Bundaberg taxi driver Bryan Hodgkinson: Police offer $500k over brutal 1987 murder

Detectives have announced an increased reward of $500,000 and revealed fresh leads into the murder of a Bundaberg taxi driver who was killed on shift almost 40 years ago.

The taxi belonging to Bryan Hodgkinson, who was brutally murdered in 1987.

Detectives investigating the murder of a Bundaberg taxi driver who was killed on shift almost 40 years ago have revealed they have new DNA evidence which could be crucial to solving his death.

Bryan Hodgkinson, 48, was brutally murdered in Bundaberg in 1987.

The taxi driver was last seen alive about 12.30am on September 10 at a taxi rank in Bundaberg.

Detectives on Wednesday announced an increased reward of $500,000 and say there is fresh DNA evidence from the taxi and from near Mr Hodgkinson’s body, directing a new line of inquiry not previously known by investigators.

The father-of-three was found dead beside a rural road in bushland about 30km east of Bundaberg about 8am on September 10, after he was bashed and was stabbed in the neck and chest.

His taxi, which had been driven back to Bundaberg and dumped in Beatrice St, a few blocks from his home, was also found around the same time.

Bryan Hodgkinson. Photo: Contributed

The abandoned car was found with blood stains on the boot. The car was not damaged but the taxi keys and coin dispenser were missing and money was taken from Mr Hodgkinson’s wallet.

The last time anyone spoke to Mr Hodgkinson was 12.31am when he received a radio call which he accepted, to collect a passenger called “Sykes”, from the corner of Targo and Burnett St at Bundaberg. It’s unknown if he collected the fare.

Homicide Squad cold case officer-in-charge Senior Sergeant Tara Kentwell on Wednesday appealed for the person known as “Sykes” to come forward.

She said she would not discuss current police investigations.

“But we do believe that with public assistance, irrespective of the passage of time, the murder of Bryan Hodgkinson can be solved, offenders can be brought to justice and we can provide some answers to Bryan’s family, friends and the Bundaberg community,” she said.

“Sadly Bryan’s wife Elaine died last year without knowing what happened to her husband.”

In 2009, Anthony Bruce Beer was charged with accessory after the fact to murder, robbery with violence, unlawful use of a motor vehicle and wilful damage.

However the charges were dropped in 2010.

Sen Sgt Kentwell said to date police have taken more than 170 statements.

“Current investigators have reviewed the evidence surrounding the 2009 arrest, with an open mind with the circumstances surrounding the arrest not the focus of the current investigation,” Sen Sgt Kentwell said.

“New and enhanced forensic testing of exhibits seized from both Bryan’s taxi and the vicinity of his body have sparked the current investigation into this matter.

“I will not go into specifics today but I can confirm that fresh DNA evidence is directing a new line of inquiry.

Anthony Bruce Beer was charged with accessory after the fact to murder but the charges were dropped in 2010.

“Information relevant to this inquiry was not known to previous investigators.”

A 2018 inquest into Mr Hodgkinson’s death said a theory suggested that Beer’s associate Gary Rasmussen, who has since died, may have been responsible for the taxi driver’s death.

When Beer was required to give evidence at the inquest he claimed privilege on the basis his evidence may tend to incriminate him.

Because the inquest was held under the Coroners Act 1958, due to it being a historical death, it excused Beer from giving any further evidence.

Coroner David O’Connell said he could not make a ruling on who killed Mr Hodgkinson and that it was unfortunate Beer could not be compelled to give evidence.

Recommendations from the inquest later resulted in law changes to allow all inquests to be heard under the Coroners Act 2003. Mr Hodgkinson was also a part time photographer and previously was involved in boxing when he was younger.

Sen Sgt Kentwell urged for anyone who saw Mr Hodgkinson’s taxi, or who travelled in a taxi on the night of September 9 into the morning of September 10, to contact police.

She said when Mr Hodgkinson was found his shirt was tucked neatly into his slacks, which could suggest a minimal struggle.

One of Mr Hodgkinson’s three sons, Stephen Hodgkinson, made an appeal for information on Wednesday.

“Dad was very much a family man, going back to when we owned the sugar cane farm,” he said.

“He worked closely on that farm with my grandfather then through to being involved in all of our activities as kids, as well as that of the extended family.”

Stephen said his dad turned his hobby of photography into a profession, also working part time on weddings and sporting events.

“Although the hours were long, dad really enjoyed driving the taxi,” he said.

“This was at a time when Bundaberg was a relatively small safe country town.

“He enjoyed meeting the people, hearing stories, but ultimately that occupation led to his murder,” he said.

“Looking back over the past 40 years probably the saddest things for us as a family is all of the things that dad missed out on. From watching his kids mature, getting married, having kids of their own, and now also great grandchildren.

“He has missed out on all those life experiences.”

Stephen said his mother had lost her parents around the time of the murder.

“And although she was a tough lady, this hit her very hard and she suffered a breakdown which I don’t think she ever really recovered from,” he said.

“I am not sure now what justice looks like after such a long period of time but some form of closure of even more details of the events of September 1987 would be appreciated.”

A $500,000 reward has been offered by police for information that leads to a conviction of Mr Hodgkinson’s killer or killers. An indemnity from prosecution will be recommended for any accomplice, not being the person who actually committed the crime, who gives information.

Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000.

Originally published as Bundaberg taxi driver Bryan Hodgkinson: Police offer $500k over brutal 1987 murder