Detectives from the Homicide Squad are today announcing a $1 million reward in relation to the suspicious death of Penny Galanopoulos in Mordialloc over a decade ago.
Penny, who was 33 at the time, was found dead after a fire in her home on 10 January 2012.
Emergency services were called to the property on Main Street, near the intersection of George Street, about 5.20am on 10 January following a report of a fire.
After extinguishing the fire, a body was located inside the property.
Initially, Penny was unaccounted for and a post-mortem performed on the body revealed the deceased was a woman, believed to be aged in her 30s.
Forensic testing subsequently identified the body to be Penny’s and revealed she had been killed before the fire was lit.
In 2012, a handwritten letter was posted to the Mordialloc Police Station and contained information relating to the murder of Penny and the fire at her home.
The information contained in the letter was believed to be credible and investigators at the time believed the author of this letter held the key to resolving the investigation.
Despite numerous public appeals, the author of the letter never came forward or contacted police again.
Investigators have interviewed a number of people in relation to the matter but no one has ever been charged.
Detectives are hoping that today’s reward announcement will encourage someone with information about the fire and Penny’s death to come forward.
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 Penny Galanopoulos.
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.
Any information given will be treated as confidential and may be given at any time to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
Quotes attributable to Detective Inspector Dean Thomas, Homicide Squad:
“As much as this is about holding those responsible accountable, Penny’s family deserves an answer as to why this happened.
“This is very much still an active investigation and we certainly believe there are a number of people who are in a position to assist us with this investigation.
“It is our belief that a number of people were potentially involved in Penny’s murder and have knowledge of what happened that night.
“It remains our belief that Penny was killed prior to the fire being lit.
“There is the possibility that those responsible for her death may have spoken to someone about Penny and today’s reward announcement may lead to them finally coming forward with information.
“We are also once again appealing for the author of the letter that was sent to police to come forward and speak to police.
“People’s circumstances can change over the years and someone who may not have wanted to provide information to police previously may now feel ready to do so.
“It doesn’t matter how insignificant you think the piece of information is, it could be exactly what our investigators need to make a breakthrough in this case.”
