A $250,000 reward for information that may lead to the arrest and conviction of any person responsible for the suspected murder of 28-year-old Toowomba man, Steven James Goldsmith has been announced.
The last confirmed sighting of Steven was on July 10, 2000 when he used an ATM at the Commonwealth Bank in New Farm (pictured, right).
Police say he went missing either on or shortly after this date and was reported missing on July 29 that year.
Police located Steven’s vehicle and work tools at his unit, which was locked. Inside, they found his personal belongings, including car keys, credit cards, passport, driver’s licence and personal papers. A load of washing was still in the dryer in the unit.
At the time of his disappearance, Steven was working as an arborist subcontracted to Toowomba City Council and other tree-looping operators.
He spent time in the Fortitude Valley and New Farm areas and was known to frequent bars, clubs and boarding houses.
Police believe he was experimenting with drugs at the time of his disappearance.
Detective Inspector Damien Hansen of the Homicide Group said following a review by Detectives, its believed Steven was murdered around the time he disappeared and that there are people in the local community who know what happened.
“We encourage anyone who has information and for whatever reason has remained silent, to put that aside and come forward and speak with us,” Detective Inspector Hansen said.
“Steven’s disappearance was out of character. He was in regular contact with his family in England and he had upcoming plans in life he was looking forward to”.
“We strongly believe there are people within the community with crucial information regarding this case. Steven’s parents need and deserve to know what happened to their son.”
Police and Corrective Service Minister, Mark Ryan said the renewed appeal for information called on the community to help police find Steven, give his family answers and bring those responsible for his disappearance before the court.
“A $250,000 reward is now in place for information that may lead to the conviction of the person or persons responsible for Steven’s disappearance,” the Minister said.
“It is particularly important to stress the importance of the matter of indemnity offered along with this reward.
“Any person who was involved in the crime but did not commit the crime who comes forward and speaks with police, is eligible for this indemnity from prosecution.
“Please take the time to consider this offer carefully.”
At the time of his disappearance, Steven was 28 years of age. He was around 175cm tall, spoke with an English accent, had red hair and freckles and a fair complexion. Steven had several tattoos, including an eagle on his shoulder blade, and walked with a slight limp (as the result of a serious injury to his left leg from a workplace incident in 1997).
In 2007, Steven’s disappearance was referred to the Coroner whose findings determined Steven to be deceased.
