NSW’s unsolved murder and disappearance cases with $1M rewards
From brutal murders to disappearances without a trace, there are multiple cases that remain unsolved in NSW. But for some, police have attached a $1 million reward to try and get the answers.
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Currently in NSW there are 39 cases that remain unsolved that have a $1 million reward attached for information that leads to a resolution.
From missing person cases to horrific murders, some family members and loved ones have gone decades without ever finding out who was responsible.
Someone can be eligible for a reward if they can provide information that leads to an offender being charged and convicted.
“Any information you have about any of these cases is worth giving to police, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem,” the NSW Police website states.
Anyone with information that may assist detectives in any of the cases is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
See the full list of cases that do not have any charges before the court.
Disappearance and suspected murders of Gordana Kotevski
Gordana Kotevski, aged 16, was last seen being forced into a vehicle on Powell Street, Charlestown, while walking to her aunt’s home on the same road about 9pm on November 24, 1994.
Despite extensive investigations at the time, and over the years, Gordana has not been located.
In a coronial inquest into Gordana’s disappearance in 2003, then State Coroner, John Abernethy, found that Gordana Kotevski was deceased, most likely as a result of foul play.
In April 2019, Lake Macquarie detectives established Strike Force Arapaima to re-examine the investigation into the unsolved disappearance and suspected murder of Gordana, along with two other missing Lake Macquarie teens – Robyn Hickie and Amanda Robinson.
Gordana’s aunt, Julie Talevski, has previously spoken out to encourage the public to take the time to read and hear about Gordana’s story.
“Not a day goes by that we don’t think about the ‘what if’s’ of life – Gordana was young, joyous, innocent, and then she was gone,” she said.
“There’s no closure, you’re always thinking ‘what happened … where is she’. Please, if you know something – say something. We need to find out what happened to our Gordana.”
Murders of Evelyn Greenup, Colleen Walker-Craig and Clinton Speedy-Duroux
Evelyn Greenup disappeared after being put to bed at her grandmother’s Bowraville home on October 4, 1990 and tragically her remains were found in bushland near Congarinni Road in April 1991.
While the post mortem did not conclusively determine the cause of death, it was noted that a skull injury was consistent with a forceful penetration by a sharp instrument.
Colleen Walker-Craig was aged just 16 when she was last seen at a party in Bowraville on September 13, 1990.
Her family reported her missing the following day, and her weighted down clothes were later found in the Nambucca River and although Colleen’s body has never been found, the NSW Coroner found she had died and had most likely been murdered.
Clinton Speedy-Duroux was aged just 16 when he disappeared after a party at Bowraville on January 31, 1991. His remains were subsequently located in bushland near Congarinni Road in February 1991.
A man has previously been charged on separate occasions over two of the children’s murders and was subsequently acquitted.
The three murders were originally investigated separately, before being linked by the Homicide Squad under Strike Force Ancud. Investigators sought to have separate $1 million rewards for information to help solve each murder, which now apply.
Murder of Kalim Saliba
Kalim Saliba died after emergency services were called to a home on Tallowwood Ave, Cherrybrook, following reports two men had forced entry to the home.
Police attended and located the occupants, an 86-year-old man and 83-year-old woman, with serious head injuries. They were treated at the scene before being taken to Westmead Hospital where Kalim later died.
Officers from Ryde Police Area Command established a crime scene, which was examined by specialist forensic officers, and commenced inquiries into the incident before detectives from the Homicide Squad took carriage of the investigation under Strike Force McCleery.
In 2021, then Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott said he was hopeful the reward would encourage those who were yet to give information to police, to come forward.
“Kalim Saliba was a loving father whose life was taken in the cruellest and most cowardly set of circumstances,” he said.
“This was a shocking, vicious murder that rocked my local community and has left Mr Saliba’s family without answers more than 18 months on from his death.”
Disappearance and suspected murders of Robyn Hickie and Amanda Robinson
Robyn Hickie, aged 18, left her home around in April 1979, and was last seen standing at a bus stop on the Pacific Highway, Belmont North.
A fortnight later, Amanda Robinson, aged 14, was last seen walking along Lake Road, Swansea, after attending a dance at her high school in Gateshead.
Despite extensive investigations at the time, and over the years, neither of the girls have been located while a subsequent coronial inquest into found that the teenagers were deceased, most likely as a result of foul play.
In April 2019, Lake Macquarie detectives established Strike Force Arapaima to re-examine the investigation into the unsolved disappearances and suspected murders of Robyn Hickie, Amanda Robinson and Gordana Kotevski.
Disappearance of Ian Draper
Ian Charles Draper was last seen leaving his workplace at Mount Pritchard Community Club driving his 1992 white Ford Falcon on August 3, 2001.
The then 37-year-old’s vehicle was later located at Leppington on September 17, 2001, unlocked and undamaged. A forensic examination of the vehicle was later conducted; however, no further evidence was obtained.
Initial inquiries conducted by Cabramatta Local Area Command confirmed that Ian had not used or accessed his phone or bank accounts since his disappearance.
In 2004, a coronial inquest found Ian had died; however, the circumstances could not be determined. Since 2008, the State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad has conducted extensive investigations into Ian’s death as part of Strike Force Tuno II.
Despite these efforts, no one has been charged in relation to Ian’s disappearance, and his body has never been located.
Ian’s mother, Janet Draper, previously told media her family miss Ian more than words can express.
“Last week was Ian’s birthday and we have now spent 20 years without him, missing out on celebrating these milestones and many other special family occasions,” Mrs Draper said.
“Ian was a loving son, brother, uncle and friend and taken far too soon.”
Disappearance of Stephen Lapthorne and Michelle Pope
Stephen Lapthorne, 21, and his girlfriend, Michelle Pope, 18, were last seen leaving Stephen’s home on Wyuna Ave at West Pymble, on August 25, 1978.
The pair was travelling in a lime green-coloured 1977 Bedford CF van – with NSW registration plates ‘SL710’ – and were believed to be heading toward Michelle’s home at Berowra.
Despite extensive investigations by police over the years, Stephen or Michelle have not been seen or heard from since, and their vehicle has never been located.
In 2020, Michelle’s brother, Jeff Pope, said the impact his sister’s disappearance had on his family was immense, particularly for their mum.
“Unfortunately, our mother, Veronica, passed away without ever knowing what happened to her beloved daughter Michelle,” he said.
“Not a day goes by where we don’t think about Michelle and the life she could have led.”
Disappearance of Juanita Nielsen
Juanita Nielsen was last seen at the Carousel Cabaret on Roslyn Street at Kings Cross, on the morning of July 4, 1975 and was later reported missing.
During initial investigations, police uncovered information relating to a conspiracy to kidnap Juanita four days prior to her last known sighting.
In late 1977, three men were arrested and charged with conspiracy to kidnap. Two of the men were subsequently convicted, while the third was acquitted.
Despite extensive investigations over the years, no one has been charged in relation to her disappearance and suspected murder.
In 2021, Juanita’s cousin, Francis Foy, said his cousin’s disappearance has devastated their family for more than four decades.
“Juanita was very much loved by her family and very much missed. Her disappearance and the unknown of what happened to her caused incredible pain for her family,” he said.
“Our purpose now is to try and find where Juanita’s remains are, so that she can be buried respectfully with other members of our family and a memorial can be placed.”
Disappearance of William ‘Bill’ Roach
William Roach was 25 when he was last seen on Barney Street, Armidale, on New Year’s Eve in 1993 and was reported missing in early 1994.
Strike Force Annan was established in 2004 to examine the circumstances surrounding Bill’s disappearance and in 2010, a coronial inquest was conducted and found that it was likely Mr Roach had died but the cause of death was undetermined. His body has never been located.
This was despite extensive investigations over the years, including the execution of a crime scene warrant at a property on the outskirts of Armidale in February 2016.
At the time of his disappearance, William was described as being of Caucasian appearance, 180cm tall, of thin build, with brown wavy hair, and brown eyes.
When he was last seen, it is believed he was wearing blue jeans, work boots, and a red flannelette shirt with the sleeves buttoned up.
In 2021, William’s sister, Kim Roach, said she is hopeful for answers.
“It has been 27 years since we have heard from Bill and we just want to know what happened to him,” she said.
Murder of Melissa Hunt
The body of Melissa Hunt was found near the weir wall of Burrenjim Dam on April 25, 1994, and a post mortem examination revealed she died from severe head injuries.
Strike Force Impey, comprised of detectives from the Lake Macquarie Police District and the State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad, was formed to investigate her death; however, no arrests have been made.
Following a coronial inquest in 1998, the matter was sent to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions for review and referred to the Unsolved Homicide Unit.
A formal review of the investigation was conducted under the new unsolved framework and is now under reinvestigation by detectives attached to Strike Force Circulo.
In October 2021, officers returned to the Burrenjim Dam with specialist police from the Forensic Evidence and Technical Services Command to conduct a full review of the original crime scene.
Melissa’s brother, Peter Hallett, said he hoped the reward may help detectives uncover new leads to finally provide justice for his sister and family.
“Melissa was deeply loved by our family and we have never stopped missing her and desperately wishing that her life had not been cut short,” Mr Hallett said in 2021.
“We should not just have memories of Melissa’s beautiful dark eyes, her mischievous laugh, musical talent, eye for detail, passion for writing and fierce love for her family and two children – we should all be able to hold her now.
“After 26 years of despairing grief, we are hoping that someone will come forward and help police identify those responsible for her death.”
Homicide of Simone Strobel
German teacher Simone Strobel was last seen at the Lismore Tourist Caravan Park on February 11, 2005, after a night out with her then-boyfriend and friends.
Her body was found six days later, concealed under palm fronds at a sportsground less than 100m from the caravan park.
At a coronial inquest in 2007, then-State Coroner, Paul McMahon, ruled there was insufficient evidence to lay charges over Simone’s death.
Detectives from Richmond Police District established Strike Force Howea in February 2005 to investigate Simone’s murder – with assistance from their counterparts at the State Crime Command, the Wuerzburg Criminal Police and the Prosecutor’s Office in Wuerzburg.
No one has ever been charged over her death.
Assassination of Turkish Consul-General and his bodyguard
Turkish Consul-General Şarık Arıyak, 50, and his bodyguard, Engin Sever, 28, were shot outside a residence on Portland Street, Dover Heights, about 9.45am on December 17, 1980.
Sarik and Engin were leaving the residence in separate vehicles, when they were approached by two unknown men, who fired multiple shots at close range before fleeing the area on a motorcycle.
Despite the efforts of emergency services, Şarık died at the scene, and Engin died a short time later at St Vincent’s Hospital.
Shortly after the attack, responsibility was claimed by the Justice Commandos of the Armenian Genocide, but despite extensive investigations by police, no one has ever been charged.
In 2019, Counter Terrorism and Special Tactics Commander, Assistant Commissioner Mark Walton, welcomed the reward – the first $1 million offered in relation to a terrorism act.
“The assassination of Şarik Arıyak and Engin Sever was the first international politically-motivated attack on Australian soil, and responsibility was quickly claimed by a terrorist group,” he said.
“We suspect there are people who know intimate details about the planning and preparation – and likely the identity of the men on the motorcycles – but may be afraid, or hesitant, to share that information with investigators.”
Murder of Penny Hill
Penny Hill was found unconscious with severe head and facial injuries on Cassilis Road, near Coolah, on July 8, 1991.
She was taken to John Hunter Hospital, where she died two weeks later. In 1992, a coronial inquest held in Mudgee returned an open finding on the cause and manner of death.
Detectives from the State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad commenced further investigations into Penny’s murder under Strike Force Samdon, before a second coronial inquest was held in 2012.
The second inquest also delivered an open finding and was returned to investigators, who pursued a number of new lines of inquiry, however, no one has ever been charged in relation to Penny’s death.
In 2019 Penny’s mother, Jeanette Hill, said the last few decades have caused unbearable pain.
“There is simply no way to describe the immense agony of losing a child,” she said.
“Every day I am reminded of Penny, of the tragic way in which she was taken from us, and of the life she never got to live. Our family, and our Penny need peace.”
Murder of Mark Russell
The body of Mark Russell was found in a unit at Clisdell Street, Surry Hills on February 25, 2018.
A post mortem examination revealed the 53-year-old died after being stabbed multiple times and a crime scene was established in the unit, which was examined by specialist forensic officers.
Detectives from the State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad and Surry Hills Police Area Command established Strike Force Fletcher to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death.
Initial inquiries have revealed there was a group of people inside Mark’s unit the night before his body was located, and witnesses reported hearing arguing or yelling about 10pm.
Further witnesses reported Mark had visitors during the day on Saturday 24 February 2018, but were unsure if they were the same people there later in the evening.
His sister, Julie Ann Stewart, still hopes to get justice.
“The past two years have been absolutely devastating for our family, as we continue to grieve every day for Mark and the life he could have lived,” she said in 2018.
“Mark was a strong and vibrant character who had been through tough times in the years prior to his death – but always knew how to bring a smile to friends, family and the local community.”
Death of 13-year-old Arthur Haines
Arthur Haines was sleeping over at his friend’s house when he became trapped on the top floor of a burning home on April 9, 1998 on Walker Street, Waterloo.
The teenager managed to escape the blaze and was taken to The Children’s Hospital at Westmead with severe burns. Tragically, he died 11 weeks later.
After scientific examination of the crime scene it was determined that the house fire was lit deliberately. Despite investigations by officers attached to South Sydney Police Area Command, no one has ever been charged.
Arthur’s mother, Julie Szabo, said she would never give up in the search for those responsible for her son’s death.
“My son would have been 36 this year, and not a day goes by where I don’t think of him and wish he were here,” Ms Szabo said in 2020.
“He was a kind boy who was respectful to his elders and he was taken from us too soon.
“I thank the police for never giving up on my boy and I hope the reward encourages those who know what happened to come forward.”
Murder of Lee Ellen Stace
Lee Ellen Stace was last seen on September 2 1997, when she finished work at a Yamba Road supermarket – a job she had started a week earlier.
Her family reported the 16-year-old missing, which sparked a large-scale police and community search operation, and six weeks later, her remains were located in the Yuraygir National Park near Brooms Head.
Grafton detectives conducted a thorough investigation at the time; however, no one has ever been charged for her murder.
During the 2009 coronial inquest into her suspected murder, a number of suspects were named, and the Coroner recommended the investigation be referred to the Homicide Squad for future investigation.
In 2019, Ellen’s father, Peter Stace, said the family have never given up hope of finding out what happened and getting justice for Lee.
“We have struggled every single day since we lost her and hope the reward will give someone one million reasons to come forward now – we just want that information,” he said.
Murder of George Brown
The body of Sydney horse trainer George Brown was found in a burnt-out Ford Falcon sedan in bushland at Bulli Tops in April 1984. Mr Brown died from head injuries inflicted prior to the vehicle fire.
Local and Homicide Squad detectives conducted numerous inquiries at the time and in the years following; however, no one has ever been charged for his murder.
In 2009, detectives from the Homicide Squad’s Unsolved Homicide Unit established Strike Force Comboyne to reinvestigate the circumstances surrounding George’s murder.
In 2020, Homicide Squad Commander, Detective Superintendent Scott Cook, said detectives would welcome any information from the community that may help provide answers to his family.
“We know George Brown worked at the horse stables at Rosebery throughout the day and evening where he was last seen 35 years ago, but he did not arrive at his Kensington home as planned,” he said.
“A significant aspect of the investigation is around one of Mr Brown’s horses who performed poorly at a race meet in Doomben, Brisbane, two days before his death.”
Suspected murder of Raphael Joseph
Raphael Joseph, aged 37, was last seen getting into the back seat of a silver Holden Commodore on Dartbrook Road, Auburn, about 11.20pm on March 20, 2014.
Mr Joseph was reported missing by his family two days later and it was quickly established he likely met with foul play.
Detectives from the State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad, assisted by detectives from South West Metropolitan Region, established Strike Force Halfbeak to investigate the circumstances surrounding his disappearance and suspected murder.
According to police, Joseph’s body was most likely stuffed into a 44-gallon drum before being taken to a property on the outskirts of town where his body was then burnt meaning it may never be found.
Murder of Maria Smith
The body of 20-year-old Maria Smith was located in the bedroom of her unit on St Marks Road, Randwick just weeks after she had been married.
Maria had been bound, sexually assaulted and strangled with pantyhose. Her husband, Stephen, had left for work just after 7.30am and she was meant to leave about an hour later for work, but never arrived. He is not a suspect in the case.
Despite extensive investigations and a coronial inquest in July 1975, which found that she had been strangled by an unknown person, no one was charged in connection to her murder.
The Homicide Squad’s Unsolved Homicide Unit has established Strike Force Auris to reinvestigate the circumstances surrounding Maria’s death.
Peter McGuinn, who was just a young man when his sister was murdered, said it was difficult to describe the impact losing Maria had on his family.
“From that day, it was like there’s a void that couldn’t – and can’t – be filled,” Mr McGuinn said in 2018.
“We still think about Maria often, mostly it’s our childhood memories and what could have been, but other times, I think about what actually happened – who killed my sister?”
Murder of Lynette White
The body of 26-year-old, Lynette White, was found by her husband in their Coogee apartment in June 1973.
She had been stabbed numerous times as her 11-week-old son lay in his cot just metres away.
In 2016, detectives from the Homicide Squad‘s Unsolved Homicide Unit established Strike Force Tourmaline to reinvestigate the circumstances surrounding Lyn’s murder.
In 2018, her husband Paul White, who isn’t accused of any involvement in her murder and had been advocating for an increase to the reward amount, called on the community to help bring justice for Lyn.
“I have never given up hope that police will one day find Lyn’s killer and I believe $1 million is a really good reason for someone to finally come forward,” Mr White said.
“Someone out there knows what happened to Lyn, they might not be the one who killed Lyn, but they know or suspect they know who did.
“So, if ‘someone’ is you, I beg you to come forward and tell the police what you know.”
Abduction of Jessica Small
Jessica Small, 15, was last seen in the early hours of October 16, 1997 after attending the ‘Amuse Me’ amusement centre on Russell Street, Bathurst, with a female friend.
The girls were attempting to hitch-hike home and entered a white-coloured sedan driven by an unknown man.
Police were told the man stopped the car on Hereford Street, Bathurst, and turned off the headlights, and assaulted both girls, attempting to detain them in the vehicle.
Jessica’s friend was able to escape and alert nearby residents, but the car drove off with Jessica still inside.
Investigators believe the last sighting of the vehicle was near Duramana Road and Willott Close, Eglinton, travelling toward Hill End.
Jessica has not been seen or heard from since and Deputy State Coroner, Magistrate Sharon Freund, found at a 2014 coronial inquest that she had been murdered.
Murder of Gary Allibon
Security guard Gary Allibon was murdered during a robbery more than 10 years ago. Just after 6am on June 7 2010, three men armed men approached a cash-in-transit van on Sussex Street, Sydney, and threatened the guards before stealing cash.
During the robbery, one of the guards, 59-year-old Gary, was shot in the back and his work-issued firearm was stolen. Despite the efforts of emergency services and medical staff, he died a short time later at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital.
A fourth man drove the men from the scene in a silver high-performance Audi S8 sedan.
The Audi was seen exiting the M5 at Henry Lawson Drive in convoy with a Mercedes C63 just before 10pm two days later, before it was destroyed by fire in a car park at Milperra.
Investigators linked those vehicles to two others – a white BMW X6 4WD and a silver 2004 BMW 5-Series sedan. Neither the C63 nor the X6 have been recovered by police.
Ballistic examinations linked the firearm used in the murder to two other shootings at Vaucluse in 2007 and Merrylands in 2010, while casings located in the Audi linked it to a shooting at Wentworthville in 2010.
No one has been charged over Gary’s murder.
In 2020 Gary’s widow, Monica, said those men robbed the van and took my husband’s life, and the people who know them and what they did are robbing her of answers and justice.
Janine Vaughan
Janine Vaughan left a local nightclub and was last seen getting into a red car on Keppel Street, Bathurst, about 3.50am on December 7, 2001.
Local police commenced an investigation into her disappearance before the case was referred to the State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad.
A coronial inquest conducted in 2009 found Ms Vaughan had died but her cause of death remained undetermined. Her body has not been located.
In 2013, detectives from the Homicide Squad’s Unsolved Homicide Unit established Strike Force Toko II to reinvestigate Ms Vaughan’s suspicious disappearance and suspected murder.
In 2019, Janine’s sister Kylie Spelde said the last decades had been very tough on the entire family.
“Every day without my sister, who was so full of life, is unbearable, and 18 years is a long time without any contact and any answers,” she said.
“It’s heartbreaking to know Janine was living her life, and then someone – or some people – took all of that away from her and from us.”
Fatal fire at Luna Park
Six boys and a man were killed in the blaze that overran an amusement ride at Luna Park.
About 10.15pm on June 9, 1979, emergency services were called to the amusement park at Milsons Point, following reports of a fire inside the Ghost Train ride.
In September that year, a coronial inquest found the cause of the blaze could not be determined. Over the years, investigators from across the NSW Police Force have investigated all information received in relation to the fire.
On April 2021, a formal request was submitted to the NSW Police Force State Crime Command by the State Coroner to conduct a review into all evidence concerning the cause and origin of the fire and the circumstances surrounding the seven deaths.
Detectives from the Homicide Squad’s Unsolved Homicide Team established Strike Force Sedgeman and a formal review commenced.
For more information about the listed rewards in NSW for unsolved cases, click here.
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