BREAKING! Massive Reward Offered To Solve Cold Case Death Of Singleton Toddler

 BY IAN CROUCH

The NSW government has announced a massive increase in the reward being offered for information over the suspicious death of a toddler at Singleton 20 years ago.

Jordan William Thompson was just 21 months old in March 2005 when his mother returned home from running errands after leaving him in the care of her then partner, to find him unresponsive in a bedroom.

Police were told Jordan had earlier been found face down in a bathtub.

His mother rushed him across the road to Singleton Base Hospital but he couldn't be revived.

A postmortem later found a lethal dose of prescription medication used to treat depression in his system.

Cecil Kennedy has stood trial twice for manslaughter, however juries were unable to reach unanimous verdicts.

Despite a $100,000 dollar reward offered in 2015, no-one has been convicted over Jordan's death.

It's hoped a new reward of $500,000 will encourage someone to come forward with information which leads to an arrest and conviction.

 

Jordan William Thompson 

Lake Macquarie Man Charged With Murder Over Alleged 40 Year Old Cold Case

 BY IAN CROUCH

A Lake Macquarie man has been charged over an alleged cold case murder.

Back in April this year, police searched a home in Leanda Place Cardiff South and questioned a 65-year-old man over the disappearance of 21-year-old Debra Campbell in Victoria in February 1984.

Yesterday, police arrested the 65-year-old at Cardiff South and charged him with murder.

He faced Belmont Local Court and is due to face court again on Friday where Victorian Police are expected to apply for his extradition.

Miss Campbell was a member of the RAAF and was reported missing when she failed to show up for her shift.

Debra Campbell

Appeal to Locate Woman Missing From Newcastle Since 1975

BY OLIVIA DILLON

As part of Missing Persons Week, police are looking into the disappearance of a woman from Newcastle more than 48 years ago. 

Rhyanwen Horne nee McConnochie was last seen at the former Shortland Clinic on the corner of Ordnance and Watt Street at about 8:15pm on Saturday the 1st of February, 1975. 

She was 24-years-old at the time, and would now be 73. 

At the time of her disappearance, Rhyanwen is described as being of Caucasian appearance, with a fair complexion, slight build, very long brown hair, and grey-green eyes. 

Police and her family are asking anyone with any information which may assist investigators to come forward. 

They say no piece of evidence is too small or insignificant. 

Anyone with information can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. 

Cold case verdict to remain under wraps after alleged killer's death

BY DAKOTA TAIT

A Supreme Court judge says the verdict for the alleged murder of Leisl Smith in 2012 will never be revealed, after her accused killer passed away.

Accused killer James Scott Church was found dead on Thursday morning, a day before the verdict in the murder trial.

Police say there were no suspicious circumstances.  

Justice Elizabeth Fullerton says she's now legally unable to hand down the findings. 

Ms Smith's body has never been found after her disappearance ten years ago, with prosecutors claiming she had been buried in the Upper Hunter.

Breakthrough In Investigation Into Disappearance Of Lake Macquarie Teens 40 Years Ago

BY IAN CROUCH

Strike force detectives investigating the abduction and suspected murder of two teenage girls 40 years ago have made a major breakthrough.

18-year-old Robyn Hickie and 14-year-old Amanda Robinson were abducted at or near bus stops on the Pacific Highway at Belmont North and Swansea within two weeks of each other in 1979

News Limited reports police are now looking into the movements of a 58-year-old successful businessman who currently lives on the Gold Coast.

The former Hunter Valley man was recently granted bail in Queensland over a separate rape and sexual assault offences.

Detectives say a unique, green Holden Torana could also hold the key to proving the identity of the person responsible.

Backpacker killer, Ivan Milat had been a suspect in the girl's disappearance but denied any involvement during an inquest in 2002.

Robyn Hickie

Amanda Robinson

Police believe a unique, green Torana could hold a vital clue

Police Launch Fresh Appeal Over 25 Year Cold Case At Cessnock

BY IAN CROUCH

Police are renewing their appeal for information into the death of a young woman near Cessnock 25 years ago.

17-year-old Allison Newstead was last seen leaving her Cessnock home by her parents on Wednesday 6 October, 1993 and was reported missing the following day when she failed to return.

Her body was found a week later at an abandoned colliery at Pelton, about 8 kilometres from Cessnock.

Detective Acting Superintendent, Chad Gillies says anyone who can assist the investigation should come forward.

"Back in 1998 a $100,000 reward was announced and that is still current. So, I would hope that would encourage anyone who's sitting on information or has some information that is relevant to please forward that to Crime Stoppers as a matter or urgency," he said.

Allison Newstead