A $300,000 reward for information has today been announced, on the fifth anniversary of a man’s death on the Far North Coast.
Strike Force Dartmoor was established in August 2013 – comprising detectives from Coffs/Clarence Police District – to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of 30-year-old Matthew Mitchell.
Matthew was found lying unconscious on the road at Graham Drive, Sandy Beach, about 25km north of Coffs Harbour, on Saturday 17 August 2013.
He had sustained serious head injuries and was flown to Royal North Shore Hospital, where he later died on Saturday 19 September 2013.
In 2016, the NSW Coroner determined that Matthew died as a result of a head injury caused by a motor vehicle while he was walking or standing on the road.
As investigations continue, NSW Minister for Police Troy Grant has announced a $300,000 reward for information that leads Strike Force Dartmoor investigators to those responsible for Matthew’s death.
Investigators were joined by Matthew’s family to appeal for information from the community today (Friday 17 August 2018).
Coffs/Clarence Police District Crime Manager, Detective Acting Inspector Peter O’Reilly welcomed the reward, which he hopes will be the catalyst for someone to come forward with information that will help provide justice.
“It has now been five years since Matthew’s death and his family still remain without answers.
“Our detectives are specially trained but police need the community’s help. We know someone out there knows something and just one small piece of information may help lead detectives to an arrest.
“We will not give up, and as investigations continue we urge anyone with information, no matter how big or small, to contact Coffs/Clarence Police District or Crime Stoppers,” Det A/Insp O’Reilly said.
Anyone with information about this incident 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 crime via NSW Police social media pages.