Regular listeners will know the story of Karl Kast very well. This week, however, Jack explored the suggestion that Kast was imitating another crime that had occurred in Canada.
Kast was responsible for the ten minutes of carnage that devastated Brisbane's street of doctors, Wickham Terrace, in December 1955. Kast, unhappy with the response several doctors had given him regarding his back and leg pain had decided to get revenge. He packed a bag full of explosives and a handgun. He then proceeded to Ballow Chambers on Wickham Terrace shooting two doctors (killing one), setting off three bombs and finally a stick of gelignite which he attached to his own belt, ending his own life.
The crime in Canada Jack spoke of was similar. A disgruntled patient went home after being told yet again there was nothing wrong with him, took up a gun and returned to the surgery. This crime was covered in Brisbane papers of the time and it seems likely that Kast would have known about it.
However, during the inquest it was found that the crime in Canada was not the motive for Kast's actions. Much speculation has been made over this crime and it seems that no one will ever be sure exactly what Kast's motives were.
