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 disappearance and suspected murder of Leslie Ralph Ball in Townsville in 1993.
Mr Leslie Ball, then aged 71, resided with family members at 83 Yolanda Drive, Annandale in Townsville and was last seen around midday on 18 April 1993 at this location.
Mr Ball was in the process of buying a property in Cardwell and had paid a deposit with settlement to occur on 19 April 1993. He had personal papers and mail changed to his new address, and had also paid twelve months insurance on the property but never made it to settlement.
On 22 May 1993, Mr Ball was reported missing by his family.
Police located his vehicle abandoned at the Townsville Railway Station on 24 May 1993, and his burnt out trailer and possessions in bushland off Jurekey Street, Stuart on the 9 July 1993 after receiving information from a member of the public.
An investigation into Mr Ball's movements revealed that just before 10.30am on 17 April 1993, a ticket was booked in Mr Ball's name through the Brisbane Central Reservations telephone line for a seat on the Queenslander train which was to depart Townsville for Brisbane at 3.10 pm on 20 April 1993 and arrive in Brisbane at 3.25 pm on 21 April 1993.
The ticket also included travel from Brisbane to Dalby on the Westlander train which departed Brisbane at 7.00 pm on 22 April 1993.
At about 12.45 pm on 19 April 1993, a train ticket in the name of Leslie R Ball was collected from the Townsville Railway Station. Investigations revealed that the signature on the train ticket is believed to be forged and the assigned seat on the train to Brisbane was marked as not occupied.
Police have been unable to obtain any information as to the identity of the person who collected the train ticket. Enquiries with Queensland Rail indicate that Mr Ball never boarded the train which departed Townsville to Brisbane on 20 April 1993 or Brisbane to Dalby on 22 April 1993. Queensland Rail staff documented Mr Ball as failing to show in their records.
A coronial inquest was held in 1994-1995, the Coroner found that person or persons have deliberately tried to convey the impression that Mr Ball travelled to Brisbane by train, leaving the vehicle unattended at the Townsville Railway Station.
Between 2010-2017 the Homicide Cold Case Investigation Team reviewed Mr Ball's suspicious disappearance with forensic examinations conducted, witnesses re-interviewed and new witnesses identified.
An update was provided to the State Coroner and on 5 June 2019 the inquest was re-opened. On 13 June 2023, the Deputy State Coroner found that Mr Ball was deceased, likely to have occurred on or about 18 April 1993.
Leslie Ball's daughter, Le-Chelle Ball, said her family is extremely hopeful someone will have the information needed to provide them answers.
"Almost 31 years after my father's death, it would mean everything to know what happened and have some closure," Le-Chelle said.
"We ask anyone who knew my father, if you know what happened to him, if you know something, speak to police."
Detective Senior Sergeant Tara Kentwell from the Cold Case Investigation Team said following a review by Detectives, we believe Mr Leslie Ball's disappearance was suspicious and that there are people who know what happened.
"Leslie's disappearance was out of character and he had upcoming plans in life he was looking forward to with the purchase of a house in Cardwell," Detective Senior Sergeant Kentwell said.
"A $500,000 reward is now in place for information that may lead to the conviction of the person or persons responsible for Leslie's disappearance. Any information no matter how small or insignificant it may seem, could be the key to bringing closure for Leslie's family.
"Anyone with knowledge of Leslie's movements between 18 and 19 April 1993, or who may have information relating to his disappearance, 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.
Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
