Inquest into Annette Mason’s death begins
It’s 25 years since Queensland schoolgirl Annette Mason was found bludgeoned to death in her bed. Today, on the anniversary of her death, her family is hoping for answers.
Crime & Justice
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A DETECTIVE who took over the investigation into Annette Mason’s death says witnesses saw a young girl matching Annette’s description running from a man in the hours before she was discovered bludgeoned to death in her bed.
Detective Sergeant Virginia Gray said witnesses described seeing a girl wearing either a long white shirt or a short white dress running barefoot along her Toowoomba street shortly after 4am on November 19, 1989.
“They (the witnesses) observed the girl running across (the) street and had to brake fairly heavily to avoid hitting her,” Det Sgt Gray told the inquest.
“When they looked they observed a male person following her ... They were quite concerned, she seemed quite fearful …”
Det Sgt Gray, who took over the cold case investigation in 2009, said Annette had attended a number of parties the night before she was found dead in her bed but investigations showed she had been dropped home “safe and well” in a taxi about 3.30am.
The court heard police had identified a number of person of interest who could have killed Annette as well as a number of people who could be accessories after the fact.
Under questioning from the Mason family’s lawyer, Det Sgt Gray said a sexual motivation for the killing could not be ruled out.
Counsel assisting the coroner Adrian Braithwaite said 62 witnesses would be called during the three week inquest that would determine whether anyone should be charged over the teen’s death.
EARLIER: THE family of slain Toowoomba schoolgirl Annette Mason have arrived at court for a second inquest into the 15-year-old’s death.
Annette was found bludgeoned to death in her bed in 1989 and despite extensive investigations and an inquest 25 years ago, no one has ever been charged over her death.
Outside court, Annette’s sister Linda said she hoped the three-week inquest starting this morning would bring answers for the grieving family.
We want the truth we don’t want anymore secrets,” she said.
“If you have information, come forward now, it’s not too late.”
Dressed in yellow — Annette’s favourite colour — the family pleaded for anyone with information about the teen’s death to come forward.
Ms Mason said today was also the 29th anniversary of her sister’s death, making it an “emotional” day for the family who will light candles in honour of Annette’s life tonight.
Ms Mason said her grandparents had died before they could see justice done.
“We want to see someone charged,” she said.
“I don’t want (my parents) to pass not knowing.”
The inquest before coroner Terry Ryan is due to begin this morning.
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