She Didn’t Slip Into That Chute – Phoebe Handsjuk
Published by Crime Clueless Podcast
Let’s get this straight right from the top: No one just accidentally ends up in a garbage chute. Not from a luxury apartment. Not 12 floors up. And certainly not feet-first, mid-pants-slide, with their keys, purse, and phone left behind.
But in 2010, that’s exactly what the world was asked to believe when 24-year-old Phoebe Handsjuk was found dead at the bottom of a high-rise trash compactor in Melbourne, Australia. And in a move that would make even the worst TV procedural writer do a double take, the official ruling was: accident.
Here at Crime Clueless, we don’t buy that for a second—and in this week’s episode, we unpack the many reasons why.
Who Was Phoebe?
Phoebe was creative, athletic, adventurous—and like many in their twenties, struggling to find her footing. She lived with her boyfriend, Antony Hampel, a much older, well-connected events promoter whose family tree included more than one judge. Phoebe was funny, complex, and passionate. She wasn’t perfect, but she had dreams, people who loved her, and a future worth protecting.
What she didn’t have, it seems, was a justice system willing to investigate her death with the care it deserved.
What Happened?
On December 2, 2010, Phoebe’s body was discovered in the refuse room of the Balencea Apartments, grotesquely injured after what police said was a “fall” down a garbage chute. Her foot was nearly severed, her pants were around her knees, and she had tried to crawl toward the door before bleeding to death.
She had a blood alcohol level of 0.16 and sleeping pills in her system. The working theory? She drunkenly decided to swan dive into the chute. No fingerprints. No witnesses. No CCTV footage reviewed before it was deleted. Case closed.
…except it shouldn’t have been.
Why It Doesn’t Add Up
Here are just a few reasons we (and honestly, anyone paying attention) are suspicious:
The trash chute opening was 3 feet off the ground and incredibly narrow. Getting in would have required serious effort—and Phoebe had no bruising on her hands or forearms that would suggest a struggle to squeeze in.
Her jeans were found around her knees, something that makes zero sense for a feet-first fall.
There were bruises on her upper arms, which a forensic expert later described as consistent with someone being forcefully grabbed.
The scene in the apartment was unsettling: broken glass, blood droplets, burning candles, and scribbled post-it notes.
Oh—and her boyfriend? Didn’t report her missing. Just ordered Thai food. That part never stops being weird.
The Investigation (Or Lack Thereof)
From failing to secure CCTV footage to letting Ant’s family clean the apartment before the forensic investigation was done, the original investigation missed glaring opportunities. And let’s not forget the coroner’s ruling of accidental death, despite a mountain of circumstantial weirdness.
Even Phoebe’s grandfather, a retired detective, raised the alarm—essentially becoming the lead investigator because the actual investigators… didn’t.
Why This Episode Matters
Phoebe’s case is heartbreaking. It’s haunting. And it’s a textbook example of how easy it is to bury a case—sometimes literally—when those in power decide it's more convenient that way.
This episode isn’t just a deep dive into a bizarre death. It’s a tribute to Phoebe’s life, a challenge to the official narrative, and a call to always—always—ask more questions when something doesn’t make sense.
🎧 Listen Now
👉 She Didn’t Slip Into That Chute – Phoebe Handsjuk
Available wherever you get your podcasts.
And remember: being a little Crime Clueless isn’t a bad thing. It means you’re paying attention to the things that don’t add up.
Have thoughts on Phoebe’s story or other cases you’d like to see highlighted? Share them with us in the comments or connect with us on social media. Together, we can ensure that stories like Phoebe’s are never forgotten.
Don’t forget to follow us on social media, share your thoughts, and let us know what you’d like to hear about in future episodes. If you have any true crime stories of your own, send them our way crimeclueless@gmail.com to be featured on a future episode! And as always, remember: refuse to be clueless, careless, or caught off guard. Not today, murderers.
See you in the next episode of Crime Clueless!
Resources:
🎧 Podcasts & Audio Sources
Phoebe’s Fall – The Age
A brilliant six-part investigative podcast by journalists Richard Baker and Michael Bachelard. This is the most thorough and emotional coverage available.
📰 News Articles & Reports
The Sydney Morning Herald – How did Phoebe really die?
Excellent overview with interviews, inquest summary, and quotes from family and experts.
ABC News Australia – Coroner rules Phoebe’s death an accident
Summary of the coroner’s official ruling in 2014.
The Guardian – Victoria’s laws under review after Phoebe’s death
Discusses changes to coroner appeal laws following public pressure after Phoebe's case.
The Age – Pressure mounts for inquest reform
Focuses on the family’s push for inquest reform and a second investigation.
📚 Court & Inquest Documents
Coroner’s Findings – Inquest into the Death of Phoebe Handsjuk (PDF)
The official 100+ page ruling from Coroner Peter White (2014). This is a must-have if you want to quote or reference official statements.
Expert Pathology Reports
Includes details from forensic pathologist Dr. Byron Collins, who disputed the official version of events.
📺 TV Coverage & Documentaries
Under Investigation with Liz Hayes (Channel 9)
Season 2 includes a reenactment of the garbage chute entry and discussion with forensic experts and Phoebe’s family. Not always available internationally, but clips are on YouTube.
60 Minutes Australia (various segments on the case)
Includes interviews with Phoebe’s grandfather Lorne Campbell and journalists from Phoebe’s Fall.
👨⚖️ Legal Reform & Advocacy
Victorian Law Reform Commission – Coronial Appeals
Details changes to the appeals process spurred in part by Phoebe’s case and public outcry.
Run by supporters and Phoebe’s family to raise awareness and push for continued justice.
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