Police have today charged an 80-year-old Wacol resident with the 1964 murder of Vincent Raymond Allen in Warwick.
In July, the Minister for Police and Corrective Services confirmed a $250,000 reward for information relating to the murder of Vincent Allen. The reward offering formed an important component of a cold case review being conducted by investigators from the Homicide Cold Case Investigation Team and Brisbane Region.
The review commenced in 2018 and during this time police have painstakingly reviewed thousands of pieces of information dating back to the time of the murder. Police have also located and interviewed original and newly identified witnesses.
A forensic review has also been undertaken to include the use of new technologies which have shed new light on this 55-year-old murder, one of Queensland’s oldest cold case investigations.
“Following our appeal in July, we have received valuable information from the public which has assisted us greatly with this investigation. However, I am more than confident there are still people out there who hold information relating to this crime or those persons involved. I strongly urge them to come forward to us and provide that information,” Detective Senior Sergeant Tara Kentwell of Homicide’s Cold Case Investigation Team said.
Vincent Allen was last seen alive in a vehicle driven by a known associated around 5pm on April 18, 1964. He was never seen again. Despite a thorough investigation his body was never located.
A coronial hearing in February 1980 supported the police view and on April 2, 1980 the State Coroner declared Allen to be deceased and that his death had likely occurred in the Warwick area.
Persons called to testify at the inquest and interviewed by police as part of the original investigation were again interviewed as part of this investigation.
Today, detectives charged the 80-year-old Wacol man with murder. He will appear in Brisbane Magistrates Court today.
“I would caution any person out there responsible for a cold case murders to take no solace in the passage of time. This arrest is an example of our unwavering commitment to review and investigate Queensland’s unsolved homicides and to bring offenders to justice. Even after 55 years, murders can be solved,” Detective Senior Sergeant Kentwell said.
A $250,000 reward remains on offer for information which leads to the apprehension and conviction of the person/persons responsible for the murder of Vince Allen. In addition, an appropriate indemnity from prosecution will be recommended for any accomplice, not being the person who actually committed the crime, who first gives such information.
