In June 1992, 18-year-old Katie Rackliff was heading home after a night out in Farnborough, Hampshire, when she was savagely attacked and murdered. The case sent shockwaves through the community, but as the years passed with no arrests, it seemed justice might never come.
Then, four years later, a shocking revelation turned the investigation on its head. The killer wasn’t just someone the police never suspected - they would go down in history as the UK’s youngest-ever female murderer.
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Intro music:
David John Brady - 'Throw Down the Gauntlet'
davidjohnbrady.com
Disclaimer:
The case discussed in this podcast episode is real and represents the worst day in many people's lives. I aim to cover such stories with a victim-focused approach, using information from publicly available sources. While I strive for accuracy, some details may vary depending on the sources used. You can find the sources for each episode on my website. Due to the nature of the content, listener discretion is advised. Thank you for your understanding and support.
References:
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Austin, J., & Bolton, J. (2022, September 25). Woman who stabbed stranger to death at 12 bids to be released from London prison. My London. Retrieved February 7, 2025, from https://www.mylondon.news/news/south-london-news/britains-youngest-female-murderer-who-25103597
Boys find woman stabbed to death. (1992, June 8). Wolverhampton Express and Star, 14.
Boys stumble on murdered redhead. (1992, June 8). Western Daily Press, 10.
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Coles, J. (1992, June 12). Find the sex attacker who murdered our girl. Daily Express, 23.
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Crimewatch boost for Katie murder hunt. (1992, September 24). Surrey-Hants Star, 36.
DAD PLEA OVER STABBED KATIE. (1992, June 12). Daily Mirror, 12.
Daily Record. (1997, March 26). Katie killed for kicks by girl aged 12; CAGED: Britain’s youngest murderess. Free Online Library. Retrieved February 7, 2025, from https://www.thefreelibrary.com/Katie+killed+for+kicks+by+girl+aged+12%3B+CAGED%3A+Britain%27s+youngest. . .-a061018205
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McGowan, R. (1992, August 3). Helen, 15, found strangled as a village celebrates gold. Daily Express, 5.
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Riot fear was death sentence for Katie. (1992, June 15). Daily Mirror, 7.
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Warburton, D. (2023, August 9). “Devil’s Daughter” who killed woman at age 12 won’t be freed as she’s “still violent.” The Mirror. https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/devils-daughter-who-killed-woman-30664584.amp
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