Inquest into the murder of Toowoomba teen Annette Mason expected to continue

The circumstances surrounding the brutal murder of Toowoomba teenager Annette Mason are being examined 33 years on.

Toowoomba teen Annette Jane Mason’s body was found in an Anzac Ave home on the afternoon of November 19, 1989.

With the conclusion to the coroner’s inquest into the brutal murder of Toowoomba teenager Annette Mason expected to recommence as early as next month, the slain teenager’s family is clinging to hope.

Hope after 33 years they will at last have some answers into who – and why – their 15-year-old daughter and sister was bludgeoned to death alone in an Anzac Ave house in the early morning of November 19, 1989.

No-one has ever been charged with the 15-year-old’s murder, despite police previously having persons of interest from early into the investigation.

The case went cold but thanks to the determination of Annette’s family, the dedication of certain police officers involved in the investigation, some now retired, improved technology and investigative techniques in the years since, and regular media reports reminding the community of the tragedy, Annette’s murder has never been allowed to be forgotten.

Linda Mason, the sister of Annette Mason, arrives at the Brisbane Coroners Court.

Leading the charge for justice for Annette has been her sister Linda Mason whose dogged determination eventually forced the State Government to order this inquest after her approaches were rejected twice before.

“We’re waiting for confirmation regarding delays etc but at this stage it (the recommencement of the inquest) should start on the 21st March for a week,” Linda told The Chronicle.

“Our family are hoping the coroner will enforce the new Act to compel suspects/ witnesses to talk.

“As always, we’re hoping charges will be laid at the end.”

The search for justice for her sister has consumed Linda’s life to an extent, and that of her family, and it has taken a toll on family members.

“My mother is bedridden,” Linda said.

Jean, Mick and Linda Mason leave the Brisbane Coroners Court.

“Our family has been torn apart and we are all broken in our own way.

“The injustice is a kick in the teeth year after year.

“Whoever did this will never pay enough for her life, however, it would be nice to have closure after all this time.”

Linda said she believed there were people still in Toowoomba who knew the identity of those responsible for Annette’s murder but have been too afraid to come forward.

Annette’s bloodied body was found under a doona in the sunroom of a house (since removed in 2000) she shared with other young women at 131 Anzac Ave, about 2pm, Sunday, November 19, 1989.

She died of blunt force trauma to the head inflicted by what police believed to have been a “nonmetallic object”.

A piece of timber was found in the house laundry.

Before the inquest was suspended for further DNA testing and then Covid-19, Coroner Terry Ryan heard from a number of witnesses including two “persons of interest” in Michael Laine and Alan McQueen.

A t-shirt displaying a photograph of Toowoomba teenage victim Annette Mason is worn by family members outside the Brisbane Coroners Court.

Witness Nathan Beningfield told the inquest he had once allegedly heard Mr Laine speak of killing a girl with a piece of wood.

However, Mr Laine denied having anything to do with the teenager’s death, telling the inquest he had co-operated with police.

Allan McQueen, described by police officers and counsel assisting the coroner Adrian Braithwaite as a person of interest in the police investigation, also appeared in person before the inquest.

Exercising his rights, he claimed privilege against self-incrimination and declined to answer questions.

However, he then turned to the Mason family saying he had offered to take a lie-detector test in 2003 but the family had declined the offer.

The court was later told the Mason family had never received an offer from Allan McQueen to take a lie-detector test.

In December 2004, a reward of $250,000 was offered for information leading to the a conviction in relation to Annette Mason’s murder.

Anyone with any information can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.