Kathleen Severino

Announced January 2021

Homicide Squad detectives have released a $1 million reward in exchange for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the 1987 murder of Ballarat grandmother Kathleen Severino.

Kathleen was last seen alive in front of her Drummond Street property around 7.55pm on 31 December.

The following morning, members of Kathleen’s family discovered the 70-year-old woman deceased in her bedroom.

She had been savagely assaulted and suffered fatal head injuries.

It was apparent that her home had been ransacked, however there appeared to be nothing stolen from the house.

Investigators believe Kathleen was murdered sometime between the hours of 10.30pm and 11.30pm, New Year’s Eve, 1987.

Around that time, a witness reported seeing a male and female in the vicinity of Kathleen’s home.

In July 1990, a then 19-year-old male was charged with Kathleen’s murder, however, the charges were withdrawn before the matter went to trial after a witness revoked their evidence.

The man previously charged died in 2017 as a result of a medical incident, however the male and one of his former associates remain persons of interest in this investigation, which the Homicide Squad have reviewed several times over the past 30 years.

Detectives also believe it is possible those responsible for Kathleen’s death may yet to have been identified and are appealing for public assistance to help shed some light on the Ballarat grandmother’s death.

A reward of up to $1M 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 Kathleen Severino.

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.

Anyone with information that could assist investigators 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).