A 68-year-old Melbourne man has been arrested and will face a murder charge following the death of Irma Palasics in a violent home invasion in November 1999.
About 9.30pm on Saturday 6 November 1999, two men forced their way into the McKellar home of elderly couple, Gregor and Irma Palasics.
The couple were bound and savagely beaten before the men ransacked their home and stole cash and jewellery. Irma did not survive her injuries and died at the scene.
A significant investigation was commenced with multiple avenues of inquiry considered.
Key to the investigations were two previous incidents where the Palasics were victims of a burglary in 1997 and an aggravated burglary in 1998 when they lived in Red Hill.
A reward of $500,000 was offered in 2012, and police subsequently released information relating to footwear worn by one of the offenders.
Following a review of the investigation and other outstanding cases in 2021 a new investigative strategy was commenced, leading to the arrest of the 68-year-old man at his home in Rowville in Melbourne today (Wednesday, 20 September 2023). He is expected to be extradited to the ACT in the coming days.
Detective Superintendent Scott Moller from ACT Policing’s Criminal Investigations said today’s outcome was immensely satisfying – especially to be able to provide the Palasics’ family the answer they had sought for more than 20 years – Who killed Irma?
“As a police officer, it is a great day when officers can make the call to family members that the person responsible for the death of a loved one has been identified and is now in custody,” Detective Superintendent Moller said.
“Homicide investigations are significantly complex. They require determination and extreme dedication – and, thankfully in this case the dedication of ACT Policing Criminal Investigations has led us to today’s result.
“The family of Irma Palasics never gave up hope, never ceased asking for community assistance and always worked to keep the case in people’s minds. To be able to achieve today’s outcome will provide some comfort that one of the people responsible for this horrific crime is now in custody.
“We are continuing to work to identify and charge the second offender. We urge this man to come forward as soon as possible.
“I am confident it is only a matter of time before we have the second offender in custody, and are able to provide full closure for the family and the Canberra community.
“We are also renewing our calls for anyone with any information about this case to come forward. We hope that now a person is in custody, people may be more confident to provide police with their information. The $500,000 reward offer remains active and information received from today can still be considered for this reward.”