South Auckland Massacre: The Story Behind a Child Survivor’s 111 Call

In May 1992, a brutal family massacre shocked New Zealand. Brian Schlaepfer, a 64-year-old man, took the lives of six family members at their South Auckland farm, leaving only his 9-year-old granddaughter, Linda Schlaepfer, alive. The tragedy, which began with a domestic argument and ended with Brian taking his own life, remains one of the country’s most harrowing family tragedies.

The Tragedy Unfolds

Brian Schlaepfer stabbed his wife, Jocelyn, to death before turning his violence on the rest of his family. He killed his three sons—Peter, Karl, and Darrell—along with Peter’s wife, Hazel, and their 11-year-old son, Aaron. The only survivor was Linda, who had hidden in a wardrobe during the attack. Her courage and quick thinking led to crucial information being relayed to the police, which played a key role in the investigation.

The 111 Call: A Moment That Changed Everything

In a recent episode of the podcast A Moment In Crime, senior journalist Anna Leask provides a chilling account of the harrowing 111 call made by Linda Schlaepfer to Constable Jeff Stuck. The conversation, which has never been fully disclosed before, offers a rare and deeply moving glimpse into the terror experienced by a child during one of New Zealand’s darkest days.

The Legacy of a Podcast

Hosted by Anna Leask, A Moment In Crime has become one of the most listened-to true crime podcasts in the country. Since its launch in 2019, the series has produced over 55 episodes, reaching more than 1 million downloads across 170 countries. Its coverage of high-profile cases such as the Christchurch mosque attack, the Bain family murders, and the Aramoana massacre has earned it critical acclaim and a growing global audience.

The podcast has also tackled lesser-known but equally disturbing cases, such as the murder of Grace Millane, the deaths of the Kahui twins, and the tragic story of Lauren Dickason, who was jailed for killing her three young daughters shortly after moving to New Zealand. Each episode is meticulously researched and presented with the depth and sensitivity that only a journalist with over 20 years of experience can provide.

A Commitment to Truth and Justice

As the podcast continues to explore the darkest corners of human behavior, it also highlights the resilience of victims and the pursuit of justice. In 2023, A Moment In Crime released a special three-part series on the case of James Wallace, a wealthy philanthropist who was convicted of sexually assaulting three men. The series was a powerful reminder of the importance of accountability and the role of the media in exposing abuse of power.

With new episodes released monthly, A Moment In Crime remains a vital resource for those seeking to understand the complexities of crime and justice in New Zealand and beyond. It is available on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other major podcast platforms.

As the podcast continues to grow, it brings with it a renewed sense of purpose: to tell the stories that matter, to honor the victims, and to ensure that justice is never forgotten.