Salt Creek kidnapping monster Roman Heinze earns $100k windfall after threatening to sue his kids over his father’s will

Salt Creek kidnapper Roman Heinze finally has the money he needs to pursue his High Court appeal – and all he had to do was threaten to sue his kids.

The Salt Creek backpacker kidnapper will fund his upcoming High Court appeal with a $100,000 windfall earned by threatening to sue his own children over their inheritance.

The Advertiser can reveal Roman Heinze has secured the lion’s share of his late father’s $235,600 estate, with the rest divided between his daughter, sons and nephew.

That division was not the dying wish of Heinze’s father Werner, who left his entire estate – save for his prized orchids, gifted to a friend – to the children.

Heinze, however, claimed he had been “unjustly left out” of the will and threatened legal action, prompting his children to agree to a settlement and avoid yet another lawsuit.

On Friday, Heinze’s estranged daughter Kendehl said it was heartbreaking the money, placed in trust, would be used to fund Heinze’s imminent challenge to his convictions.

Werner Heinze left his estate to his grandchildren, not to his criminal son. Pictured: Dylan Coker

Salt Creek kidnapper Roman Heinze.

“On the one hand you have the wonderful memories you shared with your grandfather, which are priceless and bring me comfort,” she said.

“On the other hand, Dad gets his bit put in a trust – for the High Court as he always wanted, for a lawyer that will fight to get him evidence and a voice.

“The financial aspect of his estate – the question of unfairness – causes me complexity and even pain.”

Heinze, 68, is serving a minimum 17-year prison term for kidnapping and assaulting two backpackers at Salt Creek in February 2016.

Since being jailed, he has lodged multiple self-represented civil actions – some against his children, some to secure the 4WD he used in his crimes.

Heinze has also turned his hand to creating art under the signature “Salt Creek Monsta”, and been banned from harassing Kendehl through the prison mail service.

Earlier this month, Heinze went on an extraordinary courtroom tirade about his case, labelling his victims “liars who played dumb” and criticising his former legal team.

Kendehl, the daughter of Roman Heinze, with one of his jumpers. Picture: Ben Clark

Kendehl with her father prior to the Salt Creek backpacker kidnappings.

Documents obtained by The Advertiser show Werner Heinze left his estate, in varying amounts, to his grandchildren with no provision made for his son.

“Roman believes he has been unjustly left out of the deceased’s will and has given notice of his intention to seek further provision from the estate,” the documents state.

“The beneficiaries seek to resolve the foreshadowed claim by Roman by including him as the principal beneficiary in a discretionary trust.

“(This is) for the benefit of all family in exchange for Roman relinquishing any further claim to the estate … he accepts those terms.”

The documents note Heinze is “one of many people” who may draw on the trust, but emphasises he is its “principal beneficiary”.

On Friday, Kendehl said she had struggled to come to terms with the resolution of the dispute.

“I didn't see much of my grandfather (toward the end of his life) as it was heartbreaking,” she said.

“All he wanted was for Dad and I to forgive each other, be there for one another, to support and love each other … he always asked me to sort out my differences with Dad.

“Dad, why can’t you take responsibility for your poor actions and choices? Have you thought about how you hurt someone who was your ‘only sunshine’, your only daughter?”