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‘We’re Going to the Cemetery’: Woman Pulls Machete on Taxi Driver for Playing the Wrong Music

In a terrifying incident captured on video in Samara City, Russia, a taxi driver experienced a “ride from hell” after his passenger threatened him with a massive machete. The reason for the attack? She couldn’t stand the “dance music” blaring in his cab and demanded he play “chanson” instead.

‘I Don’t Like This Kind of Music’

The shocking event was caught on the cab’s internal camera, showing a woman believed to be in her fifties lounging in the back seat.

Footage shows her rummaging through her bag before suddenly brandishing a large machete, thrusting it between the front seats and near the driver’s face. In a moment of sheer panic, the driver sways to the side, wincing as he tries to edge away from the blade.

“I don’t like this kind of [dance] music,” the woman states calmly.

The petrified cabbie stutters, “I understand, I understand. I’ll turn it off.”

She then presses him: “Couldn’t you understand the first time?”

A Demand for ‘Criminal Underworld Songs’

The woman wasn’t satisfied with silence. She had a specific request, ordering him: “Turn on chanson.”

She promised, “When you turn on [my favourite chanson], I’ll put [the machete] away.”

For Russians, the “chanson” genre is a broad term, but it is often associated with blatnaya pesnya, or “criminal underworld songs,” which romanticize the lives of convicts and gangsters.

The driver, who had slipped off his seat belt and appeared ready to bolt from the car, desperately switched to the station she demanded. Only then did the woman casually set the lethal blade down.

“We’re going to the cemetery.”

After the music was changed, the driver nervously asked, “Do you know where we’re going?”

She replied simply: “We’re going to the cemetery.”

Reports state the terrifying trip ended at a local cemetery without any physical violence, despite the woman’s onslaught of demands.

Police Launch Investigation

Although the driver did not make a formal complaint, the disturbing video quickly went viral, prompting a police investigation. Officers from the Smyshlyaevka police station in Samara have launched a search for the machete-wielding passenger.

Officials are now working to trace the mystery, headscarf-wearing woman and her weapon.

November 14, 2025
‘I’ll Gang Rape You’: Millionaire Boss Who Threatened Air Hostess in Front of His 3 Children Has “Lenient” Sentence Tripled

A millionaire recruitment boss who launched a horrific tirade of abuse at a Virgin Atlantic air hostess, threatening to have her gang-raped and set on fire in front of his own young children, has had his “unduly lenient” jail sentence significantly increased by the Court of Appeal.

Salman Iftikhar, 38, was on a first-class flight from London Heathrow to Lahore, Pakistan, in February 2023 when the shocking incident unfolded at 39,000 feet.

100 Rants and Vile Threats

Isleworth Crown Court heard that Iftikhar, who was travelling with his wife and three children, directed a series of over 100 profanity-laced rants at cabin crew member Angie Walsh.

During the harrowing ordeal, Iftikhar told Ms. Walsh that she would be dragged from her hotel room, gang-raped, and then set on fire.

A shocked passenger, who filmed a portion of the tirade, could be heard saying “holy s***” as Iftikhar repeatedly and falsely accused Ms. Walsh of being a racist, yelling, “You called me a p*** in front of everybody.”

Public Outrage and “Two-Tier” Justice

Iftikhar, who is reportedly married to a second wife, supermodel Abeer Rizvi, in Pakistan, initially cried as he was jailed for just 15 months last August.

The light sentence sparked immediate public outrage and accusations of a “two-tier” justice system. Many contrasted it with the 31-month sentence given to Lucy Connolly for her tweets during the Southport riots. The case’s high profile led Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp to refer Iftikhar’s sentence to the Attorney General for being “unduly lenient.”

Sentence Increased to 3 Years

The case was referred to the Court of Appeal, which agreed with the assessment and increased Iftikhar’s sentence to three years.

Solicitor General Ellie Reeves said: “Salman Iftikhar made horrific threats of rape and violence against an air steward who was simply doing her job. His tirade of hate and abuse caused distress and anguish for the whole flight, and all of our thoughts today should be with the cabin crew and passengers who suffered from Iftikhar’s vile behaviour.”

The court heard that Iftikhar has an “appalling record of misconduct,” including six previous convictions from 15 offences, such as common assault in 2004 and multiple drink-driving incidents. In 2021, he was fined £3,000 after he was caught driving his Rolls Royce while under the influence of both alcohol and cannabis.

“Appalling Incident, Devastating Consequences”

The judge, Ms. Recorder Annabel Darlow KC, noted that Iftikhar had failed to address his long-standing “drug and alcohol problem.”

She also highlighted the devastating impact on the victim, Ms. Walsh, who gave up the job she loved for 14 months due to the trauma. Thankfully, she has now been able to return to work.

“Your threats to kill were made in the presence of children, specifically your three young children,” the judge told Iftikhar. “Your children had to be comforted by cabin crew staff while you made those threats. This was an appalling incident which has caused long lasting and devastating consequences.”

November 13, 2025
Man, 50, Killed in Pedestrian-Truck Collision in Liverpool

A 50-year-old man has died after being struck by a truck in Sydney’s southwest on Tuesday night.

Emergency services were called to the intersection of Copeland Street and Elizabeth Drive, Liverpool, at approximately 7:50 PM following reports of a serious crash.

Police from the Liverpool City Police Area Command were informed that the man was allegedly hit by the truck as he was crossing the road.

NSW Ambulance paramedics arrived on the scene and treated the pedestrian, but he could not be revived and was pronounced dead.

The driver of the truck, a 33-year-old man, was not injured in the incident. He was transported to Liverpool Hospital to undergo mandatory testing.

Police have established a crime scene at the intersection, which will be forensically examined by specialists from the Crash Investigation Unit to determine the circumstances of the collision.

Authorities are appealing for any witnesses, or anyone with dashcam footage of the incident, to contact Liverpool police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

November 12, 2025
Indiana House Cleaner Shot and Killed at Wrong Address
The early morning quiet of a Whitestown, Indiana subdivision was shattered Wednesday by a fatal misunderstanding. A house cleaner, arriving for a routine job, was shot and killed on the front porch of a home she was never supposed to be at, marking another tragedy in a disturbing string of “wrong address” shootings.

A Deadly Case of Mistaken Address

At 6:49 a.m., the Whitestown Metropolitan Police Department (WMPD) responded to a 911 call reporting a possible break-in. When officers arrived, they found a man and a woman on the home’s front porch. The woman, shot and unresponsive, was pronounced dead at the scene. The man was uninjured.

The investigation quickly revealed this was not a break-in, but a devastating error.

The pair, identified by CBS affiliate WTTV as Maria Florinda Rios Perez, a mother of four, and her husband, Mauricio Velazquez, ran a cleaning crew. They had mistakenly arrived at the wrong address for their first job of the day.

Police stated the couple did not appear to have made any attempt to enter the home.

“They Should’ve Called the Police First”

In a heartbreaking interview with WTTV, Velazquez recounted the moments that led to his wife’s death. He told the station that the shot that struck Perez was fired through the home’s door. A bullet hole was reportedly visible.

Velazquez said he never saw who fired the fatal shot.

“They should’ve called the police first instead of just shooting out of nowhere like that,” Velazquez told the station through an interpreter.

The investigation is active and ongoing. Police have not released the identity of the person inside the home but confirmed in a statement that “all individuals involved” are being interviewed. Investigators have also recovered a firearm.

The WMPD stated it was working with the Boone County Prosecutor’s Office “to ensure every aspect of this case is handled with care and diligence.”

A Disturbing National Trend?

This tragic incident is not an isolated event. It adds another name to a growing, and terrifying, list of shootings involving people who simply went to the wrong address.

This pattern gained national attention in April 2023, a month that saw multiple, similar tragedies:
- Ralph Yarl: The 16-year-old was shot and wounded in Kansas City after ringing the doorbell at the wrong house while trying to pick up his younger siblings.
- Kaylin Gillis: The 20-year-old was shot and killed in upstate New York when the car she was in turned into the wrong driveway.
- Robert Dotson: Police in New Mexico, responding to a domestic violence call at the wrong address, shot and killed the 52-year-old homeowner when he answered the door.
The WMPD has asked for the public’s patience, stating, “We understand that incidents like this can cause concern and speculation. … These cases are often complex and require time to fully understand.”

As the investigation into the death of Maria Perez continues, it leaves her family and community grappling with how a simple, everyday mistake could turn so deadly.
November 12, 2025
Aberdeen Mother Charged in Tragic Baby Death
A devastating and high-profile criminal case is unfolding as an Aberdeen mother faces a charge of culpable homicide in the death of her infant daughter.

Courtney Gartshore, 27, stands accused of causing the death of three-month-old Dahlia Rose in a deeply tragic incident that took place at a home in Peterhead in September 2023.

The prosecution alleges that the infant passed away as a direct result of being subjected to “sustained heat” from a hairdryer.

This grim charge has cast a spotlight on the circumstances surrounding the baby’s final hours, with further accusations pointing to willful neglect and substance use.

The case, which is being heard at the High Court in Glasgow, has brought forward a number of serious and disturbing allegations.

Alongside the main charge of culpable homicide, prosecutors claim Gartshore was under the influence of drugs and alcohol at the time of the tragedy.

She also faces a separate charge of drinking to excess and co-sleeping with the infant while intoxicated, a practice known to be extremely dangerous.

Disturbing Allegations and Neglect Charges

Beyond the immediate cause of death, the legal documents outline a wider pattern of alleged neglect.

Gartshore, also known as Courtney McCready, is accused of willfully neglecting Dahlia Rose and another child on the day leading up to the infant’s passing.

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The charges paint a troubling picture of the living conditions at the property, alleging that the children were kept in “unsanitary conditions.”

Court papers claim the home was cluttered with dirty nappies, spoiled food, and alcoholic beverages.

In addition to these serious child neglect charges, the case includes a claim that Gartshore was in possession of both cocaine and the Class B stimulant mephedrone.

These drug-related charges add another layer of complexity to the already severe accusations.

The shocking circumstances of this case have drawn significant public attention, with the charges outlining how Dahlia Rose’s injuries were so severe that they led directly to her passing.

As the legal proceedings move forward, the details surrounding the mother’s alleged actions—including the wilful neglect of her children and the possession of illegal substances—will be scrutinized.

Legal Proceedings and the Road Ahead

During the initial short hearing at the High Court, Courtney Gartshore was excused from attending. Her legal representative, Murray Macara KC, entered a plea of not guilty on her behalf.

This sets the stage for a full trial, where the details of the case will be heard and a jury will ultimately determine her guilt or innocence.

The case continues to be followed closely by the public, as it shines a light on the devastating consequences that can arise from child neglect and dangerous behavior.
August 17, 2025
Police Dog Attack Kills Police Chief’s Daughter
BURLINGTON, CO—A three-year-old girl, the daughter of Burlington Police Chief Nathan Hill, has died after a tragic police dog attack at the family home. The heartbreaking incident has left a community reeling and a family devastated.

The dog involved, a German Shepherd named Draco, was a retired narcotics detection K-9. Kit Carson Sheriff Travis Beldon noted the dog was not trained for apprehension or patrol work, making the attack “very uncharacteristic.”

Draco was recently retired from the Cheyenne County Sheriff’s Office and had been donated to the Burlington Police Department. Hill was keeping the dog at his home, where it had been since its retirement. Following the tragedy, the dog was taken to the Burlington dog pound and euthanized.

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“We are deeply saddened by the tragic incident,” the Burlington Police Department stated, extending their condolences to Chief Hill, his wife, and their family.

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COMMUNITY GATHERS TO SUPPORT FAMILY AFTER POLICE DOG ATTACK

The investigation is ongoing as authorities work to determine what led to the fatal attack. At the time of the incident, Chief Hill was not home. The community is now focused on supporting the Hill family through this unimaginable loss.
August 15, 2025
Pregnant woman killed and man decapitated in Melbourne home
A pregnant woman killed in a Melbourne home alongside a man who had been decapitated has been identified as 39-year-old Athena Georgopoulos.

Police discovered Ms Georgopoulos’ body inside a unit on Adrienne Crescent in Mount Waverley at around 9:55pm on Monday. Her partner, a 50-year-old man, was also found dead at the scene. His head had been removed.

Investigators say the man lived at the address where both bodies were found. In a statement, police confirmed that the families of both victims have been notified.

A 34-year-old man was arrested at Westall train station in Clayton South at 1:40am on Tuesday. He was barefoot at the time and had blood on his shirt. Two large dogs were also with him when he was taken into custody.

According to The Herald Sun, Ms Georgopoulos was five months pregnant. The paper also reported that the male victim’s head had been placed on a spike after being removed.

Graffiti was visible on the outside of the home, including the phrase “Karma is not a menu” and other messages referencing veganism, such as “meat is murder.” Additional words like “betrayal, unpredictable, inevitable” were also scrawled on the property.

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Police confirmed they are aware of the graffiti and will investigate whether it is connected to the murders. On Tuesday, at least six forensic officers in protective suits were seen moving between the home and a police van, while officers kept the area sealed off.

Late in the morning, a woman believed to be the mother of the female victim ran through the police tape toward the property.

Detective Inspector Dean Thomas from the Melbourne Homicide Squad told reporters the man in custody was known to the victims. “We believe there is a link between our suspect and the address,” he said.

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“It appears this was a targeted attack and the suspect has a connection to the address,” Detective Inspector Thomas said.

He urged anyone who may have seen unusual activity near Adrienne Crescent, Ferntree Gully Road, or the Westall train station to contact police.

At this stage, no charges have been laid. Investigators are appealing for any witnesses, or anyone who might have information or relevant footage, to come forward and assist with the case.
August 12, 2025
Beloved 5-Metre Crocodile ‘Big John’ Found Decapitated in Queensland Fishing Net

Wildlife officials and locals are in shock after a massive 5-metre crocodile known as “Big John” was discovered decapitated in a net in Far North Queensland.

The crocodile, a well-known resident of the Johnstone River near Innisfail, was found on Friday tangled in a floating crab pot with its head severed and missing. The Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI) confirmed the grim discovery, sparking a criminal investigation into the disturbing incident.

Wildlife Crime Investigation Underway

Authorities have launched a full-scale investigation into the suspected illegal killing of Big John, a saltwater crocodile estimated to be over 50 years old. The killing of crocodiles in Queensland is a serious offence under the Nature Conservation Act 1992, with penalties of up to $32,243 or even imprisonment.

DESI wildlife officers collected the carcass for forensic examination, hoping to identify the individual or individuals responsible.

“This is not only illegal—it’s a deeply disrespectful act against one of Australia’s most iconic apex predators,” a DESI spokesperson said.

Big John Was a Local Icon

Big John had long been a fixture in the Johnstone River ecosystem and was frequently spotted by tour operators and locals. Wildlife advocates say the loss is both emotional and ecological.

“Big John was a known entity. He had a territory, and people were used to seeing him. This isn’t just a dead crocodile—it’s the destruction of a local symbol,” said one conservationist.

Calls for Public Assistance

Officials are urging anyone with information about the decapitation of Big John to come forward. The Queensland government is especially appealing to crabbers, fishermen, and river users who may have seen suspicious activity in the area.

To report information anonymously, contact Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000.

A Disturbing Trend in Wildlife Harm

This latest case adds to growing concerns over crocodile cruelty and illegal killings in northern Australia. Authorities are reminding the public that interfering with protected wildlife carries severe penalties and undermines the delicate balance of local ecosystems.

August 5, 2025
Teen Girl Dead, Another Arrested After Stabbing in NSW

A 14-year-old girl has died following a stabbing in the NSW suburb of Edgeworth, with a 13-year-old girl—believed to be known to the victim—taken into custody.

Emergency services were called to a home on Euston Close around 10:20pm on Monday night after reports of a stabbing. The teenage girl was found with a serious injury to her torso.

Paramedics treated her at the scene before rushing her to hospital in critical condition. Tragically, she later succumbed to her injuries. The victim is yet to be formally identified.

A 13-year-old girl was arrested at the scene. No charges have been laid at this stage.

NSW Police confirmed that a kitchen knife was recovered from the home and has been seized for forensic analysis. The property remains an active crime scene and is undergoing forensic examination.

The NSW Homicide Squad is now assisting local detectives as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

August 5, 2025
Australia’s Most Talked‑About True Crime Cases of 2025
2025 has become one of the most captivating years in Australian true crime history. From viral court cases to binge-worthy documentaries and top-charting podcasts, real-life crime stories have dominated national headlines and digital platforms alike. But what exactly makes these cases so gripping—and why are Australian audiences, and the world, so enthralled?

In this blog, we break down the most talked-about true crime stories of 2025 and the media firestorms they’ve sparked across the country.

1. Australia’s True Crime Podcast Boom

The audio world is bursting with true crime content in 2025, and Australians are leading the charge.
- Casefile True Crime remains a global juggernaut with millions of listeners worldwide, praised for its anonymous narrator and chillingly meticulous storytelling.
- Rising quickly is Mushroom Case Daily, a podcast dedicated to updates on Erin Patterson’s court proceedings and forensic deep dives.
- True Crime Australia and Dear Rachelle have also surged on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, covering crimes both past and unfolding with journalistic precision.
These podcasts don’t just retell stories—they shape them, fuel conversations, and even spark independent investigations.

2. Crime on Screen: Documentaries & Series That Sparked Nationwide Interest

True crime television is in high demand, and Australian stories are taking center stage.
- The highly anticipated documentary Death Cap promises a harrowing look inside the Erin Patterson case, with interviews from family members, experts, and law enforcement.
- A dramatized series titled Toxic is also in development, offering a fictionalized account inspired by the same tragedy.
- On the public service side, SBS’s 2.6 Seconds explores the fatal police shooting of Kumanjayi Walker, shedding light on systemic issues in remote communities.
Australia’s crime narratives are no longer niche—they’re going global, visual, and viral.

3. Headline Crimes of the Year

The Erin Patterson Mushroom Murders

Perhaps no case in 2025 has sparked more public outrage and fascination than that of Erin Patterson, now convicted of poisoning her ex in-laws with death cap mushrooms during a family lunch in Leongatha.
- The case garnered global headlines not just for its brutality, but for its layers of familial betrayal, rare female-led homicide, and intense media scrutiny.
- Patterson’s court trial became a media event in itself, with press from every major network and even discussions of juror privacy breaches.
- The crime’s gothic qualities—a domestic meal turned deadly—made it a case that audiences couldn’t turn away from.
The Pheobe Bishop Disappearance

In Bundaberg, 17-year-old Pheobe Bishop vanished under mysterious circumstances. Her body was later found in a national park, and her housemates were charged in connection.
- With new court developments each week and public interest skyrocketing, this case has become a symbol of youth vulnerability and the dangers hidden behind closed doors.
Other Cases Gaining Traction
- The Julian Story investigation in Port Lincoln, involving missing remains and complex forensic evidence, is unfolding into one of SA’s most intriguing cases.
4. Why These Cases Gripped the Nation

What makes these crimes especially gripping to the public?
- Media Access & Streaming: Never before have trials been covered in such real-time detail across platforms.
- Female Offenders: Cases like Patterson’s break societal expectations, driving more fascination.
- Narrative Power: Well-produced content—from courtroom podcasts to docu-dramas—pulls people into stories emotionally and psychologically.
- Public Relevance: These aren’t just distant stories—they reflect fears about family, safety, trust, and justice.
5. Culture, Crime & the Rise of Dark Tourism

Australia is seeing a surge in what’s known as dark tourism—travel to sites associated with tragedy or mystery.
- Towns like Leongatha and Bundaberg have experienced increased visitor interest due to their connection to high-profile cases.
- Similar to the global fascination with Jack the Ripper tours or the Jeffrey Dahmer neighborhood, Australians are now retracing the real paths of Patterson, Bishop, and others.
- For a modern public growing up on Netflix docuseries and viral TikTok breakdowns, this trend raises both ethical and cultural questions.
Conclusion

Whether it’s the twisted details of the Erin Patterson trial, the haunting disappearance of Pheobe Bishop, or the media coverage that turns these stories into cultural phenomena—2025 has proven that true crime is no longer just about solving mysteries. It’s about understanding human behavior, confronting fear, and exploring the societal threads that connect us all.

FAQs

Q: What are the most popular true crime podcasts in Australia in 2025?
A: Casefile True Crime, Mushroom Case Daily, True Crime Australia, and Dear Rachelle are leading the charts across Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Q: Why is the Erin Patterson case so famous?
A: Her poisoning of family members with death cap mushrooms is not only rare in Australian history but deeply emotional, leading to global media, documentaries, and a cultural fixation.

Q: What is dark tourism and is it growing in Australia?
A: Yes. Dark tourism involves visiting places tied to tragic or criminal events. Australian towns like Leongatha are seeing spikes in visitors following high-profile cases.
July 29, 2025