Daughter’s Plea renews Hope in Two-Decade-Old Cold Case of Gomeroi Woman
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A $100,000 reward remains available for facts leading to the conviction of those responsible for the death of Theresa Binge, as new leads emerge in the 22-year-old unsolved homicide. The daughter of a Gomeroi woman, whose body was found near the Queensland border in 2003, is urging authorities to reinvestigate her mother’s murder.
Stanica Barlow says her mother’s death has taken a critically important toll on her mental health. “I’ve been going through a lot. My depression is back, my anxiety.I’ve been traumatized,” Barlow told NITV. “I need closure for my mother.”
Last Seen in Goondiwindi
Theresa binge was last seen alive on june 17, 2003, leaving the Victoria Hotel in Goondiwindi, New South Wales. Twelve days later, her severely beaten body was discovered in a storm culvert near Boomi Road, approximately 10 kilometers south of the Queensland border. Despite a thorough investigation at the time, no one has ever been charged in connection with her murder.
New Information Surfaces
Barlow, who resides in Moree, recently received information from a woman who recounted a conversation overheard in 2016. The woman, while traveling home to Melbourne and waiting for a train in Moree, spent the night with local residents. According to Barlow, the woman shared that another man present that evening was intoxicated and began mentioning details surrounding Theresa Binge’s death.
“He was a bit intoxicated, and he mentioned a few names [regarding] what happened with Theresa Binge, my mother,” Barlow explained.A host at the residence reportedly intervened, telling the man to “shut his mouth,” warning him he was “letting a bit too much out.” The man then physically covered his mouth. Barlow stated that rumors involving this individual have circulated within the community for years,with “his name got mentioned from day dot.”
Concerns Over Police Response
Barlow expressed frustration with the initial response from law enforcement when she attempted to relay the new information. She stated it took three days for an investigating officer to return her calls, a delay she views as part of a troubling pattern. “Because she’s blak, who cares?” Barlow questioned, voicing her concerns about potential systemic biases in the investigation. “I need answers from the police.”
An inquest held in moree in 2008, led by Deputy State Coroner Jacqueline Milledge, determined Ms. Binge’s death was a homicide committed by “persons unknown.” Milledge recommended that NSW Police revisit the case should “fresh evidence or information” come to light.
Systemic Issues Highlighted
The investigation has faced further scrutiny regarding outdated resources and potential lack of support.A webpage advertising the $100,000 reward directs individuals to the Barwon Local Area Command (LAC), however, the LACs were dissolved by NSW Police between 2017 and 2018. The link on the page now leads to a restricted login page.
Greg lamey, the former detective inspector originally in charge of the investigation, revealed in 2023 that he received “little to no support” from the NSW Homicide Branch. He stated this lack of support substantially contributed to his decision to leave the police force, questioning whether the outcome would have been different if the victim had been a white woman from a more affluent area. “If Theresa was a 43-year-old white housewife who lived in Balmain,what would be different?” he asked.
Ongoing Investigation
In a statement to NITV,NSW Police confirmed that Barlow’s new information is being assessed as part of the ongoing investigation. “The murder of Theresa Binge is currently under investigation with State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad Unsolved Homicide team under Strike Force Flairs-2,” the statement read.
Anyone with information that may assist investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
