Melissa Hunt cold case: $1 million reward in 26 year old ‘horrific’ cold case mystery

Police have offered up a $1 million in renewed hopes of solving the murder of a woman whose body was found dumped in a dam in 1994.

Police have offered up $1 million in the renewed hope of solving the “horrific” murder of a woman whose body was found dumped in a dam 26 years ago.

Melissa Hunt’s body was found floating near the wall of the weir in Burrenjim Dam in Bluegum Creek in April of 1994. A post mortem revealed the Hunter Valley woman, 22, had died from severe head injuries.

Strike Force Impey was formed to investigate her death with detectives from Lake Macquarie Police and the State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad. However no one has ever been arrested over her death.

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Peter, their sister Jenny and Melissa. Picture: NSW Police

Melissa on the day of her first wedding. Picture: NSW Police Force

Officers at the dam where Melissa’s body was found. Picture: NSW Police Force

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A coronial inquest into the death concluded in 1998 and the matter was referred to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions for review. It was then referred on to the Unsolved Homicide Unit.

Currently, a formal review of the investigation is being conducted and the case is under investigation by detectives from Strike Force Circulo.

Strike Force detectives have reviewed the initial evidence and are conducting further forensic testing, as well as probing possible leads into contacts who might be living outside of NSW.

Peter Hallett, Melissa’s brother, said she was “deeply loved” by her family who have “never stopped missing her”.

“We should not just have memories of Melissa’s beautiful dark eyes, her mischievous laugh, musical talent, eye for detail, passion for writing and fierce love for her family and two children – we should all be able to hold her now.

“After 26 years of despairing grief, we are hoping that someone will come forward and help police identify those responsible for her death.

“Melissa was robbed of her life and of her right to know and love her children, and as a family we cannot rest until justice is served.”

Peter Hallet with a cross for Melissa at Burrenjim Dam. Picture: NSW Police

Melissa Hunt Dad, Melissa, Mum about 1986 and Melissa. Picture: Supplied.

David Elliott, Police and Emergency Services Minister, said he hopes the $1 million reward will help police “get to the bottom of this horrific crime”.

Mr Elliott said solving the crime would go some way in delivering justice for Melissa’s family.

“The community will not, and should not, forget the tragic circumstances surrounding Melissa’s disappearance almost three decades ago,” he said. “I urge anyone with even the seemingly smallest piece of information to come forward.”

Detective Superintendent Danny Doherty, the Homicide Squad Commander said investigators from Strike Force Circulo have been thoroughly reviewing the case.

In October the officers returned to Burrenjim Dam and received the crime scene.

“Items of interest that were recovered during initial inquiries have also undergone further forensic testing, to ensure every avenue of investigation is identified and pursued,” he said.

“Detectives have also been liaising with interstate law enforcement partners as we believe there are associates and witnesses residing in other states – including Queensland, Victoria and South Australia – that are yet to come forward and speak with police.

“As inquiries into Melissa’s death continue, detectives are urging anyone with information to contact police so we may provide much-needed answers and closure for Melissa’s family,” Det Supt Doherty said.