By JOLENE OGLE
IT WAS a murder that shocked the small Noosa community, and now, 30 years after her death, Lesley Patricia Larkin’s family is asking for answers.
Police are hoping an appeal from Lesley’s family on the anniversary of her death will help them bring the cold case homicide to a close.
A neighbour found Lesley, 31, naked and brutally beaten in the bedroom of a Kareela Avenue, Noosa Heads, unit at 12.30am on 9 November 1984.
Lesley was taken to hospital but died a day later from her injuries.
Detective Acting Superintendent Mick Dowie said Lesley was last seen by a friend about 10pm on 3 November.
“The investigation is a current cold case being investigated by members of the Homicide Group and Central Region,” he said.
On Tuesday, Lesley’s mother Patti Lleiss and her daughter Juanita Wotherspoon joined police to make an appeal for anyone with information to call Crime Stoppers.
“It’s been a long time for us, her family, to wait for a resolution and to await some kind of closure to what happened to her and why it happened,” Ms Lleiss said.
“This year, for some reason, has been a very difficult anniversary, for us and me personally.
“I find that I can’t speak for very long about it this year… I find that I become upset very quickly.”
Lesley’s sister said her sister was “full of life”.
“Lesley was a beautiful young woman, vivacious, happy, friendly, with a great wide smile and gentle brown eyes,” she said.
“She was so full of life.
“She did not deserve this.
“We still wait hoping that one day we will know who and why.”
A $250,000 reward is being offered for anyone with information which leads to the apprehension and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the murder of Lesley Patricia Larkin. In addition, an appropriate indemnity from prosecution will be recommended.
Anyone with information which could assist with this matter should contact Crime Stoppers anonymously via 1800 333 000 or crimestoppers.com.au 24 hours a day.
