Queensland crime: New lead sparks relaunch of Lesley Larkin cold case murder appeal

Police are relaunching their appeal for information on the 34-year anniversary of a Noosa woman’s murder after being provided with fresh information about the cold case, and there’s a six-figure reward on offer.

LESLIE Patricia Larkin was a 31-year-old free spirited yoga teacher who lived in Noosa — but her life ended brutally in 1984, and her murderer was never found.

Queensland Police on Wednesday announced they are relaunching an appeal for information following the 34-year anniversary of Ms Larkin’s death.

Family hopeful of breakthrough in cold case murder

They believe new information could be crucial to help solve the cold case.

Ms Larkin was found by a neighbour just after midnight on November 9, 1984.

She was on her bed, naked and bloodied. Investigators said she had suffered severe head injuries after being struck with a heavy blunt object several times.

Lesley Patricia Larkin was found at 12:30am on Thursday, November 9 1984 in her Kareela Court unit at Noosa Heads.

She died the following day at the Royal Brisbane Hospital. No one has been charged with her murder.

Homicide and Sunshine Coast detectives yesterday announced Ms Larkin may have experienced “distressing incidents” in the weeks before her death — incidents they believe those closest to her knew about.

“The information provided to us is that Ms Larkin had experienced some distressing incidents in the weeks prior to her death,” said Detective Inspector Dave Drinnen of Sunshine Coast District.

“We believe Ms Larkin confided in the people closest to her about these incidents. We are here today to make an appeal to those close to Ms Larkin as well as anyone else who may have information to come forward.”

Police believe this information may be crucial to help solve the cold case, and bring answers to Ms Larkin’s family. Ms Larkin’s mother Patsy and sister Juanita are hoping for closure after years of unanswered questions around their beloved Lesley’s death.

In 2016, Pat told The Courier-Mail she believed justice would prevail.

“I accept and believe quite implicitly that one of these days that exact little bit of information will come,” she said. “Ultimately I hold on to this hope more and more.

“Whether it’s in my lifetime or not, there will be a resolution and that holds me strong in my emotional life.”

Originally published as Queensland crime: New lead sparks relaunch of Lesley Larkin cold case murder appeal