Australia’s Seven Network presents a chilling exploration of unsolved crimes in “The Hunters,” taking viewers on a journey down Queensland’s Flinders Highway, a road unfortunately dubbed the “Highway of Death.” Investigative journalist Adam Shand and former detective Steve Van Aperen team up to re-examine a series of murders and disappearances that have haunted the region for decades.
From the brutal murders of the Mackay sisters to the discovery of Catherine Graham’s remains in Anthill Creek, the team revisits these cold cases, searching for connections and new leads. The 1972 disappearance of young hitchhikers Anita Cunningham and Robin Hoinville-Bartram also comes under scrutiny. While Robin’s remains were eventually found, Anita’s fate remains a mystery, a heartbreaking question mark that has lingered for over 50 years.
The episode examines potential links to notorious killers like Ivan Milat and John Andrew Stuart, the man responsible for the Whiskey Au Go Go massacre. Could these infamous figures be connected to the Flinders Highway cases?
The investigation includes interviews with retired Queensland Police Detective Seargent Mick Gurn, retired Queensland Police Officer Brian Beveridge, and forensic archaeologist Dr. Louise Steding. Adding another piece to the puzzle, the episode features a first-time interview with an eyewitness who spoke with Anita and Robin shortly before their disappearance. This individual may have been the last person to see the young women alive. In a particularly poignant moment, the team joins Anita’s brother, David Cunningham, at a location where he believes his sister’s remains might be located, a site that holds the potential to bring closure after decades of uncertainty.
Is there a single killer responsible for the crimes along the Flinders Highway or are these isolated incidents? “The Hunters” sets out to answer this question, bringing new light to these haunting cold cases. Tune in to Channel 7 this Sunday, March 9 at 8:40pm to follow the investigation.
