A $1 million reward is now on offer to help solve one of the Gold Coast’s biggest murder mysteries.
Both Queensland and New South Wales Police have teamed up to offer the massive reward in a bid to find those responsible for killing two men in 2002.
Frederick Rosson (aka Charles Johnson) was found shot dead at his property in Mt Nathan on March 14, 2002, after organising a meeting with two men who had expressed interest in a firearm he had advertised for sale.
In a further twist, witnesses reported seeing a distinctive red Toyota Celica coupe at Mr Johnston’s home, which had been stolen from another man, Iain Stewart Hogg, just days earlier.
Mr Hogg is suspected to have also been murdered, however, his body has never been found.
“On 11 March 2002, Iain Hogg’s vehicle was seen in a carpark on Coral Street, Tweed Heads, where witnesses say they saw a flash and a loud bang, believed to be the discharging of a firearm,” police said.
“It is believed that Mr Hogg was killed, before his body was placed into the Tweed River; however, his body has never been found”.
The vehicle believed to have been linked to both murders was found abandoned at Palm Beach the following week on 20 March 2002.
Queensland Police Service Detective Acting Inspector Adam Bennett from the Gold Coast Criminal Investigation Branch said police hoped the ramped-up cash incentive would be the catalyst for a breakthrough in the case.
“It is never too late to come forward. Relationships and loyalties change, people who were once scared may no longer be, and we would encourage these persons to come forward,” Det Acting Insp Bennett said.
“Police would like to directly appeal to the LGBTIQ+ community or anyone who knew Mr Hogg leading up to his death in March 2002 as he was a very private person, and any personal information may assist with this matter.”
Tweed Police District Crime Manager, Acting Inspector Chris Elliott, said while much remained unclear, investigators believe that the same people were responsible for each murder.
“We are confident that the car used to access Mr Rosson’s home was Mr Hogg’s Toyota Celica, and we believe the same men were involved in each incident,” Acting Insp Elliott said.
“The families of these men deserve closure having dealt with the uncertainty of what happened over two decades ago.
“To those in the community who know what happened to Mr Rosson and Mr Hogg, and it’s time for you to come forward.”
Anyone with information that might assist investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
