The Hunters on Channel 7 and 7plus Mr Rent-a-kill – Australia’s most deadly hitman: myth or reality? Unravelling most infamous and chilling figure in Australian criminal history
Australia’s most infamous hitman, Christopher Flannery aka Mr Rent-a-kill, became a criminal legend in 1980s. But how much of his story is fact, and how much is fiction? Find out in an explosive new investigation on The Hunters this Sunday on Seven and 7plus.
For the first time ever, those who knew Flannery best reveal shocking new details that challenge everything we thought we knew about Australia’s most notorious contract killer.
Flannery’s criminal reign, spanning just six years, instilled fear across Australia’s criminal underworld. Credited with at least 12 murders, his list of alleged victims ranged from low-level drug traffickers to businessmen, and even an undercover police officer.
Despite his violent reputation, Flannery was never convicted of murder, leaving many to wonder: was he truly Australia’s most prolific hitman, or simply myth of a master assassin?
Investigative journalist Adam Shand and former detective Steve Van Aperen delve deep into Flannery’s troubled background, his upbringing at the infamous Morningstar Boys’ Home, and the harsh experiences that shape his path to becoming a feared contract killer.
With never-before-heard interviews and raw insights, the truth about the man behind the legend is revealed.
A colourful cast of characters who were close to Flannery come forward to share their perspectives, including writer and former Pentridge Prison inmate Ray Mooney, who discusses how Mickie’s Disco played a pivotal role in Flannery’s rise through the criminal underworld.
Adam and Steve also revisit the 1980 murder of Melbourne businessman Roger Wilson, for which Flannery was acquitted. In an unexpected twist, Mark Clarkson, who was co-accused of the murder, demands a polygraph test.
The special investigation also features key insights from The Daily Telegraph’s crime editor Mark Morri, former NSW Detective Michael Drury, former US Special Operations Tactical Officer George Hateley and Christopher Flannery’s former barrister Phillip Dunn KC.
The Hunters: Mr Rent-a-kill – Watch after Australian Idol live performance on Sunday, 16 March on Seven and 7plus
Media Release – Seven
TV Central Seven content HERE
The Hunters on Channel 7 and 7plus Mr Rent-a-kill
Watching the program again last night brought back a few memories of the times I met chris. The first occasion was at Mickies disco one afternoon. I was accompanying my boss at the time, Tom E, who was negotiating with Feeney on behalf of Fred Lab, who was a part owner. Feeney wanted all of the disco without having to pay Lab for his share, chris was the threat to make Lab comply. Twice things got heated and chris and I faced off over drawn guns. Anyway I digress. Chris was terrible with guns, didn’t know much about them and never practiced as far as I was aware, even though I offered to have a shot with him. He once asked me for help with a 45 colt revolver, he was trying to use 45 auto ammo instead of a rimmed 45. He told me at a party once that his real forte was walking up to someone, or knocking on their door, and smashing their head in with a bat. We agreed that was something I couldn’t do, even though I was good with guns, I wasn’t a killer like he was. Ah fun times.