Police believe breakthrough in murder case could solve the crime

POLICE have a new clue they believe could lead them to solving the murder of Thomas O’Connell whose body was found in a burnt-out car.

Breakthrough in mysterious murder case

POLICE have made a breakthrough in the murder of Thomas O’Connell, whose body was found in a burnt-out car in Victoria.

Following an appeal for information on Monday about a small dark-coloured sedan, police said they’ve identified a car that they think will lead them to the person responsible for the murder.

Mr O’Connell, 32, of Mernda, was found dead inside a charred 2011 Kia Cerato hatch just off the Hume Freeway in Wandong on February 5.

The car has been identified as a 2008 Honda Civic 4-door sedan.

Homicide detectives have determined Mr O’Connell was last seen alive about 10.40pm on February 4 and it is believed he was killed before he was burnt in the car.

Police believe the Honda Civic followed Mr O’Connell north on the Hume Highway before the car fire.

Detectives also believe the Honda Civic is the same car seen by a witness at 3.30am on the western shoulder of the Hume Freeway, in vicinity of the area where Mr O’Connell’s charred remains were found.

Homicide Squad Detective Senior Sergeant Stuart Bailey said the breakthrough could lead police to solving the crime.

“Now that we have identified the car we strongly believe that this will lead us to the person or persons responsible for the murder,” he said.

“The family has been under a lot of strain and we would like to be able to provide them with at least some closure, in what most of us could not even imagine - the death of a loved one in such horrific circumstances.

“The community once again holds the key to providing us with the information we need to resolve this and we are appealing for them to come forward.”

Anybody who may have seen the Honda Civic on the Hume Freeway in the Wallan and Wandong area between 3am and 4am on February 5 should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.