Claremont put the wind up everyone. Claremont at the time had really superseded Northbridge as an entertainment precinct. Lots of people started going to Claremont. But once the murders took place, you nigh on needed a reference to go out with a girl.
Sure, some were still loose in their security.
Parents were on high alert. A lot of people became paranoid. It changed peoples lives, even if they didn't visit Claremont. I had a police officer in the top end the police force (white shirt) pull me out a car on Stirling highway, look me in the eyes and let me go.
He didnt say a word, but #$#@ he was shaking like a leaf when he was looking at me. I wasn't even driving.
Guess what, I was in a white VS Commodore. So they must of known. Im not sure it was the time Ciara went though.
Police were looking everywhere. Once rumours spread it might be a cop, people were paranoid they may be set up, evidence planted. All sorts of rumour was rife.
A lot of schools in WA now have security fences, and emergency response teams if there is an 'incident'.
Gerard was not even a local. He was from Hedland on holiday? His father worked on the mines in what capacity I'm not sure? Better not be electronics or similar?
Sure, massive impact. Never seen anything like it again. There was nearly justification for women to be let go for drink driving as there was no alternative transport guaranteed to be deemed practically safe. The risk was too high.
This is a story about the sense of fear caused by Gerard's murder (for the children/parents) and the Claremont killer (for young women) and how it still affects those people. My apologies if it's already been posted.
How Gerard Ross' murder impacted Rockingham in the late 90s
WAtoday.com.au (East Perth, WA AUS)
1/17/2017