A push to uncover more clues about the murder of Canberra woman Irma Palasics 15 years ago continues, with detectives on the case holding a phone-in today to personally answer the calls of anyone with information.
Investigators this week revealed that DNA evidence had given them a fresh lead in the murder of Ms Palasics, during a home invasion in the Canberra suburb of Mackellar in 1999.
Forensic tests suggested the son or a close relative of one the attackers was involved in a break-in by four teenagers at a Pitch and Put centre in Phillip in 2010.
Ms Palasics and her husband Gregor were bound, gagged and viciously bashed when two men broke in and ransacked their home on Grover Crescent on November 6, 1999.
After the offenders left, Mr Palasics was able to free himself and phone police, but Ms Palasics died from her injuries.
She choked to death on her own blood while lying helpless on the floor, her mouth covered by masking tape.
Police have also released an image of a Reebok shoe, that they believe was worn by one of the offenders involved in the murder.
Murder linked to earlier robberies, Pitch and Putt break-in
Prior to her death, Irma and her husband were robbed in 1997 and again in 1998 at their old home in Pelsart Street in Red Hill.
Police have DNA evidence that potentially links one of the people involved in the 1998 incident to the scene of the murder.
Earlier this week police released two face fits from the 1998 robbery, one of a potential witness and one of a suspect in the crime.
They also detailed a 1980s model silver or blue-coloured sedan with a possibly faulty headlights and ACT rego plates, seen by a witness on Quiros Street in Red Hill, which may have been linked to the crime.
In addition, detectives want to speak with anyone who may be able to identify one of the four teenagers who broke into the Pitch and Put centre in Phillip in 2010, on Sunday, May 16.
The teens are believed to have been at an 18th birthday party at the Slovenian-Australian Association across the road from the Pitch and Putt earlier in the evening.
Police said people who were at the party may be able to help them.
‘Someone in Canberra knows’
The officer in charge of the investigation, Detective Senior Constable Jarryd Dunbar, has urged anyone with information, no matter how small, to come forward.
He said information could be provided anonymously.
“It’s possible that someone out in the area of Pelsart Street, Red Hill, on 10 October 1998, or Grover Crescent McKellar on 6 November 1999 may have seen or heard something suspicious that, at the time, seemed unusual or insignificant,” he said.
“We would like people to cast their minds back to this time and contact us with any information they believe may assist us in bringing this investigation to a close.
“We still believe that someone in Canberra knows the identity of those responsible or have suspicions about their involvement. I strongly urge these people, and anyone who may have any information relating to the murder of Irma to contact Crime Stoppers.”
A $500,000 has been offered for information leading to a successful prosecution.
Police said indemnity from prosecution would also be considered for any accomplice who first gives information.
People with information should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333000 or go to their website.