Cold Case Files: Was kind-hearted Annette Steward killed by someone she knew?

DID a lover murder kind-hearted Annette Steward inside her own home? Police have offered $1m to find out.

Annette Steward image for cold case reward story.

THE DEATH of Annette Maree Steward was as brutal as it was unexpected.

No one could have predicted the mother-of-two from Geelong would die in horrific circumstances at her Geelong West home 23 years ago.

Ms Steward had a steady job and was regarded as the kind of person who would do anything for anyone.

But on March 18, 1992, a killer who was probably invited in bashed and strangled the 29-year-old in the bedroom of her Hope St home.

Annette's parent's Roy and Margaret Steward

There has for many years been a suspect in the fatal attack, a man who was named in a Coroner’s Court hearing and who has spent more than two decades looking over his shoulder.

That person has fresh cause for concern with the recent announcement of a $1 million reward in the case.

The death of Ms Steward, who worked at the Point Henry ammunition factory, understandably left her family devastated.

It also left many questions, few of which were cleared up at a 2007 inquest into her death.

The hearing was told the homicide squad had a suspect, a man with whom Ms Steward had worked.

That man had allegedly been involved in a sexual relationship with Ms Steward.

Of concern was her allegedly waking up one night in the period before her death to find that man touching her leg.

Coroner Iain West would find the person or persons responsible for Ms Steward’s death had not been identified.

Ms Steward’s sister, Gillian Steward, said outside the court that the inquest had still been worthwhile.

“We do remain hopeful, we do hope that someone will come forward with more evidence that the police can use and one day resolve the case,’’ she told the Geelong Advertiser.

Police guard Ms Steward’s house after her body was discovered.

Annette Steward’s daughter Jacinta Steward, centre, with Annette’s sisters (L-R) Gillian and Jannette.

“If someone has had a falling out or someone has said something years ago that hasn’t meant anything then, (we hope) that after the case now and the coroner giving his findings, it may trigger something that they do remember and come forward and let the police know.

“It has been difficult reliving it, but there is a positive side of it. You can sort of see that that next phase is going through.”

Anyone with information can call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit the website www.crimestoppers.com.au

[e-mail]