Cold case takes chilling twist after death of rapist prime suspect
Months after the death of the prime suspect in a near 34-year-old cold case, police have revealed they don’t believe that man acted alone.
Megan Mulquiney disappeared from a Canberra shopping centre on July 28, 1984 and for years it was suspected Paul Vincent Phillips was responsible.
The serial sex offender died in April, nine years after an inquest determined it was extremely likely Ms Mulquiney, 17, had been murdered.
Police never had enough evidence to charge Phillips but have now revealed they do not believe he was the only person involved.
Ms Mulquiney was due to catch a bus home from Woden Plaza after finishing work at Big W but never arrived.
Phillips was known to target young women matching Ms Mulquiney’s description, approaching them in open car parks.
He spent much of his adult life in prison for violent sexual offences against women.
Phillips’ death re-opened lines of inquiry for police.
“This has presented us with a very unique opportunity in that a number of people are now prepared to come forward and speak to us,” Detective Senior Constable Emma-Lea Beere said on Thursday.
Those people included Phillips’ family, friends and associates.
“We know there are people who know the circumstances surrounding Megan’s disappearance and we’re appealing to these people to have the courage to come forward and speak to police,” she said.
Senior Constable Patrick O’Brien said determining Ms Mulquiney’s whereabouts would provide closure for her family.
He said people who know her whereabouts or the circumstances of her disappearance may carry a significant burden and implored them to come forward.
The appeal for information coincides with National Missing Persons Week – an annual event which aims to raise awareness of the significant issues associated with missing persons, as well as helping to reduce the incidence and impact of missing persons in Australia.
