A serial rapist who falsely confessed to murdering a missing schoolgirl has been sentenced to life in prison for other killings. Leonard John Fraser, 58, admitted to strangling 14-year-old Natasha Ryan in 1998, but the truth was even more harrowing—Natasha was found alive four years later, hiding in her boyfriend's cupboard.
Natasha Ryan disappeared in August 1998 after being dropped off at school in Rockhampton, Queensland. A massive search ensued, and when no trace was found, police feared she was a victim of a serial killer targeting young girls. Fraser, who had a history of sexual offences, was arrested in April 1999 and charged with multiple murders, including Natasha's.
During Fraser's 2003 trial, the court was stunned to learn that Natasha was alive. She had run away to live with her boyfriend, Scott Black, after being banned from seeing him. The couple hid in a house just a mile and a half from her childhood home. Natasha later said she called a children's helpline after realising Fraser was on trial for her murder.
Natasha and Scott were convicted of causing a false police investigation. Scott was jailed for 12 months for perjury, while Natasha was fined $1,000. The case cost an estimated $400,000 and sparked public anger over the lenient sentences. The couple later married and had four children.
Fraser was sentenced to life in prison for other murders, with the judge describing him as a sexual predator. He died of a heart attack in 2007. Natasha, who changed her name to Tash Black, was found dead on a golf course in June 2024 at age 40. Police said there were no suspicious circumstances.
