Authorities are prepared to pay big money for details on how a resources employee died.
Anyone with credible information about the fatality of Paul Murray could be rewarded with $500,000.
The 40-year-old mine worker was last seen alive on 19 March 1995 when a local granted his request to be driven and dropped off just outside of Lightning Ridge, about 290km east of Bourke.
Two graziers later found Murray’s naked and decomposed body in scrub on 22 April 1995 about 2km from the victim’s mine camp site, 8km northwest of the Home of the Black Opal.
“Paul’s body was in an advanced state of decomposition and, as such, subsequent investigations and a [1996 coronial] inquest failed to deliver a concrete answer as to what may have happened to him,” unsolved homicide unit detective chief inspector David Laidlaw said in a public statement.
“At his campsite investigators found his personal items all in order and a firearm with one round in the chamber, as well as used and unused ammunition.”
The matter was eventually referred to detectives from the state crime command’s unsolved homicide unit after a 2012 review. Strike Force Huddleston was established to continue investigating his death.
New South Wales Deputy Premier and Police Minister Paul Toole hopes someone can help bring closure to those who knew the victim.
“Lightning Ridge is a small, close-knit community and I hope this reward encourages anyone who might know something to come forward to help the police who have worked tirelessly on this case,” he said.
Murray’s sister, Rosemary Pearse, remembers the victim as a “generous” man who helped many people across the community.
“He would always offer to help anyone in need financially and only ask they repay him when their situation improved,” she said.
“Any information, no matter how small, would assist police and may be what is needed to provide myself and my family with some answers after all these years.”
Anyone with information can contact Crime Stoppers by phoning 1800 333 000 or visiting nsw.crimestoppers.com.au
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