Dingo baby mystery unsolved as case stays closed
The disappearance of Azaria Chamberlain was thrust back into the spotlight in July when 78-year-old retiree Frank Cole went public with his claims. He said he had shot a dingo while camping in central Australia the night Azaria went missing in 1980, and that the animal had a baby girl’s body in its jaws.
The baby’s mother, Lindy Chamberlain, was convicted of murdering her daughter in 1982 and jailed, but was released after four years when a piece of Azaria’s clothing was discovered, supporting her claim the baby was taken by a dog.
The case sharply divided Australians and captivated the world, inspiring the 1988 film A Cry in the Dark and an opera.
Northern Territory police had questioned Mr Cole and presented their findings to the territory’s coroner, who yesterday decided there wasn’t enough evidence to launch a new investigation.
Mr Cole said he had not come forward with his story earlier for fear he would be fined for shooting the dog on public land. He said one of his friends had disposed of Azaria’s remains, but he didn’t know where.
The baby’s mother, now remarried and known as Lindy Chamberlain-Creighton, said she didn’t believe Cole’s story, but hoped the case would finally be closed on the available evidence.
Authorities “can use the (information) available and close this case once and for all”, she said. “I think it’s time that they did the right thing.”
Australians closely followed Ms Chamberlain’s trial in the 1980s, and were split over whether to believe her story.
Bumper stickers reading “The Dingo Did It” and “The Dingo Is Innocent” were often seen during the trial.
American actress Meryl Streep earned an Academy Award nomination for her portrayal of Chamberlain in A Cry in the Dark.
Azaria’s case was the first of only two fatal attacks blamed on dingoes in Australia.
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