Wall of silence shields Michael Griffey’s killer 15 years on

The former partner of slain Pakenham dad Michael Griffey says she takes comfort in the belief his killer is tormented by living a life of deceit.

Murder victim Michael Griffey was a father of three children.

The girlfriend of murdered businessman Michael Griffey believes the killer would be tormented by living a life of deceit.

It is 15 years on Saturday since the bludgeoned body of father-of-three Mr Griffey was found on the floor of a shed at his Pakenham property.

The plaster transport operator had lay dead beside his Holden Monaro for four days after being brutally attacked from behind on the afternoon of December 29, 2005.

It was later alleged that a New Year’s Eve shindig was held at the property with 14 guests unwittingly playing tennis, swimming and drinking within metres of the body.

The Pakenham home where Michael Griffey's body was found bludgeoned to death.

Mr Griffey’s girlfriend at the time of his death, Gillian Gould, told the Herald Sun this week that it was a tough time of the year.

But she said although someone had, so far, got away with murder, they would have their own demons to deal with.

“What helps me is that the person involved has to live with their lies, knowing what’s happened,” Ms Gould said.

Ms Gould, who had been with Mr Griffey for five years, said she still held out hope there would be justice.

“It’s up to the people who know about it to come forward. Do the right thing. That’s what it boils down to,” she said.

Police have always believed the case is solvable but a wall of silence has protected the killer.

Michael Griffey with his children Natasha, Cassandra and Kenny.

Gillian Gould was Mr Griffey’s partner at the time of his death.

It was revealed in the murder’s aftermath that Mr Griffey’s wallet, his mobile phone and two pages torn from a diary were missing.

Someone had stolen $1000 from a safe whose combination was only known to three people.

Investigators believe people who were close to Mr Griffey have the answers.

His daughter Cassandra in 2007 confessed to the murder but police did not believe this was the case and she was not charged.

Diane Griffey was charged with the murder of her husband but the prosecution was dropped in 2008 before reaching trial because of a lack of evidence.

Mr Griffey’s son Kenny, who was arrested and released without charge, has publicly denied having anything to do with the murder.

Charges against Diane Griffey were dropped.

He told the Herald Sun in 2018 that a metal tool used to hammer in garden stakes was missing after the killing.

Victoria Police said the Griffey investigation “remains ongoing” and any new information would be reviewed.

“As with many incidents of this nature, over time circumstances may change and someone with information about Michael’s death may now be in a position to come forward,” a statement said.

Anyone with information on the murder of Mr Griffey can call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit the website crimestoppersvic.com.au.

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