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She Counted to 100… | Mr. Cruel (1987) #mr.cruel #truecrimestories #truecrimeshorts

March 12, 2026 / 01:20

This episode covers the case of Eliza, a young girl who was attacked by a masked man in 1987, known as Mr. Cruel, in Melbourne, Australia. The discussion highlights the events surrounding her abduction and the subsequent actions of the perpetrator, who would go on to target other young girls.

Host Ashley Flowers recounts the chilling details of Eliza's experience, emphasizing the fear and confusion she faced while being instructed to count to a hundred in a closet. The episode paints a vivid picture of the atmosphere in Melbourne during this time, as the community grappled with the threat posed by Mr. Cruel.

Listeners learn about the impact of these events on the families involved and the ongoing investigation that struggled to catch the elusive criminal. The narrative reveals the broader implications of such crimes on society and the lasting fear they instill.

Throughout the episode, Ashley and co-host Britt maintain a respectful tone, focusing on the gravity of the situation while providing factual information about the case and its aftermath.

TLDR

Eliza, a girl attacked by Mr. Cruel in 1987, recounts her terrifying experience in Melbourne, Australia.

Episode

1:20
00:00:00
Hi Crime Junkies, I'm your host Ashley Flowers. >> And I'm Britt. >> And our story today begins with a little
00:00:06
girl alone in a closet >> [music] >> counting to a hundred. I'm going to call her Eliza because her
00:00:12
identity has never been released. But in 1987, a masked man broke into her home while her whole family slept. [music]
00:00:20
What happened to her over the next two or so hours was unthinkable. Especially in the place that she was
00:00:28
supposed to feel the safest. >> [music] >> But at least he left her there. Told her
00:00:32
to count to a hundred before she moved or went looking for her parents. So she did. One
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two three Other girls wouldn't be so lucky. But little Eliza wouldn't have called
00:00:45
herself lucky as she sat there counting. Cuz she had no idea that the man who attacked her would go on to earn the
00:00:53
name Mr. Cruel. A soon-to-be murderer that would prey on young girls in Melbourne, Australia for
00:01:01
years to come [music] and elude police for even longer. She probably couldn't even comprehend
00:01:07
that. She just had to keep counting. 31 32 33 34

Badges

This episode stands out for the following:

  • 85
    Most intense
  • 80
    Most shocking
  • 75
    Most heartbreaking
  • 75
    Best concept / idea

Episode Highlights

  • The Story of Eliza
    In 1987, a masked man broke into a home, leaving a young girl to count to a hundred.
    “But at least he left her there.”
    @ 00m 30s
    March 12, 2026

Episode Quotes

  • Other girls wouldn't be so lucky.
    She Counted to 100… | Mr. Cruel (1987) #mr.cruel #truecrimestories #truecrimeshorts
  • She just had to keep counting.
    She Counted to 100… | Mr. Cruel (1987) #mr.cruel #truecrimestories #truecrimeshorts

Key Moments

  • Eliza's Counting00:09
  • A Night of Terror00:14
  • Mr. Cruel00:54