Homicide Squad detectives have arrested a man in the state’s Central Tablelands and applied for the extradition of a woman from New Zealand, following an investigation into the alleged murder of a two-year-old girl more than 30 years ago.
In October 2019, detectives from the Homicide Squad’s Unsolved Homicide Unit established Strike Force Bertrand after receiving information relating to the alleged murder of a two-year-old girl near Oberon in 1987.
Detectives were told that the child was allegedly fatally assaulted by a woman known to her, in or around July 1987, at a rural property at Porters Retreat.
The woman was then allegedly assisted by a man in disposing of the child’s remains.
Following extensive investigations, detectives applied for and were granted an arrest warrant for a 59-year-old woman, residing in New Zealand.
About 9am yesterday (Tuesday 16 November 2021), the woman was arrested at a home at Palmerston North City, by New Zealand Police, pursuant to the Australian arrest warrant. Extradition proceedings are currently before a court in that jurisdiction.
Unsolved Homicide detectives subsequently executed a crime scene warrant at a rural property at Porters Retreat – about 42km south of Oberon – about the same time.
A 70-year-old man was arrested and taken to Bathurst Police Station, where he was charged with accessory after the fact to murder and misconduct with regard to corpses.
The man was refused bail to appear at Bathurst Local Court today (Wednesday 17 November 2021).
Homicide Squad Commander, Detective Superintendent Danny Doherty, praised the efforts of investigators for their tenacity during their inquiries over the past two years.
“Strike Force Bertrand detectives have conducted an extensive, thorough and protracted investigation into this alleged murder that occurred more than three decades ago,” Det Supt Doherty said.
“These allegations were only brought to the attention of NSW Police in October 2019, and it is due to the tenacity and dedication of our officers, that two individuals have now been charged.
“The level of violence allegedly used upon this child is abhorrent and left a father without his daughter or knowledge of her death for 34 years.
“The NSW Police Force will always thoroughly investigate new information relating to historical crimes and have worked tirelessly to ensure justice is finally served for this little girl,” Det Supt Doherty said.
Investigations are continuing.
Anyone with information that may assist Strike Force Bertrand investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
