The Frankston Serial Killer: The Crimes of Paul Charles Denyer

Paul Charles Denyer, also known as the Frankston Serial Killer, is an Australian convicted of the murders of three women in 1993 in the suburb of Frankston, Victoria. His crimes shocked Australia and led to his life imprisonment.

In this blog, I offer an overview of his background and the case.

Early Life

Paul Charles Denyer was born on April 14 1972, in Sydney, Australia. Denyer had a troubled upbringing and was known to exhibit psychopathic tendencies from a young age. He had a fascination with killing animals and was suspended from school for violent behaviour.

Denyer had a difficult time maintaining employment and had a history of harassment toward women before committing the murders.

The Frankston Murders

In 1993, Paul Denyer went on a killing spree in Frankston, targeting young women. His victims were:

1. Elizabeth Stevens (18 years old) was killed on June 11, 1993.

2. Deborah Fream (22 years old) was murdered on July 8, 1993.

3. Natalie Russell (17 years old) was murdered on July 30, 1993.

All three victims were found in isolated areas, and their deaths were marked by extreme violence.

Denyer did not know his victims personally, but his motivations appeared to stem from a deep hatred toward women. His acts were described as sexually sadistic, though he claimed his motives were not sexually driven.

Denyer later confessed to harbouring a desire to kill from childhood.

Capture and Trial

Police apprehended Denyer after a thorough investigation, which included the discovery of evidence linking him to the murder of Natalie Russell.

Denyer confessed to the killings and explained his deep-rooted hatred toward women. He was charged with the three murders and sentenced to life imprisonment in 1993, with a non-parole period of 30 years.

Life in Prison and Gender Identity

In prison, Paul Denyer later identified as a woman and began going by the name Paula Denyer.