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Police are offering a $1 million reward to help find the killer of 20-year-old nanny, Penny Hill almost three decades ago.
Watch: $1 million reward for information about the 1991 murder of Penny Hill
Penny’s murder remains one of Australia’s most baffling cold cases and was investigated in the New Idea podcast, The Rock Star & The Nanny. The podcast has renewed interest in the case.
The young nanny was found bashed on the side of the road near Coolah, in country New South Wales on July 8, 1991. She later died from her injuries.
At the time, Penny had moved to Coolah to start her dream job as a nanny for the former drummer with rock band, Billy Thorpe and the Aztecs, Col Baigent.
Despite two inquests, Penny’s murder remains unsolved. Last year, a $100,000 reward was offered in relation to the case. Acknowledging the 28-year anniversary of Penny’s attack, the NSW Government has increased the reward for information which leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for Penny’s murder to $1 million.
Homicide squad commander, Detective Acting Superintendent Mark Henney today said the Hill family deserve closure. “Penny had only just moved to Coolah – to begin her first job as a nanny at the Black Stump Motel – just three days before her body was found,” Det A/Supt Henney said.
“Detectives have made a number of public appeals to the community for any information that could help investigators solve this horrific murder.
“Over the years, a number of leads have been pursued and today’s reward is another opportunity to appeal to those people in the community who have information about Penny’s death to come forward.
“We are committed to getting justice for Penny and providing answers for her family.”
Penny’s mother, Jeanette Hill today said: “There is simply no way to describe the immense agony of losing a child.
“Every day I am reminded of Penny, of the tragic way in which she was taken from us, and of the life she never got to live.
“It has been almost three decades that we have been searching for answers and once again we ask that anyone in the community who might know what happened to our daughter, please come forward and help police.
“Our family, and our Penny need peace.”
Anyone with further information should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Watch: Uncovering the truth behind Penny Hill’s murder
