Victorian detectives from the Homicide Squad have announced a $1 million reward in relation to the suspicious death of Penny Galanopoulos in Mordialloc over a decade ago.
Penny, who was 33 at the time, was found dead after a fire in her home on 10 January 2012.
Emergency services were called to the property on Main Street, near the intersection of George Street, about 5.20am on 10 January following a report of a fire.
After extinguishing the fire, a body was located inside the property.
Initially, Penny was unaccounted for and a post-mortem performed on the body revealed the deceased was a woman, believed to be aged in her 30s.
Forensic testing subsequently identified the body to be Penny’s and revealed she had been killed before the fire was lit.
In 2012, a handwritten letter was posted to the Mordialloc Police Station and contained information relating to the murder of Penny and the fire at her home.
The information contained in the letter was believed to be credible and investigators at the time believed the author of this letter held the key to resolving the investigation.
Despite numerous public appeals, the author of the letter never came forward or contacted police again.
Investigators have interviewed a number of people in relation to the matter but no one has ever been charged.
Detectives are hoping that the $1 million reward announcement will encourage someone with information about the fire and Penny’s death to come forward.
Detective Inspector Dean Thomas, Homicide Squad, said “Penny’s family deserves an answer as to why this happened.”
“This is very much still an active investigation and we certainly believe there are a number of people who are in a position to assist us with this investigation,” the detective said.
“It is our belief that a number of people were potentially involved in Penny’s murder and have knowledge of what happened that night.”
A reward of up to $1 million 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 Penny Galanopoulos.
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.
Any information given will be treated as confidential and may be given at any time to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
