HOMICIDE Squad detectives are confident of solving the sniper-style murder of a Bendigo man that has remained a mystery for 21 years, following a scientific breakthrough.
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Recent DNA testing of items left at the crime scene where transport operator Kevin Pearce, 45, was gunned down in April, 1985, have led to the Homicide Squad reopening the case and appealing for public information yesterday.
Homicide Squad Detective Senior Sergeant Tim Argall said police were seeking to reinterview several people of interest in Bendigo this week and possibly seek DNA samples from them.
Sen-Sgt Argall said DNA testing of items left at the crime scene included a spent .308 calibre rifle cartridge and three cigarette butts.
"Its only been in the last couple of years that the Cold Case Unit has opened the case again and that has led to the DNA testing and we've had this development," he said.
"It would be significant not only for police, but the community of Bendigo to finally resolve this case and get some closure for all concerned."
Police were also appealing to members of the public to share any significant information on the case with them.
"We certainly believe there are people out there with information and we appeal to them to look inside themselves, to think of the family, to do the right thing and come forward and assist everyone in closing this case."
"With the passage of time individual circumstances change, there are changes in relationships," he said.
"And perhaps there is someone out there holding onto this and living with it for the rest of their life who might just be wanting to let go and clear their conscience."
Mr Pearce was shot while unloading his truck at a McPhee transport depot in Belle Vue Road, Golden Square, about midnight on April 15, 1985, by an unseen killer who fired a high-powered rifle from the darkness outside.
He died from internal injuries three weeks later at the Alfred Hospital, leaving behind his wife, Joan, and three daughters, Susan, Donna and Melinda.
"Mr Pearce's family are obviously going through a very tough time at the moment; they had gone through a healing process, to a degree," Sen-Sgt Argall said.
"The reopening of this case has opened up old wounds for them . . . and it's something no one should have to go through."
Coroner Hal Hallenstein, who heard the inquest into the killing in 1986, decided there was sufficient evidence to charge Bendigo freight operator and former business partner William Matthews, then 40, of Bennett Street, to stand trial for murder.
Sen-Sgt Argall said the public prosecutor's office then assessed the evidence and deemed it insufficient to proceed with the case.
Sen Sgt Argall said Mr Matthews was one of the persons of interest police would like to speak to.
" He certainly is someone we would be keen to speak to, to see if he can shed any more light on the case."