Detectives from the Tablelands Criminal Investigation Branch 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 Kathleen Mary O'Shea in 2005.
Ms O'Shea, then aged 44, resided in Melbourne but was visiting her son in Ravenshoe for the birth of her grandchild, she was last seen on December 29, 2005, at Atherton.
Ms O'Shea was reported missing by family on January 13, 2006.
An investigation into Ms O'Shea's movements revealed she attended the bottle shop at the Atherton Hotel and left in the company of two men.
On the morning of December 29, Ms O'Shea told a friend she was going to walk into the Ravenshoe town centre, and her son Alan would pick her up.
Alan picked her up and drove her to Atherton around midday, she told him she was going to the Atherton Hotel to play pool and visit a friend in Mareeba.
Investigations into Ms O'Shea's disappearance have continued, and detectives believe a person, or persons are responsible for her death.
A coronial inquest was held in 2014, the Coroner found that Ms O'Shea likely died soon after December 29, 2005, in the Tablelands area.
Quotes attributable to Police Minister Mark Ryan:
"$500,000 is a lot of money but it will only be considered or awarded to the first person who brings forward information that leads to the apprehension and conviction of the person or persons responsible."
I genuinely hope that this reward helps to provide answers for Ms O'Shea's family, friends and the Far North Queensland community.
"Police will not stop until they find the answers her loved ones deserve."
Quotes attributable to Detective Senior Sergeant Brett Devine from the Tablelands Criminal Investigation Branch:
"Detectives believe Ms O'Shea's disappearance was suspicious and that there are people who know what happened.
"Kathleen's disappearance was out of character; she was in Far North Qld pending the arrival of her first grandchild. We know that Kathleen was very excited to be a grandmother and intended to be present for the birth," Detective Senior Sergeant Brett Devine said.
"A $500,000 reward is now in place for information that may lead to the conviction of the person or persons responsible for Kathleen's disappearance. Any information no matter how small or insignificant it may seem, could be the key to bringing closure for Kathleen's family.
Quotes attributable to Lily Parmenter (Kathleen O'Shea's daughter):
"Katie O'Shea was an amazing woman and an even better mother. Losing her has a devastating impact on the family was.
"Mum was funny, quirky, she loved to laugh and there was nothing she wouldn't do for the people she loved, especially her kids.
"18 years ago, someone took her from us and our family would like to be able to get justice for her and to lay her to rest."
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.
