Murdered mum, 22, may have been bashed to death in a domestic violence incident 27 years ago as police raid homes after $1million reward prompted new leads
- Battered body of Melissa Hunt, 22, was found in a dam in NSW on April 25, 1994
- Cold case unsolved for 27 years and $1million reward offered in December
- Tips from the reward prompted house raid and domestic violence investigation
Homicide detectives are investigating whether the murder of a woman 27 years ago in the Hunter region was a domestic violence incident.
The battered body of Melissa Hunt, 22, was found near the weir wall of Burrenjim Dam, Bluegum Creek via Stockrington, NSW, on April 25, 1994.
A 1$ million reward offered in December led to a tip-off which prompted police to return to the Hunter Region on Tuesday.
The body of Melissa Hunt (pictured) was found in the Burrenjim Dam in NSW on Anzac Day in 1994 but no one has ever been arrested over her death
Unsolved homicide squad detectives, along with forensic specialists executed a search warrant at a home at Lambton Road, Waratah, a northwestern suburb of Newcastle, while police divers are scouring the Burrenjim Dam.
Homicide squad commander Detective Superintendent Danny Doherty said Strike Force Circulo detectives were looking for any remaining forensic evidence that could help the investigation.
‘This Sunday marks the 27th anniversary of Melissa’s murder and detectives are hopeful that the new information we have received, together with today’s searches, will progress the investigation,’ Det Supt Doherty said.
‘Police are exploring a number of new lines of inquiry, including whether Melissa regularly attended a home at Waratah and if a domestic incident took place at the residence prior to her death.’
A memorial cross is erected at the site where Ms Hunt’s body was discovered at Burrenjim Dam
The 22-year-old mother-of-two died from head injuries, with her body believed to have been in Burrenjim Dam (pictured) for up to six days before it was found
Detectives were ‘leaving no stone unturned’ and were in contact with police in South Australia, Queensland and Victoria in a bid to trace associates and witnesses, now living interstate.
‘As our investigations into Melissa’s death continue, we are urging anyone with information to contact police so we may provide much-needed answers to Melissa’s family,’ Det Supt Doherty said.
Strike Force Impey, comprised of detectives from Lake Macquarie Police District and the State Crime Command’s homicide squad, was formed to investigate Ms Hunt’s death but no arrests were made.
Her case was sent to the unsolved homicide unit following a coronial inquest in 1998.
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