$500,000 reward offered over cold case blaze

A $500,000 reward has been announced for information on one of south-east Queensland’s most enduring cold cases – a suspected arson attack at an Ipswich boarding house, in which five people died.

The Oakdale Guest House burnt down on December 29, 1990. During the initial investigation, leads dried up quickly, but the case is now being re-examined.

Inquiries have revealed reports of multiple “physical altercations” the night before the blaze between residents and unknown men, possibly over stolen cigarettes.

The Oakdale Guest House was a Queenslander-style residential boarding house at 5 Milford Street, Ipswich.Credit: Queensland Police

A white Holden HQ sedan with a gold roof was said to have been parked behind the boarding house immediately before the fire.

Its occupants were reportedly involved in one of the altercations, and were later seen by a security guard running away from the blaze.

On the night of the alleged crime, 28 people were living in the historic, two-storey building.

This white Holden HQ sedan is described by police as a vehicle of interest.Credit: Queensland Police

As fire spread quickly through the wooden guest house, residents were forced to flee, with some jumping from windows.

Desmond Bemi, Trevor Ganter, Salvatore Tusa, Edward Boyne and Eldred Glode all died.

Queensland Police don’t believe any of the victims were involved in the altercations before the blaze.

In 1992, a 22-year-old man was charged with murder and arson following a coronial inquest, but the charges were later dropped.

Joseph Trevor Ganter, 64 (left), and Desmond William Bemi, 59 (right), were among the five men to have died.Credit: Queensland Police

In 2008 police offered a $250,000 reward for information. That has now been doubled, with police reviewing the case after further information suggested the fire had been deliberately lit.

“With public assistance, irrespective of the passage of time, this crime can be solved, offenders can be brought to justice, and we can provide some answers,” Detective Senior Sergeant Tara Kentwell said in a statement.

“Although this offence occurred 34 years ago, detectives believe there are still people out there who hold information … who have not come forward, or have previously provided police an untrue account of events.”

Police say in addition to the $500,000 reward, indemnity from prosecution will be recommended to accomplices who provide information.

Witnesses can contact Crime Stoppers nationally on 1800 333 000 or on the website here.

-With AAP

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