Detectives from the Missing Persons Squad are today announcing a $1M reward for information as part of their investigation into the suspicious death of Whittington man Trevor Tascas.
Police believe the 27-year-old went missing some time between 7 and 10 October, 2005.
At the time he went missing, Trevor had been residing at an address in Thatcher Court, Whittington with another man.
He had sporadic contact with his mother around that time, however she became increasingly concerned when she did not hear from him for some weeks and on 1 April 2006 reported him missing at Geelong police station.
Trevor’s disappearance was treated as suspicious and initially investigated by the Homicide Squad.
His body has never been located.
Investigators believe Trevor had been involved in a dispute with his flatmate prior to his disappearance.
Police have also confirmed that after Trevor’s disappearance, a number of his personal items including a vehicle and furniture were sold off and his dog was given away.
A number of withdrawals were made from Trevor’s bank account in July and August 2006, however police have since established Trevor was not responsible for those transactions.
His phone was last used on 7 October, 2005.
In July 2008, a man and a woman were charged in relation to Trevor’s death.
The man was charged with murder and later sentenced to 23 years imprisonment, however he appealed his conviction and in 2011 it was quashed.
A retrial on the charge of manslaughter was ordered, however in 2013 the jury gave a verdict of not guilty.
The woman was charged with being an accessory after the fact to manslaughter and obtain property by deception in, and in 2009 was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment.
In 2020, an inquest was held in relation to Trevor’s death.
Police believe there are still people out there who have information about who was responsible for the incident which resulted in Trevor’s death.
They are also keen to speak to anyone with information about Trevor’s movements or interactions in the weeks leading up to his disappearance.
Victoria Police is today announcing a $1M reward for information in relation to those responsible for Trevor’s death.
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 Trevor Tascas.
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.
Police are hoping the reward will encourage someone to come forward with information.
Investigators are particularly keen to speak to anyone who may have information however have not previously spoken to police, or circumstances may previously have made it difficult to speak to police.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.auExternal Link
Quotes attributable to Detective Acting Inspector Tony Combridge, Missing Persons Squad:
“A significant investigation has been conducted over the past 16 years and it remains our strong belief that Trevor was murdered.
“While two people have previously been charged in relation to Trevor’s suspected death, no one has directly been held to account for his murder.
“It is a unique set of circumstances, however we believe there are still people out there who can assist us with this case and with providing Trevor’s family with some level of justice.
“Trevor was well known around Whittington at the time of his disappearance and many of his associates still reside in that area.
“With new and compelling information, there is the potential for us to move forward with this case again.
“We’re hopeful that someone who does have new information about Trevor’s death, the circumstances and who was responsible, will see this appeal and finally choose to come forward and speak to police.
“As we always say, circumstances change and it might just be now is the right time for someone.
“There is also no doubt that a significant reward such as this might also help motivate someone, but we are very keen to speak to anyone with any information, no matter their reason for coming forward.
“While Trevor had his personal struggles, he was much loved by his family and they are still grieving his disappearance.
“Hopefully this appeal will help detectives move the investigation forward and provide them with the answers they’ve waited so long for.”
