Police still hold hope

– Melissa Meehan
IT’S one of those cases that sticks in the mind, “bizarre in every aspect”.
Five years on, the investigator of the Michael Griffey murder says he is still hopeful of solving the case.
Detective Sergeant Marty Robertson says while the case is not active; it still remains open pending new information and evidence.
“If that happens we’ll be able to move forward and hopefully come to a resolution.”
Det Sgt Robertson has been on the case since it started – he arrived on the scene shortly after the body was discovered.
He describes it as one of the most “bizarre” cases he’s ever worked on during his time at the Homicide Squad.
“The body lay unnoticed for several days, the circumstances in which it was found, particularly because not long after the murder a function occurred at the premises,” he said.
“Anybody would say it’s an abnormal case.”
Disappointed with the conclusion of the subsequent court case, Det Sgt Robertson said the investigation followed all leads they had.
And while each officer may have their own beliefs and theories, they need enough evidence to back it up.
“The case was dropped because of insufficient evidence,” he said.
“If we get new information then we can open it again and hopefully come to a conclusion.
“But we need people to contact us, or Crime Stoppers with anything they know, or have heard.”
In 25 years of police work, the Griffey case is something Det Sgt Robertson hasn’t forgotten about it, and doesn’t want the public to either.
“We really hope revisiting the case through the media will remind people of something they saw or heard back then,” he said.
“Surely there are people wanting to, or who are struggling with the thought of giving evidence, but it will help give his friends and family closure.
“We’ll talk to anyone who has something to offer.”