Jaidyn Leskie death will haunt us all until a killer is convicted

THE unpunished murder of Moe toddler Jaidyn Leskie 20 years ago stains our collective soul.

THE unpunished murder of Moe toddler Jaidyn Leskie 20 years ago stains our collective soul. Until a killer is convicted over the despicable crime, the infamous unsolved mystery that for two decades has captivated Victorians will haunt us all.

Jaidyn disappeared from his Moe home in June 1997 while he was being babysat by his mother Bilynda Williams’ boyfriend, unemployed mechanic Greg Domaszewicz.

The 14-month-old’s tiny, battered body was found six months later, weighted with a crowbar in the freezing waters of Blue Rock dam.

Babysitter Mr Domaszewicz was charged but pleaded not guilty to murder, and walked free after a jury acquitted him. He has always maintained innocence, claiming all he did was leave Jaidyn home alone while he drove to pick up Bilynda.

In 2002 a coroner opted not to hold an open inquest into the death and instead issued a brief, two-page report regurgitating basic facts. That prompted a public outcry, as a community desperate for answers urged a more thorough probe be conducted into Jaidyn’s fate.

Bilynda’s heartfelt words at the time still ring true. “Jaidyn didn’t break then bandage his own arm. Jaidyn didn’t bang his head and take his own life,” she said. “Someone else did that, and it’s hard to sleep at night knowing that person walks in our community each and every day.”

The resulting open inquest 2006 heard from more than 50 witnesses, but unfortunately failed to throw up any compelling new evidence. The coroner stopped short of naming a killer, but did find Mr Domaszewicz contributed to Jaidyn’s death by throwing the toddler’s body in the dam. In his final submission to the inquest, counsel assisting the Coroner said there was enough evidence to find that Mr Domaszewicz killed Jaidyn. He ruled out all other suspects.

There have been few developments since in the quest to deliver justice for Jaidyn, despite mum Bilynda showing tenacity on his behalf in her fight for answers.

As our exclusive report by Keith Moor today reveals, she is using the 20th anniversary of her son’s demise to seek support for two things.

First, she wants Victoria Police to issue a $1 million reward for information leading to the successful conviction of Jaidyn’s killer.

And second, she wants her former boyfriend, Mr Domaszewicz, to face the justice system again, following changes to Victoria’s double jeopardy laws. Victoria Police has previously resisted offering a $1 million reward for help solving the crime. The Sunday Herald Sun believe this is an option that should now be pursued.

The public interest would be well served by offering an incentive to flush out new evidence.

Jaidyn Leskie disappeared from his Moe home in June 1997.

Every available avenue must be explored to draw a line under this despicable crime if Jaidyn’s family — and indeed our entire community — are ever to heal. We must strive to uncover the true facts behind Jaidyn’s tragic fate and ensure someone is held to account for his premature death.

The Sunday Herald Sun urges anyone in the community who knows anything extra that could help shed light on the crime to come forward.

Calls by Ms Williams for her ex-boyfriend to face charges again could well hinge on whether the $1 million reward provokes anyone to come forward with additional useful information. Changes to Victoria’s double jeopardy laws mean Mr Domaszewicz could potentially be charged over Jaidyn’s death a second time, but only if new evidence such as a confession, a damning DNA sample or other significant facts emerge.

The Sunday Herald Sun is not suggesting Mr Domaszewicz is guilty.

As the coroner probing Jaidyn’s death noted, the toddler was a “helpless 14-month-old infant, requiring total support, care and protection by an adult”.

He didn’t get that support and protection in life — but as a community, we must continue to rally to ensure he receives justice in memoriam.

The remains of Jaidyn’s tiny body rest under a headstone on a cold, windswept hill.

Had he lived, Jaidyn would have turned 21 earlier this year. But a brutal killer robbed him of the chance to enjoy life’s milestones such as getting his licence, falling in love or having children of his own.

We must not give up hope that his killer (or killers) will be brought to account, and must continue to strive for the breakthrough that will allow the evildoer walking among us to finally face retribution.

Discovering the truth is the only thing that will finally deliver peace of mind for us all.