According to the Guardian, Paul Onions confirmed Ivan Milat, who was a suspect in the murders of the hitchhikers, was the same man who tried to abduct him. In addition to Onions’ description of the Backpacker Murderer, authorities found several pieces of evidence in Milat’s home and in the homes of his relatives, directly linking him to the victims. Despite all of the evidence tying him to the murders, BBC reports Milat maintained he was innocent, and blamed the murders on his brother Richard. However, Milat was ultimately convicted on seven counts of murder, attempted murder, and false imprisonment. He was subsequently sentenced to serve seven consecutive life terms without the possibility of parole. Sixteen years later, Milat’s great-nephew, Matthew Milat, was also convicted of murder.
According to AETV, Matthew lured his friend David Auchterlonie to the same forest where his uncle Ivan buried his victims. Although Matthew told Auchterlonie they would be celebrating his birthday, he ended up torturing and eventually killing his friend instead.
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Matthew was only a toddler when Ivan was convicted and imprisoned for his crimes. However, Ivan had become a legend of sorts within the family. According to one of Matthew’s friends, he would often brag that his uncle was a convicted killer. AETV reports Matthew was convicted of murder and sentenced to 43 years in prison. He will not be eligible for parole until 2042.
