$250,000 REWARD TO SOLVE MYSTERIOUS DEATH OF CAIRNS TEENAGER
Published Thursday, 02 November, 2006 at 11:31 AM
Minister for Police and Corrective Services
The Honourable Judy Spence
Police Minister Judy Spence has announced a $250,000 reward for information that could help police solve the suspicious death of Cairns teenager Angela Mealing in 2000.
Angela was just 17 years old when her body was found beside Behana Creek, near Gordonvale in Far North Queensland, on 15th May in 2000.
She had been missing for over a month.
In November 2001 the Cairns Coroner held an inquest into Angela’s death, concluding the inquest with an open finding in 2002.
Ms Spence said police hoped the reward money would encourage people with information to come forward.
“With this $250,000 reward police hope to encourage people to come forward with vital information so they can solve suspicious cases such as this,” Ms Spence said.
“It is often the case that people may hear or see things that relate to criminal activities, or are of interest to a police investigation, however these are not always reported to police.
“New information on this case, no matter how small, may help police to piece together the missing links in this mystery.”
The Member for Mulgrave, Warren Pitt, said he hoped the reward money and renewed focus on the case would help local police to solve the case.
“Angela’s death was a tragedy that shocked the entire community,” Mr Pitt said.
“The fact that the circumstances surrounding her death remain unsolved is a terrible burden for her family and loved ones to carry.
“Hopefully, by posting this reward it may trigger someone to come forward with new information and allow Angela’s family and friends to have some closure and see justice done.”
Ms Spence said the State Government often posts rewards for information on unsolved murders to encourage people to come forward with information that may assist police.
“In April this year, I announced the payout of a state government reward worth $100,000,” Ms Spence said.
“It remains the single biggest reward ever paid in Queensland.
“This reward was paid to an informant who was central to a police investigation that led to the arrest and conviction of prostitute killer, Francis Michael Fahey.
“The person’s involvement greatly assisted police in identifying the suspect and their information led to the jailing of the former ambulance officer - on two counts of murder with a non parole period of 25 years – in September last year.”
Anyone with information on the death of Angela Mealing, or other unsolved crimes in Queensland, can call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Media contact: Sarah Martin 3239 6172 / 0408 732 491
Angela was just 17 years old when her body was found beside Behana Creek, near Gordonvale in Far North Queensland, on 15th May in 2000.
She had been missing for over a month.
In November 2001 the Cairns Coroner held an inquest into Angela’s death, concluding the inquest with an open finding in 2002.
Ms Spence said police hoped the reward money would encourage people with information to come forward.
“With this $250,000 reward police hope to encourage people to come forward with vital information so they can solve suspicious cases such as this,” Ms Spence said.
“It is often the case that people may hear or see things that relate to criminal activities, or are of interest to a police investigation, however these are not always reported to police.
“New information on this case, no matter how small, may help police to piece together the missing links in this mystery.”
The Member for Mulgrave, Warren Pitt, said he hoped the reward money and renewed focus on the case would help local police to solve the case.
“Angela’s death was a tragedy that shocked the entire community,” Mr Pitt said.
“The fact that the circumstances surrounding her death remain unsolved is a terrible burden for her family and loved ones to carry.
“Hopefully, by posting this reward it may trigger someone to come forward with new information and allow Angela’s family and friends to have some closure and see justice done.”
Ms Spence said the State Government often posts rewards for information on unsolved murders to encourage people to come forward with information that may assist police.
“In April this year, I announced the payout of a state government reward worth $100,000,” Ms Spence said.
“It remains the single biggest reward ever paid in Queensland.
“This reward was paid to an informant who was central to a police investigation that led to the arrest and conviction of prostitute killer, Francis Michael Fahey.
“The person’s involvement greatly assisted police in identifying the suspect and their information led to the jailing of the former ambulance officer - on two counts of murder with a non parole period of 25 years – in September last year.”
Anyone with information on the death of Angela Mealing, or other unsolved crimes in Queensland, can call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Media contact: Sarah Martin 3239 6172 / 0408 732 491