WA Police Charge A Man In Australia’s Longest-Running Murder Investigation

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Published

December 23, 2016

Western Australia police have formally charged a 48-year-old man with the murder of two Claremont women in the 1990s, bringing some semblance of finality to Australia’s longest-running and most-expensive murder investigation.

Earlier, reports indicated that police had arrested someone in connection with the case. But WA police commissioner Karl O’Callaghan has since formally announced the arrest and charge, asserting that police investigators “never gave up” on the case.

“There is still much work to be done, but this has already been the biggest and most complex police investigation in WA history. Hundreds of police officers have worked on this case over the 20 years.”

“Operation Macro has been a massive body of work involving thousands and thousands of investigative actions. The commitment of the WA police and its officers have never wavered. We never gave up.”

The man has been charged with the abduction and murder of Jane Rimmer and Ciara Glennon, both of whom disappeared from the Claremont area over a 14-month period spanning 1996 and 1997.

Police will also allege that the man abducted and sexually assaulted a 17-year-old girl in 1995, as well as entering the bedroom of, and attacking, an 18-year-old girl in 1988.

A third murder, that of teenager Sarah Spiers, remains an open case. Spiers disappeared on January 27, 1996. Her body has never been found. Commissioner O’Callaghan was at pains to stress that investigators are still actively working her case.

“I should point out that the investigation into the disappearance and suspected murder of Sarah Spiers on January 27, 1996, is ongoing, as are inquiries into other matters.”

“I want to pay tribute to the Sarah Spiers, Ciara Glennon and Jane Rimmer families and the victim of the 1995 attack for their patience and understanding during the investigation.”

Source: ABC News.

Photo: Supplied.