Human remains discovered in rural Australia a year ago have been identified and belong to a man who is believed to have met with foul play almost 15 years ago.
The remains were discovered at Sheep Station Creek in the Central Highlands Region, in Queensland, in July 2022.
Queensland Police revealed on Tuesday the remains belong to Francis Foley with the 62-year-old last seen at Rubyvale, west of Rockhampton, in December 2008.
Detectives believe Mr Foley was murdered and have offered a $500,000 reward for anyone with information that could lead to an arrest.
‘We do believe that with public assistance, irrespective of the passage of time, this crime can be solved, offenders can be brought to justice and we can provide some closure to Frank’s family and friends,’ Detective Senior Sergeant Tara Kentwell said.
Queensland Police are now offering a $500,000 to convict those responsible for the alleged murder of Francis Foley after his human remains were discovered near his property
Mr Foley went missing on Christmas Eve in 2008 after he went Christmas shopping with a neighbour, in the Emerald CBD on December 24, 2008.
Mr Foley reportedly went missing after he came home.
Neighbours recalled hearing the sound of gunshots from Mr Foley’s cabin that afternoon.
One neighbour went to check on Mr Foley, five days later after the area was hit by floods.
They found a gas bottle which had exploded and Mr Foley’s wallet which had been thrown onto the ground.
Detective Senior Sergeant Kentwell said the damage to the gas bottle was consistent with ‘having been hit by a gunshot blast’.
‘Blood located at the scene was later identified as belonging to Frank,’ she said.
Mr Foley was allegedly murdered after officers from Queensland Police concluded that gunshots were fired.
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A person searching for gems at Sheep Station Creek a kilometre downstream from Frank’s home discovered the human remains more than a decade later.
‘With assistance from the Australian Federal Police National DNA Program for Unidentified and Missing Persons, the remains were identified as belonging to Francis Foley,’ a Queensland Police spokesperson said.
Mr Foley moved to Rubyvale in Queensland in 2003. He worked in various trades including carpentry, building, and vehicle repairs before he took over a mining lease.
It’s believed Mr Foley owned a number of valuable gemstones, even though he wasn’t a gem miner.
Forensic analysts identified the remains of Mr Foley after a person who was searching for gems near Mr Foley’s property found the remains
The son of Mr Foley Shaun Charlton said he hoped someone had information about his father’s death.
‘Almost fifteen years after my father’s death, it would mean everything to know what happened and have some closure,’ he said.
‘We ask anyone in the Rubyvale and fossicking communities to please, if you know something, speak to police’.
Detective Senior Sergeant Kentwell said there are several people of interest who have been identified in their investigations.
Sergeant Kentwell said she is confident the cold case will be solved.
Queensland Police are on the hunt for those responsible for Mr Foley’s alleged murder, as authorities appeal for information to solve the cold case
‘Someone out there knows what happened to Frank and they now have 500,000 reasons to come forward and speak to police,’ Sergeant Kentwell said.
‘Anyone with knowledge of Frank’s movements on 23 December 2008, or who may have information relating to this investigation, is urged to contact police’.
