Queensland Cold Case: Man Urged to “Have a very Good Think” Over 1978 Tourist Murders
A coronial inquest into the decades-old murders of three tourists in rural queensland has intensified, with a key figure urged to reassess his recollection of events. The inquiry, now in its second week, centers around the 1978 deaths of Karen Edwards, 23, Timothy Thomson, 31, and Gordon Twaddle, 22, near Mount Isa.
The three travelers were shot dead at Spear Creek, north of Mount Isa, while on a motorcycle trip from Alice Springs to Melbourne. The case has remained unsolved for nearly 50 years, captivating the public and frustrating investigators.
Arrest and Subsequent Release
Bruce Preston, 69, was arrested in 2019 in connection with the triple homicide, but the prosecution was later withdrawn.He had previously admitted to stealing a red motorbike belonging to one of the victims, Timothy Thomson. Now, he is facing intense scrutiny over inconsistencies in his testimony.
On Tuesday, counsel assisting the coroner, John Aberdeen, challenged Mr. Preston’s account of his whereabouts in October 1978. Mr. preston testified that he returned to Mount Isa on October 11th after a motorcycle trip. However,Aberdeen presented evidence suggesting Mr. Preston was back in Mount isa as early as October 4th or 5th,based on multiple witness statements.
“Are you deliberately trying to move the date of your arrival in Mount Isa to be after the deaths?” Aberdeen asked, a question Mr. Preston vehemently denied. He explained to the court that he simply could not recall the precise dates of his travel.
“I spent 11 months incarcerated in an isolation cell, and I’ve spent the last few years doing nothing else but think about this case,” mr. preston stated. “Trying to recollect, recall things that have happened. I’ve done nothing but spend my time thinking – it’s been the only thing on my mind.”
Indemnity and a Stern Warning
Coroner David O’Connell granted Mr. Preston indemnity, ensuring that his statements during the inquest cannot be used against him in future criminal proceedings. Though, the coroner issued a stark warning.
“I think you need to have a very good think about your evidence overnight, come back in the morning and answer things with a lot more conviction as to what is truthful,” O’Connell told the court. The implication was clear: while protected from self-incrimination, Mr. Preston could face perjury charges if he were found to be deliberately misleading the inquest.
Damning Testimony from Family and Neighbors
The inquest also heard disturbing testimony regarding Mr. preston’s father, Arthur Preston, who has as passed away. During questioning of Mr. Preston’s brother,Ian Preston,Aberdeen revealed a chilling statement allegedly made by Arthur Preston in 1978.
According to Aberdeen, Arthur Preston confided to a friend, stating in reference to Bruce: “The little bastard done it.But he’s a tough little bastard. They can’t break him.” Aberdeen further questioned ian Preston about weather his father had instructed him to tell police that Bruce had called from Adelaide to report purchasing a red BMW motorbike, which was being shipped to Mount Isa.ian Preston responded that his recollection of events was “very cloudy” and he did not recall a specific direction from his father.
Adding to the mounting pressure, neighbor Merril Anderson testified that she remembered seeing the red BMW motorbike in the Preston family’s shed during the 1978 police inquiry. She also recalled Arthur Preston offering to assist authorities in searching a nearby lake, a gesture she found suspicious, suggesting he might have been attempting to obstruct the investigation. “I thought it was strange that a man who knew motorbikes didn’t say he had one in his shed,” she told the court.
The inquest continues on Wednesday, with investigators hoping to finally unravel the truth behind this long-standing Queensland cold case. .
