Detectives from the Homicide Squad on Monday announced a $1 million reward for the suspicious death of Penny Galanopoulos in Melbourne’s beachside suburb of Mordialloc over a decade ago.
Penny, 33-years-old, was found dead after a fire in her home on 10 January 2012. Detective Inspector Dean Thomas from the Homicide Squad said, “This is about holding those responsible accountable”.
“Penny’s family deserves an answer as to why this happened.”
In 2012, emergency services were called to the property on Main Street, near the intersection of George Street, about 5.20 am on 10 January following a fire report.
After extinguishing the fire, a body was located inside the property.
Initially, Penny was unaccounted for, and a post-mortem performed on the body revealed the deceased was a woman, believed to be aged in her 30s.
Forensic testing subsequently determined the body to be Penny’s and that she was killed before the fire was lit.
Detective Inspector Thomas called this “an active investigation” and said he believed several people “are in a position to assist” with this investigation.
He added that “a number of people were potentially involved in Penny’s murder and had knowledge of what happened that night.”In 2012, a handwritten letter was posted to the Mordialloc Police Station containing information relating to Penny’s suspicious death and the fire at her home.
The police believed the information in the letter to be credible, and investigators at the time thought the author of this letter held the key to resolving the investigation.”It remains our belief that Penny was killed prior to the fire being lit.
“There is the possibility that those responsible for her death may have spoken to someone about Penny, and today’s reward announcement may lead to them finally coming forward with information.
“We are also once again appealing for the author of the letter that was sent to police to come forward and speak to police.
“Despite numerous public appeals, the letter’s author has yet to come forward or contact police again.”
Investigators have interviewed several people about the matter, but no one has ever been charged.
Detectives are hoping that the reward will encourage someone with information about the fire and Penny’s death to come forward.
A reward of up to $1 million 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 Penny Galanopoulos.
“It doesn’t matter how insignificant you think the piece of information is; it could be exactly what our investigators need to make a breakthrough in this case,” Detective Inspector Thomas said.
The Director of Public Prosecutions will consider granting indemnification from prosecution to any person who provides information as to the identity of the principal offender or offenders in this matter.
Any information given will be treated as confidential and may be provided at any time to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
