COOL $2M TO SOLVE MURDERS
NINE NOTORIOUS GOLD COAST COLD CASES
THERE’S more than $2 million on offer for people who are able to help police solve nine Gold Coast cold cases.
In each case there is a reward of $250,000 for the vital piece of evidence that leads to the prosecution of the murders in these cases.
The oldest Gold Coast cold case with a reward, is the brutal 1976 murder of Margaret Rosewarne (pictured).
Regional Crime Co-ordinator Detective Superintendent Kerry Johnson said information from the public was vital for solving old murders.
“Cold cases can sit there and then all of a sudden it is like a friction fire, there is a spark, it is all up and running and we put all resources on to it,” he said.
THERE’S more than $2 million on offer for people who are able to help police solve nine Gold Coast cold cases.
In each case there is a reward of $250,000 for the vital piece of evidence that leads to the prosecution of the murders.
Regional Crime Coordinator Detective Superintendent Kerry Johnson said information from the public was vital for solving old murders.
“Cold cases can sit there and then all of a sudden it is like a friction fire, there is a spark, it is all up and running and we put all resources on to it,” he said.
“That spark could come from fresh information from the public.”
The oldest Gold Coast cold case with a reward, is the brutal murder of Margaret Rosetta Rosewarne.
On May 21, 1976, Margaret set out to hitchhike the 15km from Surfers Paradise to a farewell party at Burleigh Heads because her flatmate was ill and couldn’t drive. But she didn’t make it. Sixteen days later the 19year-old’s battered body was found.
In an overgrown block of land on Newcastle St at West Burleigh a couple found her remains.
Her denim dress had been torn and her underpants were missing.
Police initially believed she was a victim of the “hitchhike killer” who had a trademark of taking the victims underwear as a grisly trophy.
Another intriguing case was the death of Charles “Slim” Johnson who was shot dead with his own gun.
The Nerang grandfather had tried to sell his CZ9mm and had organised to meet two potential buyers. They arrived, inspected the weapon and then shot him.
Mr Johnson’s family found him dead in the shed that afternoon.
Deepening the mystery was evidence that the car used by the killers was stolen from another murdered man just days earlier.
Blood belonging to Gold Coast bottleshop manager Iain Stewart Hogg was found on the banks of the Tweed River on March 11, 2002.
His distinctive red Celica was seen at Mr Johnson’s home before being found the next day dumped in 15th Ave, Palm Beach.
A $250,000 reward is available in each case for anyone who provides information that leads to the conviction of a killer or killers.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.