The reward for information leading to the successful resolution of Irma Palasics’s murder has increased to $500 000.
About 9.30pm on Saturday, November 6 1999 two men forced their way into the home of elderly couple, Gregor and Irma Palasics in Grover Crescent, McKellar.
Mr and Mrs Palasics were bound and savagely beaten before the men ransacked their home, stealing cash and jewellery.
After the offenders left, Mr Palasics was able to free himself and phone police however, the injuries suffered by his wife were too severe and she died at the scene.
Detective Senior Constable Greg Adams, case officer for the murder, believes two previous burglaries, one which occurred at their home in Red Hill in 1997 and another in 1998 are linked to the third home invasion (aggravated burglary) on November 6, 1999 in McKellar which resulted in Irma’s murder.
“Greg and Irma were victims of a burglary at their Red Hill home in 1997 and an aggravated burglary again a year later,” Detective Senior Constable Adams said.
“During the first burglary, a large sum of cash and jewellery were stolen. In the second break-in, Irma was assaulted after confronting two men who had broken into her home.”
“If it helps to jog people’s memories, there were also a couple of major events on that same day 12 years ago, including the 1999 Rugby World Cup final Australia v France, and the referendum on Australia becoming a republic.
“It’s possible that someone who was out in in McKellar that night heard something, and saw someone behaving suspiciously in the area, or something which seemed out of place, or unusual. We would love to hear from anyone who has that information.”
Last week ACT Policing released CCTV footage of an attempted aggravated burglary which occurred in Phillip on Sunday, May 16 2010 at Pitch & Putt. Evidence left at the scene of that attempted burglary may be linked to other evidence left at the scene of Irma’s murder 12 years ago.
ACT Policing is calling for the people involved in the attempted aggravated burglary, or anyone who thinks they might know the offenders involved, to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Detective Senior Constable Adams will be manning the Crime Stoppers phones this weekend and will take any calls in relation to Irma’s murder. Information can be provided anonymously.
Indemnity from prosecution will be considered for any accomplice who first gives information.