WA government offers $1 million reward to catch Gerard Ross’ killer 23 years ago

The family of murdered boy Gerard Ross believe “someone somewhere knows what happened” to him and hope a $1 million reward will help solve the 23-year-old Perth mystery.

Gerard Ross was 11 years old when he was killed in Perth and now his family hopes a reward of up to $1 million will be an incentive for someone to provide information to help solve the decades-old mystery.

The WA government made the reward announcement on Wednesday, which marks 23 years since Gerard’s abduction.

In a statement, Gerard’s family, who now live in Scotland, said they were very grateful for the substantial increase to the reward.

“As we head into another year without him, we are sadly reminded that someone somewhere knows what happened to our beautiful, funny and loving boy,” they said.

“From Gerard’s family and friends on both sides of the world, and the community of Western Australia, please come forward and take this opportunity to provide justice for Gerard.”

The police minister says a $1 million reward would be life-changing for whoever comes forward with information to solve the crime. Picture: Supplied by the WA Police Force.

Gerard was holidaying with his family in the Perth suburb of Rockingham in October 1997 when he and his brother left their accommodation on Kent St at 9.30am, planning to visit a comic shop.

His brother was on rollerblades and skated ahead. Gerard never made it to the store.

Gerard was last seen walking along Kent St, several houses away from where he was staying.

Two weeks later, his body was found on the edge of a limestone track in the Karnup Pine Plantation.

WA Police Minister Michelle Roberts said the government might recommend protection from prosecution or a pardon for any informant who helped land a conviction for whomever was responsible for Gerard’s abduction and murder.

“The tragedy of Gerard’s disappearance and murder has not grown less with the years,” she said in a statement.

Last known movements of Gerard Ross in 1997. Picture: news.com.au

“Today, Gerard should be a young man, perhaps with a family of his own.

“He was robbed of that future and his parents were robbed of that future.

“As a community, these are the crimes that cut right at our sense of who we are.

“I hope that with this added incentive, we can come closer to resolving the murder.

“I know that our police will never give up on pursuing justice for Gerard.”

Gerard Ross was abducted and killed 23 years ago. Picture: Supplied by the WA Police Force.

Ms Roberts later told reporters $1m was a life-changing amount of money and police would not give up on the investigation, which had shocked the community.

“Sometimes someone with information is close to the perpetrator themselves,” she said.

“Sometimes that person has been living in fear for some time. They’re apprehensive about coming forward.

“My message is don’t be apprehensive about coming forward ... police can help you … they can help keep you safe.”

Ms Roberts said a coronial inquest could be held down the track if police advised it might help.

Police believe someone has information that can help them solve the homicide. Picture: Supplied by the WA Police Force.

Police Commissioner Chris Dawson said police had “a number of suspects”.

“We have a number of different lines of inquiry,” he told reporters.

“We are confident that there are people in the community that have information that will be vital to help us break this through.

“Justice is not marked by time.”

Gerard Ross’ family now live in Scotland. Picture: Supplied by the WA Police Force.

Originally published as WA government offers $1 million reward to catch Gerard Ross’ killer 23 years ago