$1 million reward to help solve chilling murder of Kathleen Severino

The murder of a Ballarat grandmother three decades ago still remains mystery, but her family and police are determined to find the killer.

Homicide detectives hope a $1 million reward will help solve the chilling murder of Kathleen Severino.

Homicide detectives hope a $1 million reward will help solve the chilling murder of a grandmother more than three decades after she was violently killed in her Ballarat home.

Victoria Police are optimistic the cash bounty will give answers about the horror killing of 70-year-old Kathleen Severino, who was savagely assaulted in her Drummond Street property.

Ms Severino was asleep when an intruder attacked her between 10.30pm and 11.30pm.

Her daughter Glenda found her mother’s body the next day, a trauma she has lived with for 34 years.

“This murder has ruined so many lives, it has broken my family,” Glenda said. “There are so many happy times that have been taken away from us. It was very hard when I lost mum, I felt so empty.

“When I smile, I feel guilty. Behind it is so much sadness for mum. She was such a good person, she deserves to be at peace.”

Ms Severino’s Ballarat home was ransacked on the night of the murder but nothing was reported stolen.

Kathleen Severino was savagely assaulted in her Drummond Street property on New Year’s Eve in 1987.

Around that time, a witness reported seeing a male and female near her home.

In 1990, a then 19-year-old man was charged with murder but the charges were withdrawn before it went to trial after a witness revoked their evidence.

That man died in 2017 but he and a former associate ­remain persons of interest in the investigation.

Detectives are also working with the theory those responsible may not yet have been identified.

“Mum was no threat to the killer, but it was a frenzied ­attack,” Glenda said. “Why she was singled out? She was in bed asleep and didn’t have a chance to defend herself.

Detective Inspector ­Andrew Stamper from the homicide squad said police were hopeful the reward will help solve the cold case.

Glenda wants answers on her mother’s death. Picture: Rob Leeson.

“While 34 years have passed, it is not too late for her family to get the justice they deserve,” he said.

“We know people who commit or are part of horrific crimes will often disclose their actions to someone.

“Police will not stop until we get closure for Kathleen’s family, which can only be achieved by holding the individual or persons responsible to account.”

Glenda too has refused to give up in seeking justice.

Family want to know why Kathleen was singled out. Picture: Rob Leeson.

“If somebody is going to say something, let it be now, there has got to be people who know,” she said.

“We’ve been robbed, our son never got to meet his grandmother. We’ve waited for so long, it is just cruel. The pain doesn’t go away.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

[e-mail]