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At approximately 8.30pm on the 1st of May 1989, Christopher Phillips was found dead on the floor of his house by his wife. He had been violently attacked and beaten to death in his own home. Christopher was only 42 years old at the time and was a loving father of his two young children.
The Homicide Squad are seeking help from the public in solving this case.
What we do know about Mr Phillips’s movements on that day, is that he had left his place of work in Mount Waverley around 4.45pm and was home by the time his wife arrived at 5.30pm. At approximately 6.45pm, Mr Phillips’ wife and their two children left the house, returning at about 8.30pm.
Investigators believe the offender or offenders spent a considerable amount of time inside the home. The family room of the house had been disturbed, however there was no evidence of theft. There were shoe impressions located within the scene; these impressions were made by the offender and have been identified as Asics Tiger Gel 1000 runners.
Despite an extensive and thorough investigation, the person who violently attacked and killed Christopher Phillips is yet to be brought to justice. We ask that you review this case and all the available details, and for anyone that has any information about the person responsible for this brutal crime to please come forward and contact the Homicide Squad.
32 years on, and it could be your information that allows us to move forward in our investigations into the murder of Christopher Phillips.
Homicide Squad detectives are continuing to appeal for information in relation to the murder of Christopher Phillips in Cheltenham in 1989.
The 42-year-old was found by his wife dead in their Gaybre Court home about 8.30pm on 1 May, 1989.
Christopher had been seriously assaulted and suffered significant head trauma and lacerations.
At the time, he was wearing a track suit, which investigators believe indicated he was heading out for a run.
Christopher had no defensive wounds and police believe he was likely attacked from behind with a heavy blunt object.
Two knives were found next to Christopher and these were also covered in blood.
It appeared as though the house had been ransacked, however nothing appeared to have been stolen.
However there were signs of forced entry at a rear door of the house, as well as a show print located within the crime scene.
Detectives subsequently identified it as an ASICS Tiger Gel runner, possibly a size 9-10.
Christopher was an engineer by trade and had been described as a quiet family man who went jogging most nights.
Police have received information from a number of people over the years, however his murder remains unsolved.
An initial $50,000 reward was offered for information about the case and in 2017 this was increased to $1 million.
Detectives are hopeful that over 30 years after his death, someone will be able to provide information about who was responsible for Christopher’s murder and why.
Police have also released a photo of Christopher.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report via the Crime
Reviewed 29 June 2021