- Published:
- Wednesday 23 February 2022 at 12:00 am
![A 27-year-old white woman smiles directly at the camera. She has blonde curly hair, worn out at the sides and blow dried back at the front. She is wearing a black top and a distinctive silver v-shaped necklace. The photo looks to be from the early 1990's.](https://content.police.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/2022-02/Melinda%20Freeman%20high%20res.jpg?w=1984)
Announced February 2022
Homicide Squad detectives are continuing to appeal for information in relation to the murder of Melinda Freeman in 1991.
The 26-year-old was found in her home on Yea Road, Whittlesea on Friday, 4 October and had been fatally assaulted.
Melinda was located in the upstairs hallway of the home she shared with her husband and infant son.
Earlier that day, Melinda and her husband had been at a family reunion to welcome her sister back from overseas.
The couple arrived home from the function about 4pm and Melinda then prepared dinner for the family.
Later her husband and child left the house, so Melinda could be left alone to study for her proposed career in the beauty industry.
About 11.30pm that night, her husband returned home and unlocked the back door before noticing the premises appeared to have been ransacked.
It was at this time he also noticed that the front door of the house was open.
Melinda’s husband then walked to the bottom of the stairs and from there, he saw Melinda’s body lying on the top-storey landing.
Despite a significant investigation over the past 30 years, detectives have been unable to establish Melinda’s final movements on the night and the events which led to her death.
Melinda came from a close and loving family and was said to be a doting mother to her baby son.
In 2018, police received anonymous information from a member of the public regarding Melinda’s death.
Homicide Squad detectives are keen to speak to that person and are appealing for them to contact police again in the hope this may provide further avenues of enquiry for the investigation.
Police are hopeful that, whilst over 30 years after her death, someone will be able to provide information about who was responsible for Melinda’s murder and why.
Police have also released a photo of Melinda as part of this appeal.
In February 2022, police announced a $1M reward for information in relation to Melinda’s murder.
A reward of up to $1M will be paid at the discretion of the Chief Commissioner of Police, for information leading to the apprehension and subsequent conviction of the person or persons responsible for the death of Melinda Freeman.
The Director of Public Prosecutions will consider, according to established guidelines, the granting of indemnification from prosecution to any person who provides information as to the identity of the principal offender or offenders in this matter.
Any information given will be treated as confidential and may be given at any time to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or by submitting a confidential report via the Crime Stoppers Victoria website.
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