Homicide detectives are hopeful the announcement of a significant reward for information into the 1996 disappearance and suspected murder of Gregory James Thurlow, alongside the launch of a billboard and targeted digital campaign in the area he was last seen, will generate new leads.
At the time of his disappearance, 27-year-old Greg had left his mother’s Manly West home on October 1, 1996, advising family members he was travelling to the Redcliffe area.
During the evening he attended a house on Longland Street, Scarborough, before travelling to a friend’s house at Mitze Street, Bray Park. He was last seen alive somewhere between late the same day and into the early hours of October 2, 1996, leaving the Bray Park house with a male associate.
Police believe the men travelled in a green 1980 VC Holden Commodore sedan, believed to be owned by Greg’s associate. This vehicle is believed to have stopped along Anzac Avenue in the Mango Hill area for a short period of time.
Detective Senior Sergeant Tara Kentwell of Homicide’s Cold Case Investigation Team said as part of their investigation police had placed a billboard display on Anzac Avenue in Rothwell, along with other highway signage and targeted Facebook posts in the Peninsular region to prompt people to come forward.
“We believe Greg Thurlow was murdered around the time he disappeared and that there are people in the local community who know what happened,” Detective Senior Sergeant Tara Kentwell said.
“We can confirm the announcement of the State Government’s reward offering $500,000 for information that leads to the conviction of the person, or persons, found to be responsible for Greg’s murder.
“Anyone with information is urged to consider the reward and come forward and speak to us now,” Detective Senior Sergeant Tara Kentwell said.
In addition to the reward, 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.
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or call 131 444.
You can report information about crime anonymously to Crime Stoppers, a registered charity and community volunteer organisation, via crimestoppersqld.com.au 24hrs per day or call 1800 333 000.
