Victoria Police Homicide Squad detectives have announced a $1 million reward for information as part of their investigation into the suspicious death of Melbourne socialite, 69-year-old Jeanette Moss, in her Middle Park home nine years ago.
Ms Moss was found by a neighbour in her Beaconsfield Parade apartment about 10.45am on Wednesday, 15 January 2014.
At the scene, officers found a half-empty bottle of wine and two empty beer stubbies on the kitchen bench. Two wine glasses were in the dishwasher.
Detectives are still trying to piece together Jeanette’s movements in the lead up to her death and over the years have painstakingly trawled through thousands of hours of CCTV footage.
They know she was seen the day before, Tuesday 14 January, running a number of errands in her local area while driving her green 1997 BMW sedan.
That Tuesday morning she had driven a friend to a pharmacy on Bay Street, Port Melbourne just before 11am.
Police have previously released CCTV (above) of Jeanette at the pharmacy.
Detectives are unsure what happened when Jeanette returned home, and a 2022 summary inquest finding determined that it was likely she had died between 12.47pm and 2.52pm on that Tuesday.
However, despite an extensive investigation, including a number of public appeals over the past nine years, Jeanette’s murder remains unsolved.
“This was a brutal crime involving a vulnerable member of the community, alone in her own home,” said Detective Acting Inspector Paul Scarlett.
“Jeanette was a much-loved mother and grandmother, who is still very much missed by her family.
“A significant investigation into her death has been conducted over the past nine years to try and determine who was responsible for Jeanette’s murder and what the motive was.
“There was no sign of forced entry into Jeanette’s apartment, so one line of enquiry has been that it could have been someone who was known to Jeanette.
“Detectives have spoken to a number of people since 2014 in relation to the incident, however no one has been charged with her murder.
“We continue to urge anyone who may know something about Jeanette’s death or recalls any suspicious activity around her Middle Park apparent on 14 or 15 January, 2014 to come forward.
“Hopefully this reward and public appeal provides the motivation for someone to come forward after all these years who can help us solve Jeanette’s murder.”
The reward of up to $1 million will 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 death of Jeanette Moss.
The Director of Public Prosecutions will consider, according to established guidelines, the granting of indemnification from prosecution to any person who provides information as to the identity of the principal offender or offenders in the matter.
Police are also releasing a number of new photos of Jeanette and her apartment, as well as re-releasing the CCTV from the pharmacy and an image of her 1997 green BMW.
Police urge anyone with information about Jeanette’s death to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
