Bio

Leith McDonald Ratten was born in January 18, 1938 in Australia. He grew up in the town of Echuca, located in Victoria. 

Leith married Beverley Joan Ratten, and they had children together. Their family life was marked by both the joys of raising children and challenges that put pressure on their relationship. As time went on, Leith became involved with another woman, which led to complications in his marriage.

In 1970, a tragic event occurred that would change his life forever. On May 7 of that year, a police emergency call led officers to the Ratten home, where they found Beverley, who was pregnant, deceased. This incident started a long and controversial legal battle for Leith Ratten.

He faced serious accusations regarding his wife’s death, leading to a trial and subsequent appeals. Many legal experts later questioned the evidence presented against him, creating a debate about his innocence. His story became a significant case in Australia, attracting considerable media attention and public interest over the years.

In his later years, after serving time in prison, Leith moved to Queensland where he began a new life. He continued to claim his innocence regarding the events that led to his conviction until his death in January 2012.

Murder Story

On May 7, 1970, members of the Victoria Police responded to an emergency call in Echuca, Australia. They found Beverley Ratten, who was eight months pregnant, dead in the kitchen. She had suffered a shotgun wound to the torso. Her husband, Leith Ratten, was at the scene and was taken for questioning.

During the police interview, Leith claimed that he was cleaning an old rusty double-barrelled shotgun when it accidentally discharged, hitting Beverley while she was in the kitchen. He could not explain how the gun went off or how it had been loaded. Investigators found out that Leith was having an affair and had spoken to another woman just before the shooting.

Leith Ratten was charged with murder. His trial occurred in August 1970 in Shepparton, Victoria. The jury found him guilty, and he was sentenced to death. This sentence was later changed to 25 years in prison.

After the trial, Leith's lawyers filed four appeals, but all were denied. Doubts persisted about his conviction, with many believing he was guilty only based on his infidelity and not on solid evidence. In 1983, after serving 13 years, Leith was released from prison.

Following his release, Leith worked as a surveyor in Queensland. Throughout his life, he maintained his innocence regarding the murder of his wife. Leith passed away in January 20, 2012.