It took 36 years for Lynette Dawson’s killer to be found, when Chris Dawson was finally convicted of his wife’s murder in 2018. You’ve probably heard of the ‘teacher’s pet’ case, but do you know how police finally solved it?
Lynette and Chris Dawson met as teenagers, marrying in 1970 and having two children. In 1979, Chris retired from professional rugby league to take up a teaching position at a high school in Sydney’s northern beaches. This is when everything started to fall apart.
In 1980, Chris began a relationship with sixteen-year-old girl ‘JC’, who was a student in his PE class. He eventually moved her into his family home as a live-in babysitter, all the while continuing their relationship.
Two years later, Lynette disappeared. It took Chris six weeks to report his wife missing; he alleged she’d run off to join a cult and take time away from their marriage.
Chris and JC married in 1984. He resized Lynette’s wedding ring for her.
Despite two coronial inquests recommending Chris be charged with murder, the lack of physical evidence meant the case remained unsolved. Then, in 2015, public interest was renewed in the case by The Australian’s podcast series, Teacher’s Pet.
Within months of the series’ release, Chris was arrested for Lynette’s murder.
While the podcast didn’t uncover any new evidence, interviews with old witnesses showed inconsistencies in Chris’ statements.
During the trial, the judge determined that Chris had lied about his intentions with JC, Lynette Dawson’s emotional state prior to her disappearance, and his alleged contact with Lynette after her disappearance.
Ultimately, Chris was sentenced to 24 years in prison for Lynette’s murder – but it’s unlikely the now 76-year-old will ever get out.
Find out more about the aftermath of the trial on this episode of RedHanded.
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