Police are offering $1 million for information about the death of a Melton South mother in her home about a decade ago.
Mother of three Cindy Crossthwaite was killed in her Andrew Street house on June 20, 2007.
The 41-year-old was found by her father Philip who went to Ms Crossthwaite’s house to check on her after she failed to collect her two oldest children, 10-year-old Jesmine and eight-year-old Nicholas, from school.
Her youngest child, 15-month-old Jonas, was in the house at the time of his mother’s murder.
Ms Crossthwaite was last seen dropping Jesmine and Nicholas off at school about 9am in Melton South earlier the same day.
An autopsy later revealed she died of head injuries.
Homicide squad investigators received new information about the case from members of the public following media coverage of the 10-year anniversary of Cindy’s death in June this year.
Detective Inspector Michael Hughes said one person provided specific information to police about the case, including a claim that more than one person was involved and that Ms Crossthwaite might have been stalked in the weeks leading up to her death.
Inspector Hughes said 10 years was a tragically long time for a family to go without answers.
“For the Crossthwaite family to spend a decade not really knowing why Cindy died or who was responsible is absolutely heart-breaking,” he said.
“Cindy’s death has remained an open Homicide Squad investigation since that day in June 2007 and the fact that members of the public have come forward to police this year with information shows there are still people out there who know what happened and that are capable of helping us solve this crime.”
Inspector Hughes hoped the announcement of a $1 million reward would encourage people to help solve the case.
The reward will be paid at the discretion of the police chief commissioner for information leading to the apprehension and conviction of the person or persons responsible.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
