Deputy state coroner Carmel Forbes made a recommendation that police continue to investigate the murder particularly some information provided during the four days of evidence in Albury.

Ms Forbes formally found that Ms Richardson, 17, died at or near Horseshoe Lagoon from a combination of strangulation and drowning.

“I decline to make any comment on material I have heard this week in case it may compromise further investigations,” she said.

Ms Forbes expressed her profound sympathy to Ms Richardson’s parents, Noel and Stan, and their children.

A 38-year wait by the Richardsons for answers to their daughter’s horrific death will continue and the family declined to make any comment after the finding.

The final witness called yesterday was Detective Sgt Steve Morgan, from the NSW police unsolved homicide team southern region.

He confirmed a reward for information leading to a conviction over the murder increased from $50,000 to $200,000 in May last year.

Counsel assisting the coroner Warwick Hunt said after the evidence of Sgt Morgan it was appropriate to conclude the inquest.

“It is quite proper that some aspects should be further investigated,” Mr Hunt said.

Lavington man Geoffrey Charles Brown and another man, Ross Eames from South Australia, were nominated as persons of interest at the opening of the inquest.

Mr Brown was represented by solicitor Mark Cronin and attended each day, but Mr Eames left after giving evidence on Monday.

Ms Forbes was told during the inquest that Ms Richardson was abducted from Smollett Street near St Patrick’s church on October 12, 1973.

She was sexually assaulted and killed.

The murder allegedly committed by Mr Brown and another man, Max Martin, was witnessed by Mr Eames and Kevin Newman who took no part.

A committal proceeding was begun but Mr Brown was discharged after Mr Eames and Mr Newman declined to give evidence.

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