Cold case: Adam Matthews

Learn about the murder of Adam Matthews and assist Victoria Police with any information you may have to help solve the case.

Homicide Squad detectives are continuing to appeal for information in relation to the murder of Adam Matthews.

On the 4 November 2000, police retrieved Adam’s body from the Goulburn River near the Chinaman’s Bridge Caravan Park.

The previous evening, residents of the caravan park noticed what they thought was rubbish tangled in a fallen tree, floating in the river. 

Adam’s body had been wrapped in a blanket and an attempt had been made to weigh the body down with bricks.

A post-mortem examination revealed he had been violently assaulted.

He was last seen by his mother 11 days earlier when he left his Fawkner home about 2pm on the 24 October, 2000.

Adam stated to his mother he would be home for dinner but never returned. 

It is believed he was seen later that afternoon near the corner of Sydney Road and Queens Parade in Fawkner.

At the time of his death, Adam was 25-years-old and living with his mother in Fawkner. Adam was one of five children and a father.  

Despite an extensive and thorough investigation, the person or persons who violently attacked and killed Adam remain unknown.

It is also unclear how Adam came to be in Nagambie, detectives have been unable to establish any connection with the area. 

Detectives want to hear from anyone who may have seen or heard from Adam in the weeks leading up to 24 October, 2000 and onwards in order to help detectives piece together his final movements. 

It is believed Adam was associated with illicit activities and this may have led to his death. 

Detectives would also like to hear from anyone who was local to the Nagambie area during this period, specifically around the Goulburn River and who may have witnessed any unusual or suspicious activity. 

In 2006, an anonymous caller provided information nominating a person they believed may be responsible for Adam’s death. Detectives are appealing to this person to again contact Crime Stoppers. 

Anyone with any information they believe may help solve this case are asked to contact Crime Stoppers, even if they have already done so in the past. 

Detectives are hopeful that over 20 years after his death, someone will be able to provide information about who was responsible for Adam’s murder and why.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report via the Crime Stoppers Victoria website.(opens in a new window)

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