Queensland Police offer $500k reward for information into alleged murder of Francis Foley

Human remains found in a rural gem field have been identified as a man missing since 2008. Now police have reopened his murder case.

Human remains found in Central Queensland have been identified as missing 62-year-old Francis Patrick Foley, reigniting an investigation into his alleged murder.

Queensland Police confirmed on Tuesday that human remains found in 2022 near Rubyvale, about 330km west of Rockhampton, were identified as belonging to Mr Foley.

It’s alleged Mr Foley, who was the caretaker at a designated fossicking area near Rubyvale, west of Emerald, was last seen on or about December 23, 2008.

Francis Patrick Foley’s remains have been found.

He had earlier in the day done some Christmas shopping with his neighbour in the Emerald central business district before returning home.

Five days later on December 28, a neighbour went to Mr Foley’s property to check on his welfare following local flooding.

It’s alleged the neighbour found an exploded gas bottle and Mr Foley’s wallet discarded in the carport.

The 62-year-old man could not be found.

His blood was later identified at the scene.

Queensland Police search a dry creek in Reward, near Rubyvale, where Mr Foley’s human remains were found. Picture: QPS

Police doorknocked surrounding properties, with some neighbours telling officers they heard what they believed to be gunshots on the afternoon and evening of either December 23 or December 24.

Further investigation determined the damage to the gas bottle and front security door of Mr Foley’s home were consistent with having been hit by a shotgun blast.

Investigators had collected about 100 statements and 150 inquiries by police over the years since Mr Foley’s disappearance.

In April 2013, the coroner determined Mr Foley was believed to be dead; however, evidence was unable to be connect anyone to his death.

In July 2022, human remains were discovered by a person fossicking for gems in Sheep Station Creek, about a kilometre downstream from Mr Foley’s property.

Mr Foley when he was a younger man.

Police have reopened Mr Foley’s missing persons case and were conducting an extensive search of the area where his remains were found on Tuesday.

A $500,000 reward has also been offered for any information about his death.

Mr Foley’s son, Shaun Charlton, said his family was extremely hopeful someone would have the information that would provide the famil with answers.

“Almost 15 years after my father’s death, it would mean everything to know what happened and have some closure,” Mr Charlton said.

“We ask anyone in the Rubyvale and fossicking communities to please, if you know something, speak to police.”

Mr Foley had lived in the Rubyvale area since 2003, working in various trades including carpentry, building and vehicle repairs.

Queensland Police have returned to the site where the human remains of Francis Mr Foley were found last year.

At the time of his disappearance, he was a caretaker for a fossicking lease on behalf of a person who lived interstate.

While police understand Mr Foley wasn’t a gem miner, it has been identified he owned a number of valuable gemstones.

Detective Senior Sergeant Tara Kentwell said the cold case investigation team was confident the matter could be solved.

Police have reopened Mr Foley’s missing persons case.

“Someone out there knows what happened to Frank and they now have 500,000 reasons to come forward and speak to police,” Sergeant Kentwell said.

“Anyone with knowledge of Frank’s movements on December 23, 2008, or who may have information relating to this investigation, is urged to contact police.”

The $500,000 reward is for information that leads to the apprehension and conviction of the person or persons responsible for Mr Foley’s alleged murder.