Born in Lang Lang, Victoria, in 1911, charismatic crook and killer James Robert Walker pretty much wrote the playbook that Mark “Chopper” Read would later follow. Finally convicted of murder in Melbourne in 1953, he made headlines by demanding to be hanged.
Denied his death wish, Walker then planned a massacre in Pentridge Prison – setting out his reasons in a book-length confession he’d written in secret, in which he also admitted to unsolved murders, shootings and robberies.
The publication of “The Robert Walker Story” in newspapers around Australia enthralled hundreds of thousands of readers, though his life and times would soon be inexplicably forgotten — until now. In part one of this three-part episode, we follow Walker in the 1930s as he rejects his respectable upbringing for a career as a petty criminal and cold-blooded gunman responsible for two murders. For part two, click here
Enjoyed this story. Very well read. Keep up spreading our history.
Brilliant, engaging story! Have told so many people to listen to this podcast. Can’t believe I could not find a thing on James Robert Walker anywhere on the internet.
Well researched and read.was hooked and couldnt wait for each follow up episode
Thanks, Jason. Robert Walker really was a piece of work.
Absolutely enjoy the professional research ,writing and your knack for bringing all together in such an enjoyable package. The entire podcast is of thorough quality. From Florida,by way of Boston.