Homicide Squad detectives are today announcing a $1M reward for information as part of their investigation into the suspicious death of Robert ‘Jack’ Richardson almost 40 years ago.
The 49-year-old’s body was located by members of the public in bushland off King Parrot Creek Road near Strath Creek on 31 March, 1984.
It’s believed Robert, who was more commonly known to his friends and associates as ‘Jack’, had been shot in an execution-style killing.
He had last been seen with two unidentified men in St Kilda between 1.20am and 2am on 4 March and police believe he was murdered some time later on this day.
Jack had been due to appear at Melbourne County Court on 5 March after being charged, along with two co-accused, with conspiring to traffick heroin.
This investigation involved a high-level organised crime syndicate operating in Melbourne at the time, with connections to the Painters and Dockers union.
The matter was also linked to an attempt on the life of a NSW Police undercover operative, who was a prosecution witness in the case.
After being committed to stand trial, Jack was granted bail and had been living in St Kilda with his girlfriend.
Despite a significant investigation at the time, no one has ever been charged with Jack’s murder.
A 1985 inquest into his death found that Jack had been murdered by a person or persons unknown.
Investigators believe Jack’s death was most likely arranged with the assistance and knowledge of several people, including some he would have known well and trusted as friends.
Since the time of the original investigation, detectives have received further information about Jack’s death and those potentially responsible however at this time there is insufficient evidence to charge anyone.
A forensic re-examination of an exhibit located at the crime scene has also been conducted and fresh DNA has been identified.
Police believe this will also provide further avenues of enquiry for the investigation.
Victoria Police is today announcing a $1M reward for information in relation to those responsible for Jack’s death in the hope it will provide new leads and result in those responsible being held to account.
A reward of up to $1M will be paid at the discretion of the Chief Commissioner of Police, for information leading to the apprehension and subsequent conviction of the person or persons responsible for the death of Robert ‘Jack’ Richardson.
The Director of Public Prosecutions will consider, according to established guidelines, the granting of indemnification from prosecution to any person who provides information as to the identity of the principal offender or offenders in this matter.
Police are also releasing a number of photos of Jack, as well as images from where his remains were located in Strath Creek.
Police urge anyone with information about Robert’s death to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
Quotes attributable to Detective Inspector Dean Thomas, Crime Command:
“Every person who loses their life in this way, regardless of their background or personal circumstances, deserves justice.
“The fact that Jack’s murder is unsolved also means that we have had someone out there in the community for almost four decades who has never been held to account for their behaviour.
“This was someone willing to commit the ultimate act of violence with no regard for the life of others.
“These factors alone make this investigation an important one and one that we are still very keen to solve.
“Jack also had a young daughter at the time of his death – sadly she has grown up without a father and never knowing who killed her dad and why.
“Jack’s death had all the hallmarks of an underworld execution and the evidence suggests he probably had no warning he was going to be killed and trusted the person who did it.
“Ultimately, his fatal mistake may have been trusting the wrong person.
“It’s not just the person who pulled the trigger who we are searching for, it’s also anyone who assisted with jack’s murder both before and after it occurred.
“The drug matter Jack was involved with before his death had significant links to both organised crime in Melbourne, specifically criminal elements of the notorious Painters and Dockers union.
“We believe it’s likely people formerly associated with that union would have at least had knowledge about what happened to Jack and who was involved.
“Investigators have spoken to some of these people and are particularly keen to hear from anyone who used to move in those circles.
“It’s also worth noting the timing of Jack’s death – it occurred two years to the day after the original police arrests in relation to the drug investigation and the day before the trial was meant to begin.
“We do not believe that this was in any way coincidental.
“Despite the significant passage of time, we believe that this matter is still solvable.
“As we always say, circumstances and relationships will change and potentially someone who may not have been able to come forward and speak to police previously may now feel they are in a position to do so.
“Given Jack’s significant criminal history and associations, we also believe there is a strong likelihood that people with information were afraid to come forward at the time of his death because they feared significant retribution.
“We’re hoping that some of those people may now be able to speak to us without those fears or concerns.
“This reward provides another opportunity for police to highlight that this case remains unsolved and hopefully it helps us progress the case.”
