Queensland Minister for Police and Corrective Services Mark Ryan has announced a significant reward for information relating to the murder of 22-year-old Vincent Raymond Allen in 1964.
Mr Allen was last seen alive in the Warwick area on April 18 1964.
He had been employed as a labourer and had worked on the construction of Leslie Dam.
Despite an extensive police investigation, Mr Allen’s body has never been located and in 1980 the State Coroner declared Mr Allen to be deceased and likely to have been murdered in or around the Warwick area.
Mr Ryan said today, Tuesday 9 July, that the renewed investigation into the murder of Mr Allen had been conducted by detectives of the State Crime Command’s Cold Case Unit, within the Homicide Group.
“This is a dedicated group of officers who are committed to investigating some of Queensland’s oldest unsolved murders, applying the newest technology and investigative techniques to find answers and bring those who have committed these crimes to account,” Mr Ryan said.
Detective Inspector Damien Hansen of the Cold Case Unit said he hoped “the passing of well over 50 years would give anyone who has information relating to this crime and has kept it to themselves the incentive to come forward”.
“However, if time is not enough then the offer of this significant reward may help,” he said.
“Quite often when we announce a reward the focus is on the monetary value of the offer.
“I feel it important to stress this reward also comes with the opportunity for indemnity from prosecution.
“This means that anyone who was an accomplice to the crime (and did not commit the act of murder) and comes forward to police first, could qualify for the indemnity.
“We often find that over such a long period of time, what once stood as an unwavering allegiance to a friend or mate, should no longer have hold over you.
“We urge you to come forward now as this may be your last chance to help us find the person responsible for this young man’s murder,” Detective Inspector Hansen said.
“Anyone who may have further information or has information relating to Mr Allen’s movements in the days leading up to his last sighting is also asked to contact police.
“Any information is welcomed, and no information is too trivial.”
• Got information? Call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or the Warwick Police on 4660 4444.
