The heinous attacks on Melbourne children in the late 1980s and early 1990s, attributed to the elusive Mr Cruel, shocked the nation and led to extensive investigations. Despite efforts, the case remains unsolved, leaving families without answers for decades.

The upcoming episode, airing at 7.30pm, features esteemed investigative journalist Adam Shand and renowned Behavioral Analyst Steve van Aperen, also known as "The Human Lie Detector." The duo's investigation introduces new evidence and insights that could potentially reshape the narrative surrounding Mr Cruel.

The program scrutinises the long-held belief that Mr Cruel's crimes were escalating, culminating in the tragic murder of Karmein Chan, and questions whether these acts were indeed the work of a single individual.

In a significant moment, a survivor of Mr Cruel's attacks will break their silence, sharing their story for the first time. This development, along with new DNA evidence, raises hopes of finally identifying and apprehending the perpetrator.

Adam Shand stated, "We owe it to the community, the police, but most importantly the victims who are sort of frozen in time, victims of Mr Cruel, when in fact that individual does not exist."

Steve van Aperen added, "It's closure. Not just for the victims but for the victims' families and the detectives who were working 18-hour days and are devastated there was no resolution.

This had a ripple effect for so many people, and it's now time for this to be reviewed, looked at and taken further."