Disclaimer: This article tackles distressing topics such as abuse and death. Reader discretion is advised.

The dark chapters of Australia's criminal history are filled with names that evoke fear and sorrow.

One of the most chilling cases in Australia's history has just closed for good.

Rodney Francis Cameron, also known as Rodney Mallard, died in a Sydney hospital.

Cameron, dubbed the 'Lonely Hearts Killer', left behind a legacy of brutality that haunted communities across NSW and Victoria.

Cameron's life of crime was a stark reminder of the evil that can lurk within.

His story was not just one of a serial killer but a tale of a man who exploited the vulnerabilities of those seeking love.

Rodney Francis Cameron has taken advantage of women throughout his life of crime. Image Credit: YouTube/7News Australia

He ensnared one of his victims through a matchmaking competition on the radio.

Maria Goellner became one of his victims after he lured her to the Sky Rider Motor Inn at Katoomba in the Blue Mountains.

Cameron later bashed and strangled the 44-year-old Goellner to death.

However, Maria's murder was not the beginning of Cameron's reign of terror.

Cameron had an extensive criminal record prior to murdering Goellner.

His psychopathic tendencies manifested early in life, as he attempted to strangle a ten-year-old girl and two other women later on.

His life spiralled into a vortex of alcohol and drug abuse, which included experimenting with hallucinogenic chemicals and Satanism.

In 1974, he sexually abused and murdered Florence Edith Jackson, a 49-year-old nurse in Katoomba.

Cameron previously turned to Jackson for support after losing his job.

After fleeing the Blue Mountains, Cameron's path of destruction continued as he crossed into Victoria.

He picked up and murdered 19-year-old hitchhiker Francesco Ciliberto.

Authorities later on captured Cameron after he abducted a mother and daughter in Queensland.

His confessions and convictions led to prison sentences in both NSW and Victoria, totalling 16 years behind bars.

Despite his incarceration, Cameron's story took another grim turn when he confessed to a third murder while in prison.

He also murdered an elderly war widow, Sarah McKenzie, who was found with over 30 stab wounds in her Milsons Point home in 1974.

However, he was never tried for her murder.

Cameron's health declined in recent years as he battled cancer.

Cameron also spent his final days in palliative care at the Prince of Wales Hospital.

While his death may bring an end to his physical presence, the memories of his heinous acts continue to linger in Australian history for years.

Cameron's crimes were recounted in an episode of Foxtel's Crime Investigation Australia in 2009.

Watched the full episode here:

Source: SHADOW PRODUCTIONS/YouTube​

The episode came with detailed reenactments and interviews with key figures, including the brother of one of the murder victims.

The program highlighted Cameron's early psychopathic tendencies and his descent into a life marked by violence and depravity.

For the families of the victims, his death may bring some closure, but the scars left by his crimes are indelible.

The 'Lonely Hearts Killer' may have taken his last breath, but the cautionary tale of his life remains.

Key Takeaways

• Rodney Francis Cameron, known as the 'Lonely Hearts Killer', died at 72 years old in a Sydney hospital.
• He was serving a life sentence for the murders of several women across NSW and Victoria, including the brutal murder of Maria Goellner.
• Cameron's crimes were featured in a Crime Investigation Australia episode, highlighting his early psychopathic tendencies.
• The serial killer had been suffering from cancer and was in palliative care before his death.

We invite our readers to share their thoughts and reflections on this case and the broader issues it raises about crime, punishment, and the human condition.

 

[Suzanne rose]

I have never heard of him or the murders.

I have heard of Satanic worship around Katoomba and I know a lot of people go missing there never to be found.

An old friend of mine had gone for her daily walk at Medlow Bath near Katoomba and she was never found. Apparently a man two weeks before also went missing never to be found.

Not sure what's going on there I love day trips to Katoomba but would never go bush walking

 

[Suzanne rose]

Elizabeth ( betty) Opray was my neighbour and close friend in the 70s. She was Irish who grew up in Scotland. She was a single mum to a daughter who was the same age as my daughter. She moved to Australia in the 70s leaving her family behind.


The search for an elderly woman missing from the New South Wales Blue Mountains has entered a fourth day.

Elizabeth O'Pray, 77, was reported missing about 11:00pm on Monday.

She last spoke to someone on the phone from her landline line at her home in Delmonte Avenue, Medlow Bath about 11:00am the same day.

Police helicopters have been sweeping the area near her home overnight and a foot search will begin again this morning.

Officers said they were concerned for Ms O'Pray's welfare because she had a medical condition that required regular medication.


She was known to walk along Grand Canyon Road, Medlow Bath, and along a small track from Medlow Bath towards Katoomba.

Police have urged anyone who has information that may assist police in locating Ms O'Pray is urged to come forward.
“The search of the area has been exhaustive,” North-West Metropolitan Region Commander, Denis Clifford, said.

“We’ve been over the walking tracks in the area several times and now with the advent of wet weather, it’s proving too dangerous to continue to send large search teams out into the more rugged, inaccessible terrain,” Assistant Commissioner Clifford added.

“We will continue to search some of the more isolated areas using specially-trained rescue personnel from Police Rescue, the Volunteer Rescue Association (VRA) and other local groups because we desperately want to find Ms O’Pray.


Ms O’Pray is described as being of Caucasian appearance, 170cm tall with a thin build and short, grey hair.

 

[carolcaz]

This is where capital punishment should be allowed we should not have wasted one cent on the keep and care for this piece of rubbish

 

[Observer]

YAY !!!
That's one more sicko the planet doesn't need

 

[Sherril54]

I`ve also heard rumours about Statanic Ritual in the Lower Blue Mountains, this information came from a Pastor located at Mount Druitt. It is hard to believe, but many people go missing and are never found. My Aunt`s friend who worked as a receptionist located at Penrith, went on her lunch break and was never seen again. Many are treated "just" as missing people and that seems to be the end of the story. The publicity regarding these people is almost zero. On the other hand, when a criminal is found guilty of harming murdering or something else gruesome, they should be given the maximum penalties allowed. Life should mean life, not 16 or 25 ys, the term of their life. There was a case in Germany where a mother managed to get a gun into the courtroom where the killer of her daughter was located and shot and killed him. She was arrested and charged with murder and served a long sentence. How is this justice???

 

[novezar]

Mentioning how old this complete arsehole was at 72, we can all be very thankful he didn't have a long & enduring life & holiday with free bed & 3 meals per day plus all of any medical needs.
His sentence of 16 years for multiple murders was completely incomprehensible.
The shithead mongrel should of been disposed of after his convictions.
Bring back the "Hangman".
In todays society, we need him now more than ever.

 

[Observer]

Mentioning how old this complete arsehole was at 72, we can all be very thankful he didn't have a long & enduring life & holiday with free bed & 3 meals per day plus all of any medical needs.
His sentence of 16 years for multiple murders was completely incomprehensible.
The shithead mongrel should of been disposed of after his convictions.
Bring back the "Hangman".
In todays society, we need him now more than ever.

Would certainly put the wind up a lot more deviates for them to reconsider performing criminal acts.

Which makes me wonder, what ever happened to the young lad that had drugs on him or imported them to whichever Asian country it was, and he copped a public lashing for breaking that countries rules?

 

[novezar]

I`ve also heard rumours about Statanic Ritual in the Lower Blue Mountains, this information came from a Pastor located at Mount Druitt. It is hard to believe, but many people go missing and are never found. My Aunt`s friend who worked as a receptionist located at Penrith, went on her lunch break and was never seen again. Many are treated "just" as missing people and that seems to be the end of the story. The publicity regarding these people is almost zero. On the other hand, when a criminal is found guilty of harming murdering or something else gruesome, they should be given the maximum penalties allowed. Life should mean life, not 16 or 25 ys, the term of their life. There was a case in Germany where a mother managed to get a gun into the courtroom where the killer of her daughter was located and shot and killed him. She was arrested and charged with murder and served a long sentence. How is this justice???

Hi "SR",
The same thing happened quite a few years back in the Supreme court in Sydney.
An arsehole was tried for the murder of a young girl.
When the guilty verdict was given by the jury, the father of the victim raised up from where he was sitting, produced a firearm & appropriately disposed of the killer then & there in the "Box".
It would have been very obvious to him of what would happened to him. No doubt what-so-ever, he didn't give a cows cuss about himself, other than the sheer pleasure where his "Justice" was carried out.

 

[novezar]

Re my above, I meant for my posting for reply to "Sherril54" where I mentioned 'SR'.
Sorry about that.

 

[Sherril54]

Hi "SR",
The same thing happened quite a few years back in the Supreme court in Sydney.
An arsehole was tried for the murder of a young girl.
When the guilty verdict was given by the jury, the father of the victim raised up from where he was sitting, produced a firearm & appropriately disposed of the killer then & there in the "Box".
It would have been very obvious to him of what would happened to him. No doubt what-so-ever, he didn't give a cows cuss about himself, other than the sheer pleasure where his "Justice" was carried out.

You know, if one of my children, grandchildren, friend or relative was murdered, I would quite happily do this. I would be satisified enough to do the time!!!

 

[Sherril54]

Re my above, I meant for my posting for reply to "Sherril54" where I mentioned 'SR'.
Sorry about that.

That`s alright!

 

[Veggiepatch]

I will give Cameron a belated cheer on his demise.

The last time I celebrated a death was that of kiddie fiddler George Pell. Partied all night....

 

[Sherril54]

I will give Cameron a belated cheer on his demise.

The last time I celebrated a death was that of kiddie fiddler George Pell. Partied all night....

You know, I`m a baptised catholic and used to be a practising catholic, the situation regarding the churches response to paedophilia, has turned me off the church, I cannot even drive past one without feeling angry. As for Pell, cannot get over the vatican`s response, this also applies to most other religious groups???

 

[Sherril54]

Hi "SR",
The same thing happened quite a few years back in the Supreme court in Sydney.
An arsehole was tried for the murder of a young girl.
When the guilty verdict was given by the jury, the father of the victim raised up from where he was sitting, produced a firearm & appropriately disposed of the killer then & there in the "Box".
It would have been very obvious to him of what would happened to him. No doubt what-so-ever, he didn't give a cows cuss about himself, other than the sheer pleasure where his "Justice" was carried out.

I vaguely remember this case, now the courts have installed security devices, to protect the criminals, another joke!

 

[Veggiepatch]

I vaguely remember this case, now the courts have installed security devices, to protect the criminals, another joke!

Most times I have been to court, I had to go through a metal detector and place anything on your body into a tray like at airports THEN get a "wanding down".

Been the case since the early 2000s.

 

[Soxylox]

Why should he have been given palliative care in a hospital when he never cared about who he tortured and killed. Just a waste of taxpayers money. Good riddance is all I can say

 

[Macarj]

Most times I have been to court, I had to go through a metal detector and place anything on your body into a tray like at airports THEN get a "wanding down".

Been the case since the early 2000s.

It makes me think that police allow them in with guns hoping they kill the perpetrator

 

[Sherril54]

Hi "SR",
The same thing happened quite a few years back in the Supreme court in Sydney.
An arsehole was tried for the murder of a young girl.
When the guilty verdict was given by the jury, the father of the victim raised up from where he was sitting, produced a firearm & appropriately disposed of the killer then & there in the "Box".
It would have been very obvious to him of what would happened to him. No doubt what-so-ever, he didn't give a cows cuss about himself, other than the sheer pleasure where his "Justice" was carried out.

I get it!

 

[Sherril54]

Elizabeth ( betty) Opray was my neighbour and close friend in the 70s. She was Irish who grew up in Scotland. She was a single mum to a daughter who was the same age as my daughter. She moved to Australia in the 70s leaving her family behind.
View attachment 72890

The search for an elderly woman missing from the New South Wales Blue Mountains has entered a fourth day.

Elizabeth O'Pray, 77, was reported missing about 11:00pm on Monday.

She last spoke to someone on the phone from her landline line at her home in Delmonte Avenue, Medlow Bath about 11:00am the same day.

Police helicopters have been sweeping the area near her home overnight and a foot search will begin again this morning.

Officers said they were concerned for Ms O'Pray's welfare because she had a medical condition that required regular medication.


She was known to walk along Grand Canyon Road, Medlow Bath, and along a small track from Medlow Bath towards Katoomba.

Police have urged anyone who has information that may assist police in locating Ms O'Pray is urged to come forward.
“The search of the area has been exhaustive,” North-West Metropolitan Region Commander, Denis Clifford, said.

“We’ve been over the walking tracks in the area several times and now with the advent of wet weather, it’s proving too dangerous to continue to send large search teams out into the more rugged, inaccessible terrain,” Assistant Commissioner Clifford added.

“We will continue to search some of the more isolated areas using specially-trained rescue personnel from Police Rescue, the Volunteer Rescue Association (VRA) and other local groups because we desperately want to find Ms O’Pray.


Ms O’Pray is described as being of Caucasian appearance, 170cm tall with a thin build and short, grey hair.

This situation makes me sick.