A $500,000 reward for information into the 1981 murder of Deborah Anne Smykalla at Capalaba has been announced today as homicide detectives and family launch a fresh public appeal to help solve the 40-year-old cold case.
At approximately 9.45pm on Father’s Day, September 6 1981, the body of then 22-year-old Deborah Smykalla was found in the kitchen of her home at 64 Howlett Road, Capalaba.
Deborah was located with a dog lead around her neck, she had been strangled to death.
There was a small fire in the kitchen that was smouldering on police arrival and an overturned heater on the carpet. Police believe an unknown person attempted to set the house alight.
Despite a significant investigation over the past four decades, detectives have been unable to establish who is responsible for Deborah’s death.
Detective Senior Sergeant Tara Kentwell of Homicide’s Cold Case Investigation Team said she is hopeful the reward will encourage those with vital information to come forward.
“Police have commenced a full review and know there are people out there who can provide crucial information in regards Deborah’s activities and movements around the time of her death,” Senior Sergeant Kentwell said.
“As part of the review we are utilising new and enhanced forensic DNA testing on the dog lead that was located around Deborah’s neck. Testing is currently underway in New Zealand’s ESR (Institute of Environmental Science and Research).
“The smallest piece of information could lead to a breakthrough in the investigation and I encourage anyone who has information about who was responsible for Deborah’s murder to come forward”.
On September 2 2014, police received an anonymous online Crime Stoppers submission from a member of the public regarding specific information about the person responsible for Deborah’s death.
Detectives are keen to speak to that person and are appealing for them to contact police again in the hope this may provide further avenues of enquiry for the investigation.
Detectives would also like to speak with anyone that anyone has information in relation to a motorbike, possibly a 250cc or 500cc road trial bike that was witnessed at the address.
On the day of the murder at approximately 4pm, Deborah was sighted in her yard with a man described as being in his early 20s, slim build with short brown hair.
Later at approximately 7.30pm, two people were observed to be sitting on the front porch. Detectives would like to speak with these people or anyone with information about their identities.
As part of the investigation, police have placed billboard displays at Capalaba and Carina and targeted Facebook posts in the Bayside area to refresh people’s memories and encourage them to come forward.
The $500,000 Queensland Government Reward is for information which leads to the apprehension and conviction of the person or persons responsible for this murder.
The Government reward further offers an opportunity for indemnity against prosecution for any accomplice, not being the person who actually committed the murder, who first gives such information.
If you have information for police, contact by providing information using the 24hrs per day at .
Report crime information anonymously via . Call or report online at .
