On December 2, 2010, **Phoebe Handsjuk**, a 24-year-old woman, was found dead at the bottom of a luxury apartment building's garbage chute. Her death was officially ruled a **suicide**, later changed to a **"freak accident"** by the coroner. But how did she end up there? Join us as we examine the **highly controversial investigation** and coroner's findings, which many argue are **unsupported by the evidence**.
Explore the conflicting accounts and questionable conclusions, such as the pathologist's differing measurement of Phoebe's height compared to her family's evidence, which impacted the coroner's theory about the nature of her fall. Delve into the evidence of **unexplained injuries** to her head, which critics argue are inconsistent with a feet-first fall. Consider the **difficulty of entering the small chute opening feet first**, particularly for someone intoxicated, and the striking **absence of fingerprints** on the chute door and surrounding areas, despite blood found nearby.
Uncover the **questionable handling of the investigation** by police, including the failure to immediately secure CCTV footage and computers, potentially leading to lost evidence, and the controversial decision to prevent paramedics from examining Phoebe at the scene. Examine the **shadow of suspicion** cast over her partner, Antony Hampel, due to his behavior, changes in his evidence, and the unresolved questions about the hour between his arrival home and the discovery of Phoebe's body.
This episode delves into the **lingering mystery** that the official ruling failed to definitively resolve and the ongoing fight by Phoebe's family for a new inquiry and justice.
**Works Cited**
AAP. "Inquest probes Vic garbage chute death." *SBS News*, SBS, 26 Aug. 2013.
Bowles, Robin. "An Australian Death and a Suspicious Ruling of Suicide." *CrimeReads*.
Campbell, Lorne. "Commentary by Lorne Campbell on the findings of Coroner White, delivered on 10th December, 2014 following the inquest into the death of Phoebe Handsjuk." *Phoebe Handsjuk*, posted by Natalie, 28 Jan. 2015.
Coroner Peter White. *Coroners Finding for Inquest into the Death of Phoebe Handsjuk*. 10 Dec. 2014.
Handsjuk, Natalie. "Phoebe Handsjuk / What Happened to Phoebe?" *Phoebe Handsjuk*, 9 Mar. 2013.
Reddit. Discussion of "How did Phoebe Handsjuk end up in a garbage chute?" *Reddit, r/UnresolvedMysteries*. Accessed 12 June 2024.
Reddit. Discussion of "What's a true crime “cold case” that just doesn't sit right with you?" *Reddit, r/AskReddit*. Accessed 12 June 2024.
The Age and Sydney Morning Herald. *Phoebe's Fall*. Apple Inc., 2016-2025. *Apple Podcasts*.
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