Homicide Squad detectives are today announcing a $1M reward for information as part of their investigation into the suspicious death of Marea Yann in her Healesville home almost 20 years ago.
The 69-year-old was found about 9.40am on 30 September, 2003 by a gardener who attended her Juliet Crescent home to undertake some work.
Marea was sitting in an armchair in her loungeroom and had suffered extensive head and upper body injuries from an assault.
She was wearing a red jumper, black pants and slip on shoes, and had not yet dressed for bed.
Marea's TV was still on and there was no sign of forced entry to the address.
Her purse was on the floor however nothing appeared to have been taken from the house.
A significant investigation into the incident was subsequently conducted by the Homicide Squad and it was determined Marea had likely been killed on the night of 29 September.
At 8.07pm that night, Marea had spoken to her daughter in Queensland on the phone and this is the last known conversation Marea had before her death.
In February, 2006 a then 46-year-old man, who was known to Marea, was charged with murder in relation to her death.
However, after the matter went to trial in February, 2008 he was subsequently acquitted.
As such, the investigation into Marea's death remains open and unsolved and a review of the case was conducted by Homicide Squad detectives in 2021.
A number of public appeals in relation to this incident have been conducted over the past two decades and police remain hopeful that someone out there has information about Marea's death that could help solve this case.
Marea had a close-knit family and had lived in her Healesville home for about six years after moving from Acheron.
Her husband had passed away in 1984 and she had three adult children, two daughters and a son.
Marea worked in a local opportunity shop and made many friends amongst other staff and customers at the shop.
Victoria Police is today announcing a $1M reward for information in relation to those responsible for Marea's death in the hope it will provide new leads and result in those responsible being held to account.
A reward of $100,000 was previously offered in October 2005.
A reward of up to $1M will be paid at the discretion of the Chief Commissioner of Police, for information leading to the apprehension and subsequent conviction of the person or persons responsible for the death of Marea Yann.
The Director of Public Prosecutions will consider, according to established guidelines, the granting of indemnification from prosecution to any person who provides information as to the identity of the principal offender or offenders in this matter.
A limited inquest into Marea's death was held in February 2006.
Police are also releasing a number of photos of Marea, as well as images of the crime scene.
Investigators are hopeful this new reward will encourage someone to come forward with information.
Police urge anyone with information about Marea's death to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
Quotes attributable to Detective Superintendent Janet Stevenson, Crime Command:
"Marea was a much-loved sister, mother and grandmother and we know her family still feel her loss as keenly as they did almost 20 years ago.
"She was a vulnerable older woman who was brutally murdered in the place she should have felt safest.
"A significant investigation into Marea's death has been conducted over the past two decades to try and determine who was responsible for her murder and what the motive was.
"Police have spoken to dozens of people as part of this investigation, however there is always the possibility there is someone out there who is yet to speak to us.
"Alternatively, it might be someone who has never felt ready to provide detectives with particular information and for them, the time is now right.
"While there have been many developments in this case over the past 20 years, it remains open and unsolved.
"Importantly, with new information, we believe it still can be solved and we will follow up any possibility or new avenue of enquiry.
"Hopefully this public appeal provides the motivation for someone to contact police after all these years, who can help us solve Marea's murder.
"Time and time again it has been proven that even the smallest piece of information can make the biggest difference when it comes to solving a crime."
