The cold case files — unsolved SA murders reopened
MAJOR Crime detectives have reopened many of SA’s most baffling unsolved murder cases, hoping advanced forensic techniques will see breakthroughs.
POLICE probes into many of South Australia’s longest running and most baffling murder cases have been reopened to take advantage of new forensic techniques and investigational strategies.
Many of the cases — some up to four decades old — are being subjected to comprehensive reviews which has resulted in new lines of inquiry while key exhibits in others are being subjected to fresh DNA testing in Adelaide and in overseas laboratories.
Major Crime Investigation Section detectives are hopeful of breakthroughs in several long-running cases using the advanced DNA testing, while fresh lines of inquiry into others in which there are firm suspects are actively being followed.
The cold case investigations are being co-ordinated by a new special operations team that was formed last year when Police Commissioner Gary Burns allocated an extra 14 officers to Major Crime.
Among the cases being subjected to renewed scrutiny are the linked murders of grandmothers Phyllis Harrison in 1998 and Beverley Hanley in 2010, the linked murders of Karen Morton in 2002 and Henry Houston in 2009, the 1971 sex murder of Susan Schmidt, the bashing murder of Lina Marciano in 1978, the abduction of 12-year-old Morphett Vale schoolgirl Rhianna Barreau in 1992, and the bashing murder of 91-year-old pensioner Kathleen Durdin in 2000.
In many of the unsolved cases that have been reviewed detectives have a firm suspect, but lack enough evidence to charge them. In some of those cases they believe there are associates of the suspect who have vital information that could help advance the investigation.
Major Crime officer-in-charge Detective Superintendent Des Bray yesterday said while advances in DNA technology may provide vital forensic evidence in a number of the unsolved cases, public assistance was also crucial. He urged those who could assist police to come forward.
“The passage of time can certainly help us because allegiances between people can change over time. Relationships change, friendships change and because of those factors people may wish to speak with us if they have information involving a former associate,’’ he said.
“There are cases going back many, many years where investigators have identified those who may be involved, but they lack the evidence to advance the case against them.’’
There are now 115 unsolved murders and disappearances in SA, dating back to the 1950s. They range from notorious child abductions, such as the Beaumont children, through to domestic murders and bikie executions.
Det Supt Bray, says that, historically, 90 per cent of murders committed in the state each year are solved.
“While it is completely unacceptable to have any murders unsolved, when you look at the cases you can see some are difficult and why they haven’t been solved,’’ he said.
He said within the past two years detectives had charged four people for cold case murders that were committed up to 32 years ago and current investigations into murders that occurred as far back as the 1960s were underway.
Amongst other incentives, immunity from prosecution could be offered in some cases in a bid to prompt either witnesses, accomplices or associates of an offender to assist police.
“Immunities are a valuable tool in solving homicides and are something we have used on occasions in the past,’’ he said.
“There are cases where an immunity has been given for an accomplice who has been involved at the time of the murder but was not the person who committed the murder. They may be a person who had a small role after the murder or before the murder.
“In terms of whether an immunity would be granted, it would always be worth them contacting us and establishing if they may be eligible. But just because a person seeks immunity does not mean they get it.’’
And while he would not elaborate in detail, witness protection and other measures would also considered if deemed necessary in some cases.
Det Supt Bray said while the resting of crime scene exhibits and material to yield DNA profiles could provide compelling evidence in a murder case, other investigational strategies were also important.
“Technology significantly increases our chances, but so does revisiting and in some cases, reinvestigating aspects of an old case,’’ he said.
And it was “highly likely’’ many of the unsolved murders may involve criminals directly and there would be others in the criminal underworld with direct knowledge of many of the unsolved cases.
“The reality is with these matters it’s unlikely people in the criminal community don’t know who is responsible, who committed them,’’ he said.
“Experience shows us it is very, very rare for people who commit murders not to tell somebody.
“In fact, even within the last couple of years we have been able to gain evidence from quite a number of people in the criminal community who have signed statements and agreed to go to court.
“Some of those people have received considerable discounts on their sentences and other benefits that I will not discuss, but they were sufficient to gain their co-operation.’’
Rewards of up to $1 million are available in most of the murders, with moves being made to post rewards in all unsolved cases.
Anyone with any information on an unsolved murder is urged to contact Crimestoppers on
1800 333 000.
An analysis of murders committed in Australia in 2010/11 and 2011/12 by the Australian Institute of Criminology reveals there were 479 homicides involving 511 victims and 532 offenders.
Since 2001/02, there has been a downward trend in the homicide rate, decreasing from 1.8 per 100,000 to 1.1 in 2010/11. Knives continue to be the most common weapon used, with 42 per cent used in 2010/11 and one in 10 — about 14 per cent — involving a firearm.
Just 11 per cent of the murders committed in 2010/11 involved strangers, 30 per cent were domestic while close friends or acquaintances were responsible for 36 per cent.
SOUTH AUSTRALIAN COLD CASES
ALTINTAS, Bora 21/9/98
A well-known drug dealer, he was gunned down by two offenders on Torrens Rd, Brompton.
ANTONOGLOU, Vasilios 7/3/87
Better known as Bill Antonoglou, his body was found in the Brownhill Creek Reserve, Mitcham. He had been shot in the upper torso. Antonoglou, a musician, was well known in the Greek community.
ARMSTRONG, Steven George 17/12/02
Armstrong was bashed and repeatedly stabbed in his flat in Henry St, Plympton. His landlord found the body. Reward $200,000
AU, Quyen Tu 15/8/00
Suspected of being a primary offender in a 2000 fraud involving a stolen NAB access card, which was used to steal $400,000. He then disappeared and the card was used to steal another $5.5 million. Other offenders were arrested and jailed. Au is believed to have been murdered. Reward $200,000
BARNES, Alan Arthur 17/6/79
His body was found alongside the South Para Bridge, near Williamstown. Reward $1 million
BARREAU, Rhianna Brenda Ann 7/10/92
The 12-year-old left her Morphett Vale home at 10.30am to buy a Christmas card for an American penfriend. She has not been seen since and is believed to have been murdered. Reward $1 million
BEAUMONT, Jane, Arna and Grant 26/1/66
The three siblings — aged 9, 7 and 4, respectively — were last seen at the Glenelg foreshore, sitting on the lawn near the Holdfast Bay Sailing Club talking to a man in his mid to late-30s. It is believed the children have been murdered. Reward $1 million
BOBRIDGE, Susan 10/1/97
Her body was found on a walking trail in the dunes at Tennyson. She had been shot in the head and back. Susan was last seen the previous evening, getting into a white car on Port Rd, West Hindmarsh. Reward $200,000
BOWEN, Geoffrey Leigh 2/3/94
The WA police officer was killed after opening a package delivered to the National Crime Authority’s office in Waymouth St, city. Solicitor Peter Wallis was critically injured but survived the blast. Reward $1 million
BRADSHAW, Russell Alfred January 1992
The drug dealer went missing from his home on Asaph Court, Salisbury Heights, and was last seen by his wife. He is suspected as being murdered.
BROWN, Rosemary and Melissa 13/5/00
Melissa and her mother, Rosemary, went missing about 2.30am after leaving their caravan in Blair Athol. Two months later, Rosemary’s body was found in the Port River. Melissa, 15, is suspected to have been murdered. Reward $1 million (Melissa)
CAIRNEY, Brian Edward 17/6/10
Left his home in Carey St, Salisbury, at 10pm, telling his mother he was catching a bus to visit friends. He has not been seen since and is suspected to have been murdered.
CAMPLIN, Kenneth 27/12/13
Was last seen on CCTV at Paralowie McDonald’s at 12.25am. Has made no contact with family or friends since nor accessed his bank account.
CAUCHI, Damian Jay 23/8/98
Left his Mt Gambier home for Adelaide where he got involved in the drug scene. Last seen at St Agnes and none of his bank accounts have been accessed. Believed to have been murdered.
COLLINS, Peter 23/5/84
Was last seen with two men in the Green Dragon Hotel, South Tce, city. His body was later found a short distance away, in Pinks Lane. He had multiple head injuries. Reward $200,000
COONIE, Mark Charles 1/5/02
He was found dead lying on a mattress in his unit on Branksome Tce, Dover Gardens. An autopsy revealed a suspicious injury to his head. Reward $200,000
COURTENEY, Helen Joyce 20/9/91
Helen was last seen by her husband about 12.30pm at Pooraka when she dropped him off to collect his car. Her car was later found at Franklin St bus terminal. She has not been seen since and is suspected to have been murdered.
DALY, Leo Joseph 5/4/98
Involved in the drug scene, he was last seen at his Mitchell Park home. It is suspected he has been murdered.
DAWSON, Patricia 11/4/72
About 11.15pm, her husband, Peter, left their Ingle Farm premises to buy a newspaper. Patricia and their two children were asleep. He returned home at about 12.30am to find Patricia missing.
DE IESO, Jason 21/11/12
About 1.40pm, nine men carrying guns entered Jason’s panel-beating shop in Pooraka. He was killed after being shot in the head. Reward $500,000
DOELZ, Jayson 9/1/12
His body was found in scrubland near Little South Para Rd, Kersbrook. The cause of death was due to numerous stab wounds to the neck and severe head trauma.
DRESSLER, Josef 3/3/66
Was shot after surprising two men robbing Hendon Hotel, Tapleys Hill Rd. He died before reaching hospital.
DUNCAN, George 10/5/72
The university lecturer drowned after being thrown in the River Torrens, near Kintore Ave, city. Reward $200,000
DUONG, Van Liet 1/12/84
His body was found buried about 2km west of Whyalla. Transactions were made from his bank accounts after his death.
DURDIN, Kathleen Jean 25/7/00
The body of the 91-year-old was found in her Hamley Bridge home. She had been struck to the head with a blunt object.
FARRUGIA, Stella 17/10/84
Was last seen at her Henley Beach apartment. Her belongings, bank notes and beloved dogs were left behind. It is believed she has been murdered.
FAZZARI, Peter 29/12/91
Was stabbed in the head and killed in his Cadell prison cell.
FLEMING, Heather Elizabeth 15/2/92
Was electrocuted in her bath tub in mysterious circumstances at her home on Neldner Rd, Marananga.
FLETCHER, David Alan November 2004
His body was found in the Poona Copper mine, near Moonta. Although no cause of death could be given due to the decomposition of the body, the nature in which the body was disposed of strongly suggests he was murdered.
FOCARELLI, Giovanni 29/1/12
He and his father, Vincenzo, were shot by an unknown assailant after they parked in Flame Ave, Dry Creek. Giovanni died as a result of his injuries.
GODAU, Michaela 19/12/82
Disappeared from the family’s Davoren Park home overnight. Her passport and some personal items were missing. She is suspected to have been murdered. $1 million
GOODWIN, Susan Gae 19/7/02
Was last seen alive about 3.30pm in Mortlock Tce, Port Lincoln, while driving a car. It is believed that she has been murdered. Reward $200,000
GORDON, Kirste and RATCLIFFE, Joanne 25/8/73
Went missing from Adelaide Oval. The children are believed to have been abducted and murdered. Reward $1 million
GREENWOOD, Clarence 4/3/66
Was found dead on his Bowden home. It was later revealed that he had been poisoned with arsenic, which had been placed in bottles of beer.
HANLEY, Beverley Ellen 6/10/10
Her body was found in her Homington Rd, Elizabeth North, home. She had received injuries to her head as a result of being bashed.
HARRISON, Phyllis May 3/3/98
She was stabbed to death in her home at Harvey Rd, Elizabeth South. Reward $200,000
HAWKINS, Garry Frank 19/1/04
He was found dead in his unit on Denton St, Hendon, after sustaining serious head injuries. His attacker is believed to have used a weightlifting dumbbell.
HAYWARD, Samuel 20/11/88
Was found dead in his Kingston Park unit. His Suzuki hatch van was stolen and later found abandoned in Wollongong, NSW. His credit cards were also taken and used in Victoria and NSW. Reward $200,000
HEARN, Kenneth James 19/5/56
Was found dead in the front seat of his taxi on Golden Grove Rd, Salisbury. He had been shot once in the head at close range.
HOUSTON, Henry 30/10/09
Was last seen leaving a friend’s house about noon. He has not accessed bank accounts, used his phone or obtained medication since then.
HYDON, Steven Ashley 30/5/04
About 3am at Wallaroo, two men drove up to a group of Gypsy Jokers bikies and shot the victim in the chest.
IANELLA, Guiseppe 2/8/75
The married father of four disappeared from his dairy farm and is suspected to have been murdered.
KELVIN, Richard Dallas 5/6/83
The son of TV newsreader Rob Kelvin disappeared between a bus stop on O’Connell St, North Adelaide, and his parents’ nearby home. His body was found dumped alongside an airstrip at One Tree Hill. Reward $1 million
KING, Gail Leandra 7/7/97
Disappeared between Yorke Peninsula and Adelaide after an argument with her husband. Her vehicle was later located in the driveway of her home at Brahma Lodge. Reward $200,000
LANGLEY, Mark Andrew 28/2/82
Disappeared from near the Adelaide University footbridge in the early hours. His body was found eight days later dumped on the side of Sprigg Rd, Piccadilly. Reward $1 million
LARCOMBE, Rodney 28/11/13
A convicted sex offender, his body was found in his Warradale home in Kildonan Rd. He died of severe blunt and sharp force trauma to the head.
LE, Luu Linh 4/12/1984
Was a patient in the Royal Adelaide Hospital after receiving a gunshot wound and is believed to have been enticed away. His remains were discovered in January 2013 at Long Plains.
LEONARD, Craig Andrew 11/1/10
Walked out of his Douglas Rd, Salisbury East, home and has not been seen since. He is suspected to have met with foul play.
LIGAS, Tadeusz 30/8/12
His badly burnt body was found in the rear of his Holden utility, which had been set alight at Torrensville. His house in East Ave, Black Forest, was also destroyed by a deliberately lit fire on the same date.
LISTON, Bernadette Anne 25/10/02
She was bashed, stabbed, shot and her throat cut in her house on Ives Crescent, Victor Harbor.
LIVA, Anna Rosa 28/11/91
An Italian national on holiday in Australia, she was last seen walking on Hutchinson St, Coober Pedy, at 10.30am. She did not turn up for an arranged tour at 2pm and is believed to have been murdered. Reward $200,000
LIVINGSTONE, Peter John 19/3/93
Part of his body was located at Hallett Cove Estate, in Westcliff Court, Marino. He was last seen at flats on Selway St, Oaklands Park on 5/3/1993. Reward $200,000
LYNCH, Eric Thomas 10/2/04
Was last seen alive at Port Lincoln driving his vehicle. When later forensically examined, blood matching his DNA was apparent on and around the driver’s seat. His bank account and mobile phone has not been used. He is believed to have been murdered.
MARCIANO, Lina 4/3/78
She was to attend a Greek dancing class on 1/3/78 but failed to turn up. Her motorcycle was found in a car park near Kentucky Fried Chicken, on Main North Rd, Nailsworth, two days later. Her body was found at a dump on Magazine Rd, Dry Creek, the next day. She had been bashed and stabbed. Reward $200,000
MARR, Corinna Joanne 4/7/97
Was shot twice in her unit on Howard St, Collinswood, about 3.30pm. Reward $200,000
MARSHALL, Peter John 5/2/92
Was found in his flat on Northcote St, Kilburn. He had been shot in the head.
MAY, Jeffrey John 29/12/82
Was assaulted while standing on a tramway bridge at Glengowrie about 12.15am. As a result, he fell on to concrete below and died on 7/1/1983. Reward $200,000
McCAULEY, Dale 16/1/98
Last seen living in a cottage at Willunga. His bank account has not been accessed since his disappearance. Believed to have been murdered.
McWILLIAMS, David 29/7/98
Involved in the drug scene, he went missing from his Brighton home and is believed to have been murdered.
MEFFERT, Martin 24/10/13
Bones found in a house at Terowie, in the Mid North, believed to be his. It is believed he was murdered and his disability pension payments had continued to be withdrawn from his bank account.
MORDOWICZ, Andrew 29/9/96
Was found lying outside his taxi with two gunshot wounds after responding to a call to Fife St, Klemzig, about 4.30am. He later died at the RAH. Reward $200,000
MORGAN, Juan 1992
Went missing from his Campbelltown home, aged 15, in 1992. He was not a listed missing person until inquiries were made with his mother in 1999. Suspected to have been murdered after becoming involved in the drug scene. Reward $1 million
MORTON, Karen Anne 9/2/02
At the time of her disappearance she was living in Pennington. She is suspected to have been murdered.
MUIR, Neil Frederick 28/8/79
Was found in the Port River inside a plastic bag. He had been dismembered and decapitated. Reward $1 million
MURAT, Franco 16/8/99
The former French Foreign Legion soldier was bashed and set alight by three offenders in his Prospect Rd, Blair Athol, home. He later died of his injuries. A large quantity of jewellery was stolen.
MYDLAK, Heironim 20/9/75
After leaving the Mansfield Park Hotel, he was attacked as he walked home and his money stolen. He died of head injuries seven days later.
NAYLOR, Roy Frederick and Sonya Marie 1/6/84
The Naylors were last seen alive at the Atlantic Motel, Glenelg. Both were involved in the drug scene and are believed to have been murdered. Reward $200,000
NEWCHURCH, Lancelot Malcolm 10/11/82
Was last seen outside of the Westlands Hotel, Whyalla, being attacked by two men with sticks or bars. He was taken to hospital but died of his injuries. Reward $200,000
NIXON, Graham Lee, PALOMBI, Sinibaldo and WESTERN, Hubert 8/10/99
About 1.50am a shootout involving Hells Angels bikies occurred in front of Rebels Motorcycle Club premises in Wright St, city. The three Rebels bikies died as a result of gunshot wounds.
PAWELSKI, Emma 4/12/05
About 5pm, a jogger found her body alongside a track in Mt Crawford Forest. She died as the result of a massive head trauma from a blunt object. Reward $200,000
PEARCE, Meredith, Adam, Travis and Kerry 6/1/91
Their bodies were found after the MFS was called to their burning house in Jackson St, Parafield Gardens. The mother had been bound and gagged with head wounds. Her sons had plastic bags over their heads. Father Stuart is missing. Reward $1 million
PENDERGAST, Robert 6/2/99
Went missing from Morphettville under suspicious circumstances. Is believed to have been involved in drugs and met with foul play.
PLEWS, Jason 22/11/01
Was assaulted and admitted to Lyell McEwin Hospital with a broken arm and lacerations to the head. Later discharged himself and is believed that he returned to a house in Whites Rd, Salisbury, and has not been seen since. He is suspected to have been murdered. Reward $200,000
POLL, Suzanne Kaye 29/4/93
She was working in the Sands and McDougall Shop at the Parabanks Shopping Centre when she was stabbed numerous times by an unknown offender. Reward $200,000
QUALMANN, Marilyn 21/9/75
The 15-year-old went missing from her Moorook home, in the Riverland. It is believed she was murdered. Reward $1 million
RAPADAS, Julian 18/11/08
His last known location was at the home of a Finks bikie gang member who is now also dead. It is believed that he has been murdered.
ROBERTS, Anne 16/9/79
She was sexually assaulted and died from a blow to the head in her flat at Emerson Rd, Black Forest. Reward $200,000
ROGERS, Gordon 2/8/70
The Canadian forestry worker — on a working holiday in Australia — went to a house-warming party at Beachport, in the South-East. At 2am, he refused a lift home and has not been seen since. It is suspected he was murdered.
SABECKIS, Robert Peter 13/1/00
In the early hours of the morning, he was in the Maslin Beach car park when shot by an unknown male. Reward $200,000
SAINT, John 16/4/91
He was bashed on South Tce, city — near a well-known homosexual haunt — and died from head injuries.
SCHMIDT, Susan 18/12/71
She left work at Burger King, Darlington, at 2am to walk home. Her body was found dumped near a dirt track at Hallett Cove. She had been sexually assaulted. Reward $1 million
SEAFORD, Peter 12/3/1989
He responded to an alarm at his service station in Whyalla at 4am. On returning to his flat, he was savagely bashed and killed. Reward $200,000
SHEPPARD, Daniel 1/1/95
He had attended numerous pubs on Hindley St on New Year’s Eve with a friend. He was last seen getting off the Outer Harbor train at 4.35am. He has not made contact with his mother or friends since. It is suspected he has been murdered. Reward $200,000
SILVA, Newton Eugene 15/7/88
Involved in the drug scene, his body was found dumped by the side of a dirt road at Dowlingville, about 10km from Ardrossan. He had been shot twice in the head and once in the heart. Reward $200,000
SINODINAS, Yasmina Jane 18/12/91
Was last seen leaving a friend’s Gilles Plains house about 6am on 15/12/91. She got into a Sigma sedan that was driven by a male. Her body was located under some dumped trash on the side of a track at Vista. She died from severe head trauma. Reward $200,000
STOGNEFF, Peter 27/8/81
The 14-year-old’s skeleton was found in a mound of dirt at Middle Beach. His body had been sawn into parts and placed in a plastic bag. Reward $1 million
STONE, Anthony Wesley 12/10/89
The convicted bank robber was stabbed in the chest while in the exercise yard at Yatala Labour Prison. The incident was seen by at least 90 other inmates. Reward $200,000
TILBROOK, Peter 24/5/78
His body was found in a vehicle on land adjacent to River Rd, Port Noarlunga. He died as a result of being shot in the head.
TIMMERMANIS, Peteris Erhards 18/7/91
Involved in the drug scene, he was last seen alive in a truck at Yorketown, on the Yorke Peninsula, on July 18, 1991. He is suspected to have been murdered.
TUN TIN, James 20/4/11
He was shot when confronting intruders trying to steal cannabis in the backyard of his Gerrard Ave home, in Paralowie.
TURNER, Heather 31/1/98
After leaving her home at Gulf Court, Largs Bay, Heather’s body was discovered partly submerged in a creek at Port Gawler. She died as the result of a violent assault. Reward $1 million
UNKOVICH, Anton and Davor 22/10/72
Davor’s body was found at Maslin Beach. He had been shot in the head. Anton is missing, presumed dead. The brothers had recently arrived in SA from WA and were last seen together in Hindley St three days earlier. Reward $200,000
VILLANI, Pellegrino 17/11/90
He returned to his home at Magill and, while unlocking a gate, was shot twice. He had been living a double-life — with a girlfriend and a fiancee. Reward $200,000
WANGANEEN, Emily May 27/2/10
Was last seen at a property at Tolmer Rd, Elizabeth Park. Her remains were found in a gully at Gould Creek. Her cause of death remains unknown.
WARD, Carlene Adelaide 6/9/92
A former prostitute, she was bashed and stabbed to death in her home on Armstrong Ave, Parafield Gardens. Reward $200,000
WESTMACOTT, Debra 25/1/91
The British backpacker was stabbed in the chest while standing in a telephone booth on Gouger St, city, about 10.45pm after walking from a nearby restaurant. Reward $200,000
WHITEFORD, David 9/5/89
He had been drinking in the Maid of Auckland Hotel when a person entered the bottle shop armed with a firearm. The attendant locked himself in a storeroom and pressed an internal alarm. David ran to help but was shot in the chest. Reward $200,000
WILLIAMS, Mark 28/7/02
Was shot through the front window of his unit on Moorhouse Ave, Myrtle Bank, about 1.20am. Had no known association with criminals.
WILLIAMS, Steven Charles 17/6/05
A former president of the Gypsy Jokers bikie gang, he disappeared from in the vicinity of the Gepps Cross Hotel. He is suspected to have been murdered.
WILLIAMSON, Wilbur 11/11/03
Was found dead in his dugout at Tupper Place, Coober Pedy. He had multiple skull fractures. Jewellery and some gold nuggets were stolen. Reward $200,000
WINN, Brett William 16/11/89
Went missing after he and two other men robbed a Foodland store at Hallett Cove of $60,000. His body was found at a house in Fairview Grove, Hackham West, on 1/2/2002.
WOLANIN, Renata 2/8/89
Disappeared from her home at Verdale Ave, Linden Park. Believed to have been last seen at a nearby service station. She is suspected to have been murdered. Reward $200,000
WOODLAND, Robert Mark 8/12/04
Died in the South Parklands after being bashed. His vehicle was found in the nearby car park of the Pavilion on the Park restaurant. Reward $200,000
YOUNG, Benjamin 26/8/08
A former member of The Finks bikie gang, he was shot outside his Payneham home about 1.30am.
* Where exact offence date is not known, the date may be when victim was last seen, the time of death according to a pathologist, or when remains were discovered.