‘Surfie’ clue in tourist cold case murder
A surfie driving a distinctive car may hold the key to solving the murder of Italian tourist Victoria Cafasso in Tasmania nearly 30 years ago.
The 20-year-old’s body, with multiple stab wounds, was found on the beach at Freshwater Creek, Beaumaris on October 11, 1995.
Witnesses have told police they saw a man driving a light coloured Subaru station wagon in the area at the time of the murder.
The man was described as being in his 20s, with blond hair, about six feet (180cm) tall, slim build, but very fit, with suntanned legs and arms and the appearance of a surfer.
A person matching that description was also seen running onto the beach where Ms Cafasso’s body was found.
Despite a $500,000 reward, the case still remains unsolved.
But detectives investigating the case have now released reconstructed images of a vehicle spotted at various locations in the Beaumaris area including at Freshwater Creek at the time of Ms Cafasso’s murder.
The distinctive light coloured Subaru station wagon was a vehicle of interest in the early stages of the investigation, and police are now following a specific line of inquiry in relation to that vehicle.
Police are interested to hear from anyone who may have knowledge of the car and any person linked to a car of that description in October 1995.
Detective Acting Inspector Andrew Hanson said as with any unsolved matter, the investigation into Ms Cafasso’s murder remains open, and police continually reviewed information relating to the case.
“Serious crime cases stay open until answers are found, and a person or people responsible are arrested, and charged,” Detective Acting Inspector Hanson said.
“Victoria’s family deserve closure, and our detectives continue to work to try and provide that closure. This continues to be an active investigation, and we will continue to follow all lines of inquiry.”
The $500,000 reward remains available for information relating to a conviction in the case.
Anyone with information relating to the murder of Victoria Cafasso should contact police on 131 444, or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperstas.com.au
