FRESH evidence has come to light in the police investigation into the suspicious disappearance and death of Armidale’s Bill Roach.
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Detectives now hope the $50,000 reward on offer in connection to the cold-case discovery of Mr Roach could provide the missing piece to the police probe.
The reward, announced by the state government, is on offer for information leading to the recovery of Mr Roach’s remains, after he vanished on New Year’s Eve in 1993.
Strike Force Annan – reopened by Armidale detectives this year – has been probing the case and saw a property on the outskirts of town combed in February, prompting members of the public to come forward.
“We have spoken to several people throughout this state and as far afield as Queensland and Victoria,” New England Detective Inspector Ann Joy told The Leader.
“A number of people that never had contact with the police before have initiated contact and we have made subsequent inquiries as a result of their information.”
Detective Inspector Ann Joy said investigators believe someone in the community knows what happened to Mr Roach.
“There is someone that knows something, and, particularly over the course of time, there is more chance that a greater number of people know what happened than perhaps when things occurred at the outset,” she said.
“Over the course of time, people’s circumstances and relationships change and something that prevented them from speaking up may not be a factor any further, hence they initiate contact now.
“There has been renewed interest in the story. It is a very long-term unsolved matter and something not only that we would like to resolve but also members of the community along with his family.”
Detective Inspector Joy said advances in technology had driven the investigation into new territory and someone could hold the link police are searching for.
“It is still a significant amount of money and we would hope it would encourage someone to come forward with a crucial piece of information,” she said.
“People are coming forward and speaking to us and we would encourage anyone that does have information to contact Armidale detectives, their information will be treated confidentially as part of the investigation.”
Last month, The Leader revealed two persons of interest identified in the coronial inquest, which wrapped up in 2010, into Mr Roach’s death.
Hamish Sproat and Martin Rummery both gave evidence at the inquest but denied any knowledge or involvement in Mr Roach’s disappearance.
No arrests or charges have ever been laid in relation to Mr Roach’s death.
