Detectives from the Homicide Investigation Unit are hoping a reward increase to $500,000 will attract new information to assist in solving the murder of Dianne Mary Angwin at Bowen in 1997.
Dianne Angwin was 50 years old when she was fatally stabbed inside her unit on Leichhardt Street unit in Bowen, around 12.30am on 2 December 1997.
Dianne grew up in Victoria and was previously married with four children, before moving to Bowen with her new partner in 1995. They separated soon after, and she lived at various Bowen addresses before moving in with her friend, Edith Lay (known as Edie), in September 1997.
Dianne and Edie were frequent patrons of licenced premises in Bowen. They were often seen together and well known to attend pubs and clubs on most days.
On 1 December 1997, Dianne and Edie attended the Bowen Bowls Club on Livingstone Street. Dianne returned home 6.30pm, with Edie following about one hour later.
Investigations indicate that at around 12.30am on 2 December, Edie was woken in her bed by an unknown man with one hand over her mouth and a knife in the other hand.
Dianne appeared at Edie’s doorway and ran, with the man following her. Moments later, Dianne had been fatally stabbed in the neck, and the man left the unit.
A neighbour was alerted and drove Dianne to the Bowen Base Hospital where she was pronounced deceased upon arrival.
An investigation commenced and no signs of forced entry or disturbance were identified, and no property was stolen from the unit. The Bowen community provided extensive assistance, with police obtaining over 100 witness statements. Unfortunately, the matter remained unsolved.
Investigators from the Homicide Cold Case Investigation Team recently commenced a review into the unsolved case.
New and enhanced forensic testing of exhibits located at the crime scene is being conducted, including the clothing worn by Dianne at the time.
Detective Senior Sergeant Tara Kentwell from the Cold Case Investigation Team said despite extensive investigations at the time and since, the person who violently attacked and killed Dianne remains outstanding.
“Dianne’s housemate, Edie, died in 2022. As part of our review, police have identified witnesses who Edie confided in, confirming she knew the identity of the man and had not told police at the time of the offence as she was scared for her own safety,” Detective Senior Sergeant Kentwell said.
“We would also like to speak to anyone who has information regarding a relationship Dianne was involved in with a local married man, who had been seen at her unit.
“Information suggests that around the time of Dianne’s murder, she was actively encouraging him to leave his wife so that they could overtly continue the relationship.
“There are people out there with information. Relationships and loyalties change, and I would encourage anyone with information, big or small, to contact police.
Detectives will travel to Bowen, Cairns and Victoria to re-interview witnesses and persons of interest.
Over the coming days, police will be manning a mobile police facility in the Bowen Central Business District, handing out fliers, visiting local licensed premises and engaging with the community.
We encourage Bowen residents who have information relevant to Dianne’s murder to attend the mobile police facility and talk with investigators. Anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
An initial reward of $250,000 was in place, however it has increased to $500,000 from today.
The $500,000 reward is on offer for information which leads to the apprehension and conviction of the person or persons responsible for this murder. The reward further offers an opportunity for indemnity against prosecution for any accomplice, not being the person who actually committed the murder, who first gives such information.
