Police say letter writer may hold key to investigation as they post $1m reward

Detectives are appealing for information to solve the murder of 33-year-old Penny Galanopoulos who was killed before her Mordialloc house was torched.

Penny Galanopoulos, 33, was murdered and her Mordialloc house was destroyed in a fire in 2012.

A $1 million reward has been posted to catch the killer of Mordialloc woman Penny Galanopoulos.

Homicide squad detectives say a mystery letter writer could hold the key to finding whoever murdered Ms Galanopoulos then torched the house her body was found in.

The 33-year-old was found dead in her Main St home on January 10, 2012.

Emergency services had been called to a fire at the home where they retrieved the body of Ms Galanopoulos.

A mystery letter writer could hold the key to finding whoever murdered Ms Galanopoulos.

Forensic testing confirmed it was her body and that she had been killed before the blaze was lit.

Police say that later in 2012, a handwritten letter was posted to the Mordialloc home containing information about Ms Galanopoulos and the fire.

Investigators believe that what the author wrote is credible and that person holds the key to solving the crime.

They have never been able to find the letter writer.

A number of people have been interviewed about the death of Ms Galanopoulos but no charges have resulted.

Detectives hope the $1 million reward can flush out fresh information and crack the case.

Detective Insp. Dean Thomas of the homicide squad said the family of Ms Galanopoulos deserved answers.

“This is very much still an active investigation and we certainly believe there are a number of people who are in a position to assist us with this investigation,” Insp. Thomas said.

“It is our belief that a number of people were potentially involved in Penny’s murder and have knowledge of what happened that night.

“It remains our belief that Penny was killed prior to the fire being lit.”

Insp. Thomas said those responsible may have spoken to others about what happened and that the $1 million reward may entice them to come forward.

“We are also once again appealing for the author of the letter that was sent to police to come forward and speak to police,” Insp. Thomas said.

“People’s circumstances can change over the years and someone who may not have wanted to provide information to police previously may now feel ready to do so.

“It doesn’t matter how insignificant you think the piece of information is, it could be exactly what our investigators need to make a breakthrough in this case.”

Anyone with information can call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.