Detectives from the Crime and Intelligence Command are hopeful that the announcement of a Queensland Government reward of $500,000 will bring in new information to assist police investigations into the murder of Francis Patrick Foley in 2008.
Francis Foley, known as Frank, was 62-years-old when he was last seen at his residence in the Reward Fossicking area near Rubyvale, west of Emerald, on or around 23 December 2008.
On this date he attended the Emerald Central Business District in the company of a neighbour for Christmas shopping, before returning home.
On 28 December 2008, this neighbour attended Frank's property to check on his welfare after local flooding and located an exploded gas bottle and Frank's wallet discarded in the carport. Frank could not be located.
Police attended the scene and located blood, which was later identified as belonging to Frank.
Extensive police investigations determined the damage to the gas bottle and further damage to the front security door of the home, were consistent with having been hit by a shotgun blast.
A doorknock was conducted of the area, with a number of neighbours hearing what they believed to be gunshots on the afternoon and evening of either December 23 or December 24.
Investigations over the years since included approximately 100 statements and 150 inquiries by police.
In April 2013, the Coroner returned findings determining that Frank was believed to be deceased, however evidence was unable to be identified connecting any person/s to Frank's death.
In July 2022, a person fossicking for gems in Sheep Station Creek approximately a kilometre downstream from Frank's property, located human remains.
With assistance from the Australian Federal Police (AFP) National DNA Program for Unidentified and Missing Persons, the remains were identified as belonging to Francis Foley.
Homicide Cold Case Investigation Team detectives commenced a review into Frank's death.
Frank moved to the Rubyvale area around 2003, working in various trades including carpentry, building and vehicle repairs.
At the time of his disappearance, he was a caretaker for a fossicking lease on behalf of a person who lived interstate.
While it is not believed Frank was a gem miner, it has been identified he owned a number of valuable gemstones.
Police are today conducting an extensive search of the area where Frank's remains were located.
Francis Foley's son, Shaun Charlton, said his family is extremely hopeful someone will have the information needed to provide them answers.
"Almost fifteen years after my father's death, it would mean everything to know what happened and have some closure," Shaun said.
"We ask anyone in the Rubyvale and fossicking communities to please, if you know something, speak to police."
Detective Senior Sergeant Tara Kentwell said the Cold Case Investigation Team is confident the matter can be solved.
"Someone out there knows what happened to Frank and they now have 500,000 reasons to come forward and speak to police," Detective Senior Sergeant Kentwell said.
"Anyone with knowledge of Frank's movements on 23 December 2008, or who may have information relating to this investigation, is urged to contact police,"
The $500,000 Queensland Government Reward is for information which leads to the apprehension and conviction of the person or persons responsible for this murder. The Government reward further offers an opportunity for indemnity against prosecution for any accomplice, not being the person who actually committed the murder, who first gives such information.
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or call 131 444.
Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
