Police turn focus back on historic murders

Police believe they are close to solving the suspected murder of a Launceston man who has been missing, believed dead for almost eight years. $500,000 CASH REWARDS FOR INFOMATION >>

• More charges in Watkins case
• Men charged with conspiracy
• $50,000 reward in missing man case

$500,000 rewards are on offer for information regarding historic murders in a moved aimed at delivering answers to the grieving families of victims.

Assistant Commissioner Jonathan Higgins from Tasmania Police confirmed a renewed focus on seven unsolved murder or suspected murder investigations cases in Tasmania with current rewards for information leading to a conviction.

Rewards previously varied between $30,000 to $250,000 but have now significantly increased.

“These rewards are an important investigative tool that may entice people with crucial information to come forward and provide this to police,” Assistant Commissioner Higgins said.

“Today I’m pleased to announce that rewards for these cases have increased significantly to $500,000 each.”

One of those cases is the case of Launceston man Christopher Dean Watkins who has been missing, believed dead for almost eight years.

The 28 year old was last seen on August 7, 2013.

Detective Inspector Craig Fox said police are of a firm belief he was murdered.

Missing Christopher Watkins.

“Police are going to focus on this case because it is very close to being solvable,” he said.

Det Insp Fox said believe there are several people with intimate knowledge of the last moments of Mr Watkins.

He said police have significant information that suggest he was taken from a residence by force or trick and then murdered.

Mr Watkins’ mother Lillian said it was a “living hell” not knowing what happened to her son.

Assistant Commissioner Higgins said that police investigations never close until those responsible are caught.

“Families always deserve answers to what happened to their loved ones and we owe it to them to find those answers,” he said.

“In the passage of time someone’s circumstances and allegiances may have changed and the offer of a life-changing amount of money may be the motivation they need to come forward.

“This kind of money allows a fresh start.”

Police strongly believed that there are people who have vital information that could lead to a conviction in these cases.

“If you have information about any of these cases, please come forward and help us provide some kind of closure to the families and loved ones of the victims,” Assistant Commissioner Higgins said.

CASES UNDER EXAMINATION:

• Nancy Grunwaldt, who went missing from the east coast in 1993. Extensive investigations have been carried out but she has never been located. Nancy’s original reward was $30,000.

cold cases Nancy Grunwaldt file image

• Victoria Cafasso, was murdered on Beaumaris Beach on the east coast in 1995. No one has been charged after several lengthy investigations. Victoria’s original reward was $50,000.

Victoria Cafasso

• Paul Winston Byrne was reporting missing in 1996. It is strongly suspected he was murdered in Rossarden in northeast Tasmania. Paul’s original reward was $100,000.

Missing person Paul Winston Byrne

• Helen Munnings disappeared from the Burnie area around 23 July 2008. The Coroner determined that Helen died in Burnie on or about this day. It is strongly suspected she was murdered. Helen’s original reward was $250,000.

Helen Munnings was last seen on July 23, 2008, aged 20.

• Simon Crisp was shot dead in the carpark of the Marrawah Hotel in the northwest in 2013. After extensive investigations, no one has been charged. Simon’s original reward was $50,000.
• Eve Askew, 14, was reported missing from her home in Fitzgerald in southern Tasmania in November 1991. She has never been located and it’s believed she met with foul play. Eve’s original reward was $100,000.

cold case Eve Askew file image

• Christopher Dean Watkins disappeared from a unit in Box St, Mayfield, on or about 7 August 2013. There is significant, credible information that he was abducted and murdered. Extensive investigations have been undertaken but no one has been charged in relation to his murder. Christopher’s original reward was $50,000.

Anyone with information that could assist our police investigations and to help solve these cases is asked to contact Police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperstas.com.au.

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