Man arrested over Melbourne girl Kylie Maybury’s abduction and murder
NEIGHBOURS of a man charged over the abduction and murder of six-year-old Kylie Maybury say he “didn’t lift a finger to do anything” but seemed like a “harmless bloke”.
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A MAN has been charged over the abduction and murder of six-year-old Kylie Maybury more than 30 years ago.
Gregory Keith Davies, 73, faced an out-of-sessions court hearing at Melbourne West Police Station this evening.
He is charged with one count each of murder, rape and false imprisonment.
Mr Davies — wearing a cream jacket, brown shoes and black track pants with white stripes — clasped his hands during much of the brief hearing.
Asked by bail justice Grant Coultman-Smith whether there were any exceptional circumstances why he should be granted bail, he replied: “Not as yet, your honour.”
Homicide Squad Detective Sgt Paul Rowe told the hearing Mr Davies was arrested at his Waterford Park home about 9am today before being taken to the Spencer St police complex where he was later charged.
Mr Davies’ next door neighbour Robert Jackson admitted news of today’s arrest came as a big shock.
“It would be a shock to anyone,” he said.
“They were an eccentric couple, but harmless.
“His wife lived here long before him, he’s lived there for about 20-odd years but he only married her in the past three or four years.
“She built the house — it used to be a bed and breakfast place — and he came on the scene after she’s been here.”
Mr Jackson said Mr Davies was a regular visitor to his home over the years.
“He used to come in here all the day, he was always looking for a beer,” Mr Jackson said.
“We were just friendly neighbours.
“They kept to themselves; they didn’t mingle with anyone too much.
“She has family, but I’ve never seen his family.”
Mr Jackson said he remembered the Maybury case well.
“It would be a strange feeling if we found out that the person living next door to us all these years was responsible,” he said.
“I’ve got a 17-year old-daughter and she was three months old when he came here.”
“He always seemed like a harmless bloke to me, but you just never know.”
“She was nearly 90 and she was outside every day gardening,” Mr Jackson said.
“She would garden from daylight to dusk the old lady.
“She used to mow the laws and do the lot, but he (Keith) didn’t lift a finger to do anything.
“Keith didn’t do too much.
“Anything that was ever on for free though he was always there.”
Mr Jackson said he never spoke about the Maybury case.
“No he never mentioned it, but would any bloke mention that?,” he said.
“He’s never said anything about it.
“But nowadays nothing surprises me.
“It would be a shock for sure.”
It’s alleged the murder occurred on November 7, 1984 while the charges of rape and false imprisonment related to incidents the previous day.
The bail justice earlier explained the process of the hearing, telling Mr Davies he was to address him as sir or your honour to which Mr Davies replied: “Yes sir”.
He replied the same on being remanded to face Melbourne Magistrates’ Court tomorrow.
Kylie’s body was found dumped in a gutter in Donald St, Preston, in the early hours of November 7, 1984.
She was kidnapped the previous afternoon while walking from her Gregory Grove home in East Preston to a nearby shop to buy sugar.
An autopsy later revealed Kylie had been raped and probably suffocated.
SPECIAL FEATURE: 30th anniversary of Kylie Maybury tragedy
MOST SHOCKING: Kylie murder among Melbourne northern suburbs’ worst crimes
COLD CASE INVESTIGATIONS: Several new suspects emerged in Maybury case
UNSOLVED: Search 140+ homicide investigations in our Cold Case Files
Police today pleaded for two anonymous callers who gave information in the weeks and years after Kylie’s death to come forward.
And they called for information about a friend of Kylie’s mother, and a young Italian woman seen near the scene of Kylie’s disappearance to make contact.
Speaking today, Homicide detective Inspector Mick Hughes said Victoria Police had taken the unusual step of seeking more witnesses as well as the arrest.
He said there were at least three, and possibly four, people who could help with the investigation.
Among them was a friend of Kylie’s mother Lorna Simpson, who had been looking for Kylie.
“We’ve been unable to find Lorna. She may actually have passed away ... we’re hopeful a family member or friend may come forward and help us in that way,” Inspector Hughes said.
“We’ve taken the unusual step ... to speak to the media today, because there’s a number of people we want to come forward.”
Among those people included a girl at the time that Lorna described, “an attractive young Italian girl” of slim build.
Inspector Hughes said that girl would now be anywhere 40 to 50 years old.
“She indicated to Lorna, she actually said, “Are you looking for a little girl?
“Lorna said yes, and she said, “She’s in that car.
“That was a white HQ station wagon that driving south on Plenty Rd and subsequently turned left on Murray Rd. That car was not detected at the time.
“We’re asking for that woman to come forward, she may have vital information that could assist us with the investigation.”
One caller to Crime Stoppers had mentioned a white Kingswood, while another had “nominated a specific person” as a suspect,” Inspector Hughes said.
The Herald Sun two years ago reported several new suspects had emerged in the case.
Ms Maybury’s brother Mark and her father John Moss were initially treated as suspects as both were known to have unusual sexual habits.
Mark Maybury even told police just weeks after Kylie was murdered that he thought his father might have done it.
While police eventually ruled out both men, the stress of being considered suspects took its toll.
Mr Moss killed himself in October 1985, just prior to the first anniversary of Kylie’s death, and Mark Maybury committed suicide in February 1987.
In an interview with journalist Jim Tennison, Mr Moss said there was no way Kylie would have got in a car with a stranger.
The little girl was with her mother visiting their neighbour on Gregory Grove when she was sent to a nearby shop to buy sugar about 5.30pm.
It is believed Kylie bought the sugar and was last seen walking home south along Plenty Rd.
Victoria Police in a statement said: “An extensive investigation by Crime Command detectives over the past 32 years has led to today’s arrest.”
“A $50,000 reward was announced in 1985 in the hope someone out there will come forward with crucial information or knowledge of the murder, however this has since been increased to $1 million,’’ the statement said.
“Investigators are hoping two anonymous callers who called the police with information will come forward.”
The first witness phoned police on November 21, 1984 about a Holden Kingswood station wagon they asserted was involved in Kylie’s death.
The second caller rang Crime Stoppers in May, 1997 and nominated a person of interest who may be able to assist with the investigation.
wes.hosking@news.com.au; keith.moor@news.com.au
SPECIAL FEATURE: 30th anniversary of Kylie Maybury tragedy
MOST SHOCKING: Kylie murder among Melbourne northern suburbs’ worst crimes
COLD CASE INVESTIGATIONS: Several new suspects emerged in Maybury case
UNSOLVED: Search 140+ homicide investigations in our Cold Case Files