RELATED:
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
THE family of Bronwynne Richardson say they are shocked and relieved charges have been laid more than 40 years after her abduction, rape and murder, against a South Australian man extradited yesterday to NSW.
Colin Michael Newey, 61, was arrested by detectives from the NSW Unsolved Homicide Team in South Australia on Wednesday and flown to Sydney yesterday.
Newey, a second cousin of the late teenager, has been charged with her abduction, sexual assault and murder.
Bronwynne was waiting near St Patrick’s Church in Smollett Street, Albury, about 7pm on October 12, 1973, for a lift back to Corowa.
She had moved to South Albury from Corowa only about two weeks earlier for work.
A 2011 coronial inquest heard the 17-year-old was attacked and abducted, taken to or near Horseshoe Lagoon and physically and sexually assaulted before being dumped in the Murray River.
Her body was found in the river two days later.
A coroner determined in 1975 she had died of strangulation and drowning.
Family members were yesterday still in shock at the new developments.
Bronwynne’s sister, Fiona, said her family had held out hope for such an outcome since the teenager’s death.
“It’s just a shock … it’s a good shock, it’s unexpected,” she said.
“We have not been privy to any of the investigative processes but they’ve done a great job.”
Bronwynne’s parents, Stan and Noelle, were too distressed to talk.
Mr Richardson, 87, has been battling a serious illness in hospital since Wednesday night, which his daughter Janet said was adding to the stress of the news.
Noelle Richardson, 80, said in 2009, closure would be “a fulfilling end to our life”.
“As we get older the need to know and have closure becomes more intense,” she said.
Those who identified themselves as family members yesterday laid flowers at Bronwynne’s grave at Carlyle Cemetery at Wahgunyah.
NSW Police Homicide commander, Detective Superintendent Mick Willing, said Bronwynne’s parents were distraught but relieved at the news someone had finally been arrested over their daughter’s death.
Fresh information from two independent witnesses at a 2011 inquest had led to Newey’s arrest.
The case is the longest unsolved homicide in NSW to result in an arrest.
Supt Willing said the case against Newey was based on circumstantial evidence, but said it was allegedly a “strong circumstantial case”.
“A 17-year-old girl lost her life under horrific, violent circumstances,” he said.
“The pain of murder, the pain of homicide lasts forever.
“And hopefully we can provide some answers to Bronwynne’s parents.”
Police believe one other man had been involved in the death of the Miss Corowa Showgirl, but that person was now dead.
“We are not looking for anyone else,” Supt Willing said.
“Sooner or later your past is going to catch up with you.
“I do commend and congratulate the detectives involved in this case.”
These kinds of investigations were extremely challenging, he said.
Three men had been charged in connection with the crime in 1990, but were not convicted.
Two men were charged with concealing knowledge of the death in 1993, but were acquitted.
The new Southern Region Unsolved Homicide Team created Strike Force Kulaman to investigate the murder in 2008.
Officers said the 2011 inquest had led officers to “their strongest line of inquiry to date”.
Newey had appeared at Murray Bridge Magistrates Court on Wednesday and was remanded in custody overnight, before being extradited to Sydney yesterday.
2011 Year in Review: Looking back on the 2011 inquest
2011 inquest: Family lives in hope that justice will be done
2011 inquest: Max Martin released from jail the same day
2011 inquest: The years haven't healed mother's broken heart
2011 inquest: Geoffrey Brown's 'stalking behaviour' left woman in fear
2011 inquest: Cousin Peter Newy was probed by police over death
2011 inquest: Abduction witness Wayne Leitch was 'ignored by police'
2011 inquest: Worker Ralph Treptow recognised driver as Geoffrey Brown
2011 inquest: Colin Newey tells inquest of admission
2011 inquest: Anonymous call led to Ross Eames
2011 inquest: Silence ended bid to try Geoffrey Brown
2011 inquest: "Bronnie, you're going to die"
2011 inquest: Two named as persons of interest