Detectives from the Homicide Squad have charged a man as part of their investigation into the 1984 murder of a Melton footballer in Bullengarook.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A 62-year-old man was charged this morning with the murder of 25-year-old Melton man Bernard ‘Bernie’ Williams over 30 years ago.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Williams found deceased on a bush track near Hobbs Road, Bullengarook, about 3pm on March 3, 1984. He was found tied up and had been shot several times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Detectives believe that it is highly likely several people were involved in Bernie\u2019s death, given the Melton Football Club player was known for his physical capabilities. They also considered the manner in which he had been restrained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Detective Senior Sergeant Paul Scarlett, Homicide Squad said at the time of his death, Bernie was a 25-year-old with a young daughter and in the prime of his life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHe was a passionate member of the Melton Football Club and was well known within the Melton community for his skills on the football field,” he said.
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\u201cAlmost four decades on, his family are still searching for answers as to why their much-loved son and brother was killed.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2017, police announced a $1M reward for information leading to the apprehension and subsequent conviction of the person or persons responsible for the death of Bernard Williams.
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The investigation remains ongoing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis investigation was reviewed by detectives from the Homicide Squad\u2019s cold case team back in 2016 and this led to a further public appeals, including the $1M reward, a year later,” Det. Snr Sgt Scarlett said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSince that time detectives have been actively working on the case and today we are in a position to charge someone in relation to the matter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHowever, we believe the person who has been charged did not act alone and that it\u2019s likely more than one person was involved, or at least present, when Bernie was killed.
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\u201cThere may be people in the Melton area who were living there in 1984 who have further knowledge about Bernie\u2019s death, or they may now be living elsewhere in Victoria or interstate given the length of time that has passed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe are also very keen to speak to anyone who has any information about the motive for Bernie\u2019s death.
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\u201cHe was not known to police for any criminal matters, however we\u2019re aware he had a number of personal relationship disputes and that remains an active avenue of enquiry for us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe $1M reward remains on offer and we are hopeful that today\u2019s update leads to further breakthroughs in this case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf you have any piece of information, no matter how inconsequential you may think it is, then I encourage you to come forward and speak to police or Crime Stoppers.\u201d
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Police are particularly keen to speak to anyone who was living in the Melton area around 1984 who may have information about Bernie\u2019s death and those responsible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n