The Illustrator For The Lindy Chamberlain Case Reveals If He Thought She Was Guilty Or Not

It was one of the most famous cases in the world. On the night of August 17th in 1980 while camping at Uluru baby Azaria Chantel Loren Chamberlain was taken by a dingo.

What followed was a huge court case for her parents Michael and Lindy Chamberlain. The findings of the inquest were broadcast live on television—a first in Australia. 

After a further investigation and a second inquest held in Darwin, Lindy Chamberlain was tried for murder, convicted on 29 October 1982 and sentenced to life imprisonment. Azaria's father, Michael Chamberlain, was convicted as an accessory after the fact and given a suspended sentence.

The chance discovery in 1986 of a piece of Azaria's clothing in an area with numerous dingo lairs led to Lindy Chamberlain's release from prison. On 15 September 1988, the Northern Territory Court of Criminal Appeals unanimously overturned all convictions against Lindy and Michael Chamberlain.

At a fourth inquest held on 12 June 2012, Coroner Elizabeth Morris delivered her findings that Azaria Chamberlain had been taken and killed by a dingo. After being released, Lindy Chamberlain was paid $1.3 million for false imprisonment and an amended death certificate was issued.

Worldwide it still to this day is one of the most talked about cases and even a movie was made about it starring Meryl Streep. 

This morning we spoke with Christiaan Snoek the court illustrator for the case who was sitting front and centre for the whole case. We spoke to him about the case and what it was like inside the courtroom and whether he thought she was guilty.