The true story behind POPULATION 11
New Idea|April 01, 2024
THE NEW SERIES IS BASED ON AN UNSOLVED CRIME IN THE NORTHERN TERRITORY
The true story behind POPULATION 11

When Paddy Moriarty and his dog, Kellie, vanished from their home in the remote Northern Territory town of Larrimah on December 16, 2017, the tiny community was left reeling.

With a population of just 11, 70-year-old Paddy - who was last seen when he left the Larrimah Hotel - still managed to find someone to feud with.

It came out in 2022 at Paddy's inquest that he and his neighbours had a long history of disagreements, with allegations of poisoned plants, a stolen umbrella and a kangaroo carcass being dragged onto one of their properties.

Coroner Greg Cavanagh said evidence showed that Paddy and his dog had both died the evening they went missing.

To this day, his body has never been found.

"Paddy was killed in the context of and likely due to the ongoing feud he had with his nearest neighbours," Cavanagh said.

This story is from the April 01, 2024 edition of New Idea.

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This story is from the April 01, 2024 edition of New Idea.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.