Bound together by tragedy

It’s the moment that felt like it would never come for Kathleen Folbigg’s supporters: the inquiry into her convictions begins on Monday.
Next week has been set aside to hear evidence relevant to forensic pathology and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) or Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy (SUDI). April 15-16 have been set aside to hear evidence relevant to genetics and cardiology. April 17-18 have been set aside for Kathy to give evidence, if she chooses to do so.
The substantive hearings will be held at the Forensic Medicine and Coroner’s Court complex located on 1A Main Avenue, Lidcombe.
This Sunday night, 60 Minutes is running an interview with an Australian mother who suffered an identical tragedy to Kathy – four of her children dying of SIDS – but who walked free from court.
The program notes: “Kathleen Folbigg and Carol Matthey are mothers bound by terrible tragedy: both had four babies die. But while Kathleen was found guilty of murder and jailed, Carol was never convicted.”
It’s the first time in 12 years that Carol Matthey has spoken to the media since her preliminary hearing in 2007.
Kathy’s long-time friend Tracy Chapman tells Justice for Kathleen Folbigg: “I had the privilege of meeting Carol, spending time with her and hearing her story. The correlations between the two cases are astounding … The outcomes in both cases are polar opposites. The suffering of these two women, undeniable.”
Watch the preview of the segment below:
We have no idea how the finished program will pan out. Will it paint Kathy as Australia’s worst serial killer or suggest reasonable doubt?
Tune in on Sunday night and let us know your thoughts.
A group of Kathy’s supporters will attend the inquiry. We’ll try to keep you in the loop as much as we can about the proceeding.
“Next week I’ll sit watching Lidcome Coroner’s Court, heart in mouth, knowing that many years of hard work and dedication are about to decide Kath’s future,” Tracy said.
She also thanked the author Emma Cunliffe, Kathy’s legal team and friends who have worked tirelessly to make this milestone moment happen.
Intense days ahead, especially for Kathy, who has spent the last 16 years in a jail cell and is desperately hoping expert witnesses will convince the inquiry that she didn’t murder her four children.
Kathy’s supporters remain disappointed that Kathy’s former husband and the father of her children, Craig Folbigg, has refused to provide a DNA sample for analysis.
If Kathleen had been tried by the same Judge as Carol she would have walked too. That is the irony of the justice system. Kath deserves a show about her plight, not one that gives the other view in the interest of balance. They had their turn which is why she was convicted 16 years ago. It’s her turn now.
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I think it was the prosecutor that tried her case that did the damage. He’s very clever, and has secured convictions in a few notable cases now. One was acquitted of murder after serving three years in prison and now suing.
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