$1m offered as reward for information on disappearance of Whittington man Trevor Tascas

A series of bizarre events plague the disappearance of Trevor Tascas, as police offer a $1m reward in a bid to find him and his killer.

The heartbroken family of missing man Trevor Tascas, who is believed to have been murdered, is desperate for answers.

They hope a $1 million reward for information, announced by Victoria Police’s missing person squad on Wednesday, will bring them the closure they crave.

At the time of his suspected murder, between October 7 and 10 in 2005, the then 27-year-old was living at a home on Thatcher Ct, Whittington.

Mr Tascas’ body has never been found, but his housemate Lawrence Alexander Butler was convicted of his murder in 2009, and sentenced to a 23-year prison term.

The guilty finding was quashed two years later. However, Mr Butler was later indicted on manslaughter charges and found not guilty.

But, in 2020, a coronial inquest into Mr Tascas’ disappearance found he was likely murdered at his Whittington home in 2005.

Pamela Tascas with a picture of Trevor when he was 19. For 16 years Pamela Tascas has been plagued by the disappearance and suspected murder of her son Trevor. Now police are releasing a $1m reward to solve his disappearance. Picture: Alan Barber

Mr Tascas’ grief stricken mother, Pamela Tascas, said her son’s disappearance had “destroyed” her life.

She said she hoped the renewed plea for information would allow her to one day bury her son.

“It’s been a horrific journey,” Ms Tascas told the Geelong Advertiser.

“I used to watch crime shows on TV, but to actually be involved in something like this - it’s scary. It’s devastating that people really do this.”

Ms Tascas said the release of the reward was acknowledgment that her son was a real person and that his loss had a profound impact on his friends and family.

“Every day, I think about him,” Ms Tascas said.

“I cry in the shower, I cry doing the dishes. I just can’t stop.

“It’s so hard to think, what would he look like as a 44-year-old man?

“Would he have had children? Would he have gotten married? All these things go through your mind every day.”

Missing Persons Squad Detective Acting Inspector Tony Combridge, who announced the reward, said the police investigation had “not deviated greatly” from the original inquiry and police believed Mr Tascas had a fight with his housemate just before his disappearance.

He said Mr Tascas’ belongings - including his car and furniture - were sold off, while his dog was given away.

Cash was also withdrawn from his bank account in July and August 2006, however police have confirmed Mr Tascas did not make the transactions. His phone was last used in October 2005.

Trevor Tascas

Geelong Murder. Copy pictuire of murdered man, Trevor Tascas.

Ms Tascas said her son was a “happy, bubbly boy” who always protected his younger sisters - Leanne and Kirsty - and became their “father figure”.

She said he started using drugs before his disappearance but always cared for his family.

The last time Ms Tascas saw her son was Easter Sunday in 2005. 

Kirsty Tascas said the release of a reward was “bittersweet” but she was hopeful it would bring answers.

“We just want someone to have a conscience and to consider what we’ve been going through all this time. Anything you may know - come forward.”

She said not knowing what had happened to her brother was “exhausting and sad”.

Joe Van Der Wel father of Trevor Tascas, at the 2009 murder trial

“It’s constantly in the back of your mind - wondering where Trevor’s body is,” she said.

Inspector Combridge said police wanted to speak to anyone with information about Mr Tascas’s movements or interactions in the weeks leading up to his disappearance.

“The fact that we haven’t been able to find Trevor and return him to his family is what we are working toward now,” he said.

“We are looking for information to help us either hold someone to account or (to) help us find what ultimately happened to Trevor.

“This is a unique experience for families who have people missing. I think that, while we might not be able to provide them with all the answers, if we can provide them with one answer that is something we seek to do,” he said.

A reward of up to $1m will be paid at the discretion of the Chief Commissioner of Police, for information leading to the apprehension and subsequent conviction of the person or persons responsible for the death of  Mr Tascas.

Investigators are particularly keen to speak to anyone who may have information who hasn’t spoken to police or who for circumstances may previously have made it difficult to speak to police.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Originally published as $1m offered as reward for information on disappearance of Whittington man Trevor Tascas