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Azaria was born
Azaria Chantel Loren Chamberlain was born -
Azaria was taken from the tent
About 9 weeks old and roughly 4.5kg, when Azaria was taken from the tent at Ayers Rock (assumed to be by a dingo) -
Azarias missing items are found except for the jacket
A week after Azarias dissapearance Wally Goodwin (A tourist from Victoria) finds Azarias jumpsuit, booties, nappy & singlet near the base of the rock. Matinee jacket still missing. -
Police statements are given by the chamberlains
Police statements are given by Lindy, Michael and their two sons Aidan and Regan at Mt Isa, and their family car is searched -
It was confirmed that a dingo had stolen Azaria
February 20, 1981
Alice Springs Coroner Denis Barritt finds that a wild dog or dingo took Azaria, but 'person or pesons unknown' dissposed of the body. There was interference with the clothing by 'person or persons unknown'. Forensics expert Ken Brown requests permission to do further tests on the jumpsuit. -
Operation Ochre
The Chamberlain’s Mt Isa home is raided. More than 300 items are seized, including clothing and scissors. -
The first inquest is cancled
Northern Territory Supreme Court cancles the first inquest and orders a new one. Among the reasons is the discovery of large quantities of blood in the now-dismantled family car. -
Second inquest
After new forensic evidence some of it related to bloodstains – is presented at a second inquest, Coroner Gerry Galvin commits Lindy to stand trial charged with murdering Azaria.
Michael Chamberlain is charged as an accessory after the fact. $5,000 bail and $5,000 surety. -
Trial of the Century
The murder trial begins in Darwin amid intense public interest.
Lindy is pregnant with her fourth child -
Evidence is presented
A dingo was heard growling near the tent. Biologist Joy Kuhl says the blood in the Torana is from an infant. An expert says it would be impossible for a babys head to fit inside a dingos mouth. The defence then shows a photo of a dolls head in dingos jaw -
Lindy found guilty of murder
Lindy, heavily pregnant, is found guilty of 1st Degree Murder and sentenced to life imprisonment. Michael, as accessory, receives an eighteen month suspended sentence. -
Fourth Chamberlain child is born
The Chamberlains second daughter Kahlia is born in custody. -
Lindy is released on bail pending an appeal
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The Federal Court rejects appeal
The Federal Court rejects appeal. Lindy is held at Mulawa Women’s Prison, then transferred to Darwin after an application for bail pending a High Court appeal fails.
Kahlia goes to live with foster parents Wayne and Jenny Miller. -
Regan is blinded in one eye
Solicitor Stuart Tipple applies for Lindy's temporary release due to Reagan's eye accident. Request not granted. -
The High Court appeal fails in a split judgement of 2 to 3.
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A petition is presented to the Governor General
A petition of 131,000 (later 150,000) signatures calling for Lindy’s release and a judicial inquiry is presented to Governor General Sir Ninian Stevens. -
New reports suggest the blood in the car was paint emulsion.
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Kahlia gets new foster parents
An application for release is made after Kahlia’s foster parents are transferred. The application denied. Kahlia goes to new foster parents, Dr Owen and Jan Hughes. -
Matinee jacket has been found
Stuart Tipple is tipped off that the missing matinee jacket of Azaria has been found during a search for missing body parts belonging to a fallen climber at Ayers Rock. The matinee jacket had been held at the Alice Springs Court House since January 31. -
Lindy positivly identifies the matinee jacket
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The Chamberlains are not guilty
After a fourteen month Royal Commission Justice Trevor Morling hands down his finding and clears the Chamberlain's of all guilt or responsibility. If he had been asked he finds support for the view that Azaria was taken by a dingo. In response the NT offers them a Pardon.
