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Cold case murder investigations to be reopened

All cold case homicides in NSW will be reopened and investigated as police attempt to catch the killers.

NSW Police homicide commander Detective Superintendent Scott Cook said they want to give the families of victims answers, following the announcement the first 20 cases will be sent to investigators outside the homicide squad this week.

“The review process will look at the best opportunities to solve the matter, and cases that could be solved now given the right resources will be prioritised to be reinvestigated,” Det Supt Cook told News Corp on Monday.

Police hope a $100,000 reward will lead to the killer of former AC/DC manager Crispin Dye, also known as Chris Kemp, who died after being assaulted and robbed in Sydney more than 20 years ago. Source: AAP/ NSW Police
Police hope a $100,000 reward will lead to the killer of former AC/DC manager Crispin Dye, also known as Chris Kemp, who died after being assaulted and robbed in Sydney more than 20 years ago. Source: AAP/ NSW Police

All cases and previous lines of inquiry will be reviewed, with “priority” cases sent for further investigation.

“Every case is going to get reviewed and I am sorry to the families if their case is less solvable than others. It’s not forgotten and it will be looked at again and again,” Det Supt Cook said.

“I think most families will understand that we have to work on evidence and if the evidence isn’t there we could spend a lifetime searching for evidence that just isn’t there.”

The review team will look at potential witnesses, new technology and previous lines of inquiry.

NSW toddler Jordan William Thompson was found to have swallowed a massive dose of anti-depressants in 2005. Police are hoping a $100,000 reward will lead to new information on his death. Source: AAP/ NSW Police
NSW toddler Jordan William Thompson was found to have swallowed a massive dose of anti-depressants in 2005. Police are hoping a $100,000 reward will lead to new information on his death. Source: AAP/ NSW Police