FRESH leads in the mystery surrounding the brutal murder 28 years ago of Italian tourist Victoria Cafasso at Beaumaris Beach on the East Coast are being investigated by Tasmania Police.
During August search and rescue crews and police divers conducted land and water searches near St Helens.
The area had not previously been searched but following a review of the open case it became an area of interest.
And in one of the most interesting developments in years, police have received information from witnesses regarding the movements of a 1970s light coloured Subaru Station Wagon and a man described as being in his 20s, with blonde hair, about six feet tall, slim build, but very fit, sun tanned legs and arms, with the appearance of a surfer.
A person matching that description was also seen running onto the beach where Victoria was located.
Last month, detectives released reconstructed images of the vehicle spotted at various locations in the Beaumaris area including Freshwater Creek at the time of Ms Cafasso’s murder.
Police are still interested to hear from anyone who may have knowledge of that vehicle and any person linked to a vehicle of that description in October 1995. A person matching that description was also seen running onto the beach where Victoria was located.
Detective Acting Inspector Andrew Hanson said while it had been nearly 28 years since Victoria was murdered, a routine review into her death had led police down a new line of inquiry.
“We never close these cases, and the latest searches showcase our investigators’ commitment to finding answers for Victoria’s family,” he said.
“Victoria’s family deserve closure, and our detectives continue to work to try and provide that closure. This continues to be an active investigation, and we will continue to follow all lines of inquiry.”
A $500,000 reward remains available for information relating to a conviction in the case.
Anyone with information relating to the murder of Victoria Cafasso should contact police on 131 444, or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperstas.com.au