$1m reward: Iain Stewart Hogg and Charles ‘Slim’ Johnston deaths may be linked, police say

There has been a new twist in the investigation into two cold case murder mysteries, after police revealed a $1 million reward was offered up to help solve the crimes.

A $1 million reward has been offered to help solve a 21-year-old Gold Coast cold case murder mystery and another suspected slaying which police believe are linked.

The rewards have been posted in relation to the disappearance and suspected murder of Currumbin man Iain Stewart Hogg and the murder of Frederick Hugh Rosson, aka Charles “Slim” Johnston, at Mt Nathan in 2002.

Detectives believe both men were not involved in any criminal activity, nor known to each other but that they were killed by the same culprits.

In a dramatic development on Tuesday morning, police revealed they are questioning a 56-year-old Murwillumbah man after executing a “high-risk search warrant’ in relation to the investigation.

Detective Acting Inspector Adam Bennett, from Gold Coast CIB, said police hoped the increase to $1m would be the catalyst for a breakthrough in the case.

“It is never too late to come forward. Relationships and loyalties change, people who were once scared may no longer be, and we would encourage these persons to come forward,” he said.

Currumbin man Ian Hogg.

Charles "Slim" Alexander Johnston (also known as Frederick Rosson).

“Police would like to directly appeal to the LGBTIQ+ community or anyone who knew Mr Hogg leading up to his death in March 2002 as he was a very private person and any personal information may assist with this matter.

“It may be 21 years ago, but for the families of Mr Hogg and Mr Rosson I am sure it is still very painful for them, and to find those responsible in some way could bring some small measure of relief to them.

“All appropriate combined resources from Queensland Police and the New South Wales Police Force will continue to be used by investigators in an attempt to solve these murders and bring the offenders responsible to justice.

“Even the smallest piece of information may be the link that helps us solved this heinous crime.”

Detective Sergeant Chris Elliott, of NSW police, declined to elaborate.

At a press conference on Tuesday morning to announce the developments, Mr Rosson’s granddaughter made an emotional plea for anyone with information to come forward.

“We have never known why they had to kill him or what happened,” she said.

“Two decades on and we are still impacted by the loss and it’s never far from our minds.

“Please, if you know something, come forward.

“You could help give us the answers that we need.”

Ian Hogg’s red Toyota Celica was found at Palm Beach.

WHAT WE KNOW SO FAR

Mr Hogg, 45, a bottle shop manager, disappeared in on March 11, 2002.

His distinctive red Toyota Celica was seen in a carpark on Coral Street, Tweed Heads, where witnesses reported a flash and a loud bang, which was believed to be gunfire.

Three days later, Mr Rosson, 67, was shot dead on March 14, 2002 after meeting two men who came to his Mt Nathan property to view a gun he had advertised for sale.

Witnesses reported seeing a red Toyota Celica at the address.

A CZ 75 pistol – early variant with curved trigger guard. It is similar to the gun Charles ‘Slim’ Alexander Johnston was selling that was used to kill him.

The vehicle, which was believed to have been stolen after Mr Hogg’s murder, was found abandoned at Palm Beach the following week.

Queensland and NSW detectives have joined forces to try to crack the case, they believe saying both men are not involved in any criminal activity and have no know association to each other

“To date, in excess of 150 witness statements have been taken, and 600 inquiries conducted with police speaking to people all over Australia,” police said.

With active investigations under way, detectives from Gold Coast Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB) and Homicide Investigation Unit were approved to increase the reward on offer to $500,000 with New South Wales Police Force also increasing its reward by the same amount.

Anyone with information is urged to call Policelink on 13144 or CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000.