Reappeal for information into murders of three children in Bowraville as inquiries continue into remains of Colleen Walker-Craig
Monday, 21 October 2024 11:36:11 AM
Homicide Squad detectives are today reappealing for information into the murders of three children from Bowraville in 1990 under Strike Force Ancud 4, with a particular focus on finding the remains of Colleen Walker-Craig.
Colleen Walker-Craig was aged just 16 when she was last seen in Bowraville between Thursday 13 September and Saturday 15 September 1990.
Her family reported her missing, and her weighted down clothes were later found in the Nambucca River.
Although Colleen’s body has never been found, the NSW Coroner found she had died and had most likely been murdered.
Her four-year-old cousin, Evelyn Greenup, disappeared after being put to bed at her grandmother’s Bowraville home on Thursday 4 October 1990.
Her remains were found in bushland near Congarinni Road on Saturday 27 April 1991.
While the post mortem did not conclusively determine the cause of death, it was noted that a skull injury was consistent with a forceful penetration by a sharp instrument.
Clinton Speedy-Duroux was also aged 16 when he disappeared after a party at Bowraville on Thursday 31 January 1991.
His remains were located in bushland near Congarinni Road on Monday 18 February 1991.
The murders of the three children were originally investigated separately before being linked by Strike Force Ancud detectives from State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad Unsolved Homicide Team.
Despite a man being charged on separate occasions over two of the children’s murders, he has since been acquitted.
As inquiries continue, Homicide Squad Commander Detective Superintendent Danny Doherty said detectives will be spending some time in Bowraville as part of a push for further information – particularly into that of the whereabouts of Colleen’s remains.
“The passage of time has not diminished our resolve in this case. We are as dedicated today as we were 34 years ago to finding those responsible for these heinous crimes,” Det Supt Doherty said.
“Our presence in Bowraville this week is a testament to our ongoing commitment to this investigation and we hope this reappeal can help us uncover new insights and ultimately move closer to justice.
“One of the most heartbreaking aspects of this case is that Colleen’s remains have never been found, and that will be a key focus of our detectives this week.
“Finding Colleen’s remains is absolutely critical in helping us close this painful chapter and we are hopeful there are still people out there who have information that could point us in the right direction,” Det Supt Doherty said.
“Detectives will be spending the week in Bowraville to spread community consciousness and encourage anyone with information to come forward. Now is the time.”
A $1 million reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for each of the children’s murder remains in place, as well as for information leading to the location and recovery of Colleen’s remains.
Anyone with information that may assist investigators 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 information via NSW Police social media pages.