Victoria Police have announced a $1 million reward for information into the shooting death of a woman in Western Port Bay 36 years ago.
Officer in charge of the Homicide Squad, Detective Inspector Tim Day said the exact circumstances around Janita McNaughton’s death remained unclear.
“Janita, then 23 years old, was on board a boat along with four other people on 27 December 1983,” Det Insp Day said.
“About 5pm, Janita was shot in the head and subsequently died as a result of her injuries in hospital later that evening,” he said.
Det Insp Day said Homicide Squad detectives were hopeful that the reward announcement would assist in solving the case and lead to the conviction of the person responsible.
“Homicide Squad detectives have spoken to all those on board the boat with Janita that day, however they are still seeking answers into her death 36 years on,” he said.
“The one thing we do know is that someone out there will know who is responsible for shooting Janita and the exact circumstances in which she died.”
He said a reward of up to $1 million would 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 murder.
Det Insp Day said that in appropriate cases, the Director of Public Prosecutions may consider the granting of indemnification from prosecution to any person who provided information as to the identity of the principal offender or offenders.
Anyone with information should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit the Crime Stoppers website at crimestoppers.com.au.
