Earl Mooring

Announced November 2007

Victoria Police has increased the reward for information about the murder of Geelong man Earl Mooring.

Police announced a reward of up to $100,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the 54-year-old mans death in 2003.

Today the reward has been increased to up to $500,000.

Former Homicide Squad Detective Sergeant Tony Thatcher said he hoped the renewed appeal would encourage anybody with information to come forward and assist police with their investigation.

Mr Mooring disappeared from his Whittington home on Tuesday 10 October in 2000 and was reported missing by his employer when he did not report for work the following day.

Following a tip off, his body was located in Towrang in New South Wales in late 2004 and a post mortem indicated Mr Mooring had been murdered.

However, police have never been able to locate Mr Mooring’s vehicle a 1996 red Nissan Micra Coupe with registration NTD-626, which they believe was used to transport his body.

Despite reports it was dumped somewhere near the Blue Mountains in NSW, the vehicle was never recovered and police believe it could hold vital clues as to the identity of those involved in Mr Mooring’s death.

"There are still many unanswered questions regarding Mr Mooring’s death" Detective Sergeant Thatcher said.

"He did not have a criminal history, nor was he known to associate with people of questionable character. His death was senseless and we would like to be able to arrest those involved and hold them responsible for their actions"

Police believe Mr Mooring had saved a large sum of money in preparation of his retirement and there was a possibility his death was the result of a failed robbery.

Detectives have interviewed a number of persons of interest in relation to the murder and believe Mr Mooring was taken from his Whittington home to a nearby rural property where he was killed.

Police believe a man who visited the property while Mr Mooring was there may hold the vital information needed to identify those involved the murder.

Police have been unable to identify this man and are urging him or anybody who may know of his identity to come forward.

"We would like to speak to that man or anybody who knows who that person is as we feel they could have information that would greatly assist us with our investigation" Detective Sergeant Thatcher said.

A reward of up to $500,000 will be paid at the discretion of the Chief Commissioner of Police, for information leading to the apprehension and subsequent conviction of the person or persons responsible for the death of Earl Mooring.

The Director of Public Prosecutions will consider, according to established guidelines, the granting of indemnification from prosecution to any person who provides information as to the identity of the principal offender or offenders in this matter.

Anybody with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppers.com.au(opens in a new window)