Detectives have charged a man over the murder of Scott Johnson, whose body was located near North Head more than 30 years ago.
On the morning of Saturday 10 December 1988, the body of Sydney-based American National, Scott Johnson, was found at the base of a cliff at Blue Fish Point, near Manly’s North Head. Scott was aged just 27.
A coronial inquest in 1989 found Scott had committed suicide, with a second inquest in June 2012 returning an open finding.
The matter was referred for a third inquest and, in 2017, the then-NSW Coroner, Michael Barnes, found that Mr Johnson fell from the cliff top as a result of actual or threatened violence by unidentified persons who attacked him because they perceived him to be homosexual.
Following the inquest, NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller met with Scott’s brother, Steve Johnson, to discuss the case before selecting a specialist team of detectives to investigate the circumstances surrounding Scott’s death under Strike Force Welsford.
Following extensive investigations, Strike Force Welsford detectives arrested a 49-year-old man at Lane Cove about 8.30am today (Tuesday 12 May 2020), before executing a search warrant at a nearby home, where they seized a number of items relevant to the investigation.
Investigators also conducted a forensic search – with the assistance of the Public Order and Riot Squad and the Rescue and Bomb Disposal Unit – at North Head this morning. It has since concluded.
The Lane Cove man was taken to Chatswood Police Station and charged with murder.
He has been refused bail to appear at Parramatta Local Court tomorrow (Wednesday 12 May 2020).
Commissioner Fuller has personally notified Steve, who lives in the United States, of today’s developments.
“Making that phone call this morning is a career highlight – Steve has fought so hard for so many years, and it has been an honour be part of his fight for justice,” the Commissioner said.
“While we have a long way to go in the legal process, it must be acknowledged that if it wasn’t for the determination of the Johnson family, which inspired me and the Strike Force Welsford team – led by Detective Chief Inspector Peter Yeomans, we wouldn’t be where we are today.”
Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott said the Johnson family have had to live with the consequences of this calculated crime for more than 30 years. I’m pleased we are a step closer in bringing the offender to justice for the deliberate and cruel actions which led to this tragedy.
“Scott’s family never wavered in the fight for justice; dedicating their time and efforts to Scott’s honour, and today, I hope this arrest can bring them some kind of peace.
“I’d like to thank everyone involved in Strike Force Welsford for their outstanding work investigating this terrible hate crime.”
