Crime Investigation Australia: Evil Mind

The next instalment of Crime Investigation Australia will look at the 1999 murder of Sydney woman Donna Wheeler.

Wheeler was found stabbed in her unit but there was conflicting evidence over whether her violent ex-boyfriend or his brother, who had been convicted of manslaughter of another woman, was responsible.

CIA again features re-enactments and interviews with investigating police, Donna Wheeler’s mother and two of her close friends.

The episode also looks into the disappearance of Trudie Adams, last seen on Sydney’s northern beaches in the 1970’s.

It airs 7:30pm Thursday November 27 on C&I.

Press Release:
FOXTEL’s popular crime series, Crime Investigation Australia, will revisit a shocking crime during the world premiere of CIA: EVIL HEART – THE MURDER OF DONNA WHEELER, airing on Thursday, November 27 at 7:30pm AEST on Crime & Investigation Network.

Hosted by Steve Liebmann, this chilling one-hour special explores the brutal murder of a young mother, Donna Wheeler, in western Sydney and the subsequent police investigation and testing trial that followed.

CIA: EVIL HEART – THE MURDER OF DONNA WHEELER features detailed re-enactments and interviews with key figures from the case including the investigating police, plus intimate interviews with Donna Wheeler’s mother and two of her close friends.

Late in the evening on Wednesday, November 3, 1999, the bloodied, semi-naked body of 30-year-old Donna Wheeler is discovered by her estranged husband and 12-year-old son in the lounge room of her unit in Berala, in western Sydney. Donna had been brutally beaten and stabbed the previous night. A partially eaten Chinese meal lay on the dining table. The walls of the room are covered in blood splatters and a plastic bag lay by her head. The bag will prove to hold vital evidence.

Police immediately focus their attention on an ex-boyfriend, Keith Bond. He and Donna’s relationship was violent, forcing Donna to take out an apprehended violence order against him. When police go to speak with Keith they are met by his brother, Colin. Colin tells police he had dinner with Donna the night of her murder, but states Donna received a call and went out. He cannot say who the call was from. While speaking to Colin, Homicide Detective Sergeant Russell Oxford notices blood spots on the floor of Colin and Keith’s house. Colin has a cut on his finger, which he explains away. The detective also notices a blood spot on Colin’s watch.

The investigation then turns to Colin after Keith remembers his brother returning home around midnight the night of the murder and having a shower. Colin also washed his clothes, keeping Keith and girlfriend awake with the noise of the washing machine. Colin is quickly arrested and charged with the murder. The plastic bag found near Donna’s head shows a fingerprint in blood. The print belongs to Colin Bond, who had been convicted of manslaughter of a woman who rejected his sexual advances 10 years previously.

The trial, however, proves to be a testing experience for police and the prosecution, as Colin’s defence counsel tries to shift the blame to Keith. The jury are not allowed to know Colin’s dark past. Colin’s guilt is further put into doubt when Keith goes missing. Police serve a warrant for Keith’s arrest. They need to find Keith to unravel the truth. Which brother really killed Donna Wheeler?

In the second part, Crime Investigation Australia looks into the disappearance of Trudie Adams, last seen on Sydney’s northern beaches in the 1970’s. Homicide Cold Case detectives have re-opened the investigation and hope that the airing of this case may bring forward new information to solve the 30 year old mystery.

CRIME INVESTIGATION AUSTRALIA: EVIL MIND – THE MURDER OF DONNA WHEELER airs on Crime & Investigation Network on Thursday, November 27 at 7.30pm AEST.