last year.
Last year, the urge to read cold cases and study again quietly returned.
I came across a local case I had unbelievably never heard of, the disappearance of Suzi Lawrance.
In the time between stepping away and coming back, I have grown. I have worked on my skills,
my resilience, and my sense of responsibility. I realised I was ready to approach criminology again, but with a renewed perspective.
I want ethical true crime telling. I want accuracy. I want delicacy. No romanticisation.
No reduction of victims, to just being statistics, cold cases or facts.
My renewed interest in investigative journalism and criminology is grounded in accountability and respect. Researching Suzi’s case has shaped that perspective profoundly, and continues to guide the way I approach crime reporting.
Missing:
Suzi Lawrance
Suzanne Lawrance, affectionately nicknamed Suzie, was just 16 years old when she was last seen walking through Healesville’s Queens Park on the night of February 7th, 1987, which is now 39 years ago. Suzi had left a 21st birthday party at Healesville’s Memorial Hall, to head to her close-by home on Campbell Road.
Skills I've learned...
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Coordinating with major institutions including Victoria Police, Yarra Ranges Council, and Freedom of Information bodies
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Liaising with local organisations such as Rotary Clubs, Historical Societies , Facebook Groups, Missing Persons Groups for records and community context and community output
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Conducting (informal) interviews with sensitivity and discretion
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Managing emotionally complex subject matter with professionalism and respect
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Undertaking archival research and compiling structured investigative notes
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Establishing accurate timelines through historical research dating back to the 1980s
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Cross-checking information across multiple sources to ensure accuracy
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Collaborating with co-workers/journalists and integrating professional feedback
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Demonstrating persistence through setbacks, long wait times, and limited resources
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Maintaining objectivity in sensitive or high-emotion circumstances
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