Maureen McLaughlin

$200,000 REWARD FOR INFORMATION INTO THE UNSOLVED HOMICIDE OF MAUREEN MCLAUGHLIN

Minister for Police and Emergency Services Michael Gallacher has announced a $200,000 NSW Government Reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the murder of Maureen McLaughlin.

A $100,000 reward was offered in 1994 for a period of 12 months, but in that time no one came forward.

Minister Gallacher announced that the NSW Government has increased the reward to $200,000.

"The slightest piece of information could help detectives put the puzzle together to solve this case, so I'd encourage anyone with information, no matter how small to come forward," Minister Gallacher said.

It's believed the 23-year-old Leura woman was last seen on the 31 March, 1992, at a hotel on Main Street at Lithgow.

Previously, Ms McLaughlin attended an RSL club on Lurline Street at Katoomba on 30 March, where she made three separate ATM withdrawals; the last being at 4:37pm. She then caught a taxi home to Leura before leaving again a short time later.

Her father reported her missing to Katoomba Police on 3 April, 1992.

Investigations were launched by local police into her disappearance, before police received a report from a bushwalker on the 13 April 1992, who discovered a body at Lithgow.

The body was found in a shallow grave off State Mine Gully Road, with a number of injuries to the head and body. The deceased was later identified as Maureen McLaughlin.

"I know the detectives involved in this case have been committed to conducting a thorough investigation but it's the public who can now help," Minister Gallacher said.

Unsolved Homicide Team Investigator Detective Inspector John Lehmann said, "Police have and will continue to dedicate all necessary resources in an effort to find closure for Maureen McLaughlin's family.

"Maureen McLaughlin's family has lived in limbo for almost 20 years, and I sincerely hope this reward leads to someone coming forward with the information that will help solve this case," Minister Gallacher concluded.