Casefile True Crime Case 338: The Folbigg Children (Part 2/2)
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Apr 11, 2026 A long legal and scientific saga about four infant deaths that sparked suspicion, courtroom drama, and media frenzy. Experts debate Meadows Law and possible smothering while defence counters with medical explanations. New genetic discoveries, peer reviews, and repeated inquiries shift the narrative. The story ends with convictions overturned, a pardon, and wider questions about forensic science in the justice system.
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Meadows Law Skewed The Investigation
- Investigators relied heavily on Meadows Law, treating multiple infant deaths as presumptive homicide rather than exploring varied medical causes.
- Multiple expert opinions echoed that rarity claim, framing the four Folbig deaths as statistically virtually impossible from natural causes.
Craig's Recanted Statement Led To Arrest
- Craig initially accused Kathleen, retracted, then after arrest for hindering admitted his first statement was true and agreed to testify for prosecution.
- Detective Bernie Ryan used Craig's reversal to obtain Kathleen's arrest and four murder charges in April 2001.
Sally Clark Case Undermined Statistical Claims
- Sally Clark's wrongful conviction exposed the statistical flaws of Meadows Law and undermined expert probability claims used against mothers.
- The Royal Statistical Society and appeals showed Meadow's figures were misleading and inadmissible in court.