UPDATE: An urgent inquest into the 1978 Mount Isa cold case triple murder is set to commence as new evidence emerges. Queensland coroner David O’Connell has received a significant update about the ongoing investigation into the brutal killings of three friends—Karen Edwards, Tim Thomson, and Gordon Twaddle—who were found dead in remote bushland near Spear Creek on October 5, 1978.
The trio had embarked on a motorcycle trip from Alice Springs with their dog, Tristie, and were last seen leaving the Moondarra Caravan Park in a brown and white Toyota Landcruiser. They had plans to continue their journey to Cairns and then south to Melbourne for Christmas celebrations with family.
The inquest is scheduled to begin hearings on October 7, 2023, lasting for nine days. Counsel assisting the coroner, Amelia Hughes, revealed that the brief of evidence and witness list will be shared with involved parties in September, indicating that preparations are well underway. “It’s quite an extensive brief. That process is still underway with investigations ongoing,” she stated during Tuesday’s pre-inquest conference.
Family members of the victims, including Edwards’ sister, are closely following the proceedings remotely. The emotional weight of this case continues to resonate 46 years after the tragic events, highlighting the enduring impact on the victims’ families and friends.
In a related development, Queensland police have renewed a $250,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the murders. This reward was initially announced in 2019 as part of ongoing efforts to bring justice in this long-unsolved case.
Former prison guard Bruce John Preston was charged with the murders in April 2019 but had all charges dropped by Crown prosecutors in July 2023, further complicating the search for justice. Preston was granted bail in February 2020, leaving many questions unanswered as the investigation continues.
The upcoming inquest is crucial for the families seeking closure and answers regarding the unsolved murders. As the 47th anniversary of the discovery of the victims’ bodies approaches, the community remains hopeful for breakthroughs in this tragic cold case.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops, and for those with information, now is the time to come forward and help solve this decades-old mystery.
