Family of Mark Haines, killed in Northern NSW three decades ago, continue the search for justice
The family of a man mysteriously killed in NSW are pleading for answers on the 32nd anniversary of his death.
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THE family of a man mysteriously killed in NSW are pleading for answers on the 32nd anniversary of his death.
Several people now living in Queensland are thought to hold some of the answers.
Mark Haines died on the outskirts of Tamworth in the early hours of January 16 1988.
The 17-year-old’s lifeless body was discovered on a railway track.
For three decades Mark’s uncle Don Craigie has been trying to establish just how he ended up there.
“I am still here and I am still seeking answers and will continue for as long as I have breath in my body,” he said.
“Mark’s parents … went to their graves not knowing what happened to Mark. His plaque states ‘Mysteriously died’. It is no mystery to those who were last with him.”
Despite being found dead on the railway tracks there was virtually no blood at the scene. A towel had also been placed under his head. According to Mr Craigie there was no evidence he took his own life and a NSW Coroner returned an open finding at the time.
New South Wales police don’t believe Mark was alone on the night and a number of people in Queensland are aware of what happened.
Several have already been interviewed including a Cleveland man who spoke to police in the presence of his lawyer.
The man told police he had gone home earlier in the night and wouldn’t have done anything to harm Mark as they were friends.
Police sources said they were “reasonably satisfied” he was telling the truth however it was one of a number of possible scenarios.
NSW Police Acting Superintendent Kylie Endemi said a $500,000 reward for information was still on offer.
““We believe there are still people around who know exactly what happened to Mark but are either afraid – or unwilling – to share that information with police,” she said.
“Mark’s family have been dealing with the uncertainty of what happened to him for over 30 years; they deserve some closure and peace.”
The investigation is currently being reviewed by the NSW Homicide Squad with reports to be forwarded to the State Coroner.
Anyone with information should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Originally published as Family of Mark Haines, killed in Northern NSW three decades ago, continue the search for justice