Twist in Oaks murder
Link to Geelong killing
A SUSPECT in the Oaks Day contract killing of Niddrie mother Jane Thurgood-Dove in 1997 has been linked to an infamous Geelong murder.
The criminal who police have been told was part of the hit team in the brutal execution was also questioned over the horrific murder of Geelong man Earl Mooring.
Detectives believe Mr Mooring was tortured for hours at the ex-bikie’s home in a bungled attempt to extract $120,000 cash.
The criminal was questioned nine years after the 2000 slaying of Mr Mooring and denied involvement.
He has been investigated as the getaway driver in the Thurgood-Dove execution.
The suspect has a long history in the outlaw motorcycle gang scene and has been on police radar for decades.
High-level investigations have connected him to violent crime, firearms trafficking and drug dealing.
The bikie, if involved, would not have received a cent for either of the killings.
Ms Thurgood-Dove’s murder in Muriel St, Niddrie, was horrendously botched — the mother of three was chased around her car and shot dead in front of her children.
The intended target, police believe, was the wife of a neighbour in the street.
Mr Mooring’s killers tortured the Spirit of Tasmania security guard for hours, looking for a big nest egg he had stashed for his retirement.
His toes were beaten with such severity the hammer that was used broke. His body was dumped in country NSW.
A witness told police the attack happened at the bikie’s home and he was present.
Detectives eventually formally questioned the bikie, but he refused to co-operate.
A police source said the bikie was willing to use whatever level of violence was required to get a result.
The outstanding surviving suspects in the ThurgoodDove killing are the bikie and former Crown solicitor Philip Peters.
The man police believe fired the fatal shots, ex-bikie Stephen Mordy, died of natural causes in 2000. It was only after his death that he came to the attention of police investigating the Niddrie killing.
Jamie Reynolds, who police believe stole the Holden Commodore used by the killers, perished in a boating accident off Barwon Heads in 2004.
A $1 million reward is in place for anyone able to help convict Ms Thurgood-Dove’s killers and a $500,000 bounty on Mr Mooring’s murder.
Anyone with information can call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit crime stoppersvic.gov.au