ACT Policing has thanked the public for information received following the airing of a 60 Minutes program last year into who killed Irma Palasics in 1999.

ACT Policing received over 30 calls from members of the public with information assisting police with their investigations, which remain ongoing.

“The information provided by the public has allowed us to rule out certain lines of inquiry and make further progress in our investigations,” Officer in charge of the investigation, Detective Senior Constable Jarryd Dunbar said.

“The five males involved in the May 2010 Pitch n Putt burglary were identified and although familiar DNA has not resulted in an arrest investigations have allowed us to rule out that particular line of inquiry.”

“We’ve spoken with a number of persons of interest with enquiries conducted in both NSW and South Australia.”

“Those enquiries will remain ongoing, this case will not be closed until the offenders are identified and brought before the court.”

Detective Dunbar said the Palasics family were disappointed no arrests had been made but remained resolute encouraging people to continue to come forward with information.

“These last eight months have been a difficult time and I thank them for their continued support of the Police investigation,” Dunbar said.

“Whilst no arrests have been made, enquiries completed over the last eight months have assisted us in narrowing the focus of the investigation. It is my genuine belief there are still people out there who hold the final key to solving Irma’s murder and I join the family in encouraging these people to come forward.”

Anyone who has any information on the Irma Palasics murder is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via act.crimestoppers.com.au. Information can be provided anonymously.

Operation Spider background information

About 9.30pm on Saturday, November 6 1999 two unknown male offenders forced their way into the home of elderly couple, Gregor (aged 73 years) and Irma Palasics (aged 72 years) in Grover Crescent, McKellar.

Mr and Mrs Palasics were bound and savagely beaten before the men ransacked their home, stealing cash and jewelry.

After the offenders left, Mr Palasics was able to free himself and phone police however, the injuries suffered by his wife were too severe and she died at the scene.

Two previous burglaries, which occurred at the Palasics home in Red Hill in 1997 and another in 1998, are believed to be linked to the aggravated burglary in McKellar which resulted in Irma’s murder.

On 29 June 1997, unknown offenders entered the Palasics residence and stole in excess of $100,000 in cash, numerous items of expensive jewellery and a number of Australian $200 gold coins.

On 10 October 1998, two male offenders were disturbed by Irma in the process of a further burglary. A struggled ensued between Irma and one of the offenders, during which Irma was assaulted. Irma managed to pull the balaclava from the head of one offender before both men escaped via an adjoining laneway.

A witness later told Police that he observed a person, who Police believe to be one of the offenders, get into a vehicle parked on Quiros Street, Red Hill and depart the area. This vehicle was described as being 1980’s model silver or light blue coloured sedan, with a possible faulty headlight and ACT registration plates.

The witness also observed a second male person, who Police believe to be an unidentified witness walking his dog in the area of the adjoining laneway. Following a face-fit issued by ACT Policing that person has been identified and has assisted police with their inquiries.

In 2012 ACT Policing released CCTV footage of an attempted aggravated burglary which occurred in Phillip on Sunday, May 16 2010 at the Pitch & Putt in Phillip. Evidence left at the scene was believed to be linked to other evidence left at the scene of Irma’s murder in 1999 but this line of inquiry has since been ruled out by police.