Number 4, Blackham Crescent, in Smithfield Plains was Mark Haydon’s family home before he was arrested in connection to the Snowtown murders, Australia’s worst serial killings.
The Adelaide property was sold about a year after the murderous group was arrested and has been empty ever since.
But Haydon’s impending release from prison is dredging up unpleasant memories and new fears that he may return to scope out his old home.
Abandoned, overgrown, and haunted by memories of Australia’s worst serial killings.
Haydon lived there with his children and his wife Elizabeth.
Elizabeth was killed in the bathroom of the home in 1998 by Haydon’s mates John Bunting and Robert Wagner.
Local resident Natasha lives a few doors down, as she did, back then.
She said the tragedy remained “very sad and very chilling”.
Haydon also stored barrels containing other victims’ remains there in a mechanic’s pit in the garage.
Natasha remembers seeing a four-wheel drive transporting the remains from the home.
“That was very scary, that was very close to home,” she said.
Asked about the prospect of Haydon’s impending release, local resident Maureen said, “That’s pretty scary – I think he should stay in jail”.
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Residents who spoke to 9News said even after all these years, this place still gave them the chills.
A number of other homes linked to the Snowtown murders have been knocked down – some say that should happen here too.
Of house number 4, Natasha said, “Take the bad memory down”.
Maureen said, “That house should be bulldozed – and made into a little memorial park or something”.
The exact date of Haydon’s release is unclear, as is where he will live.
