NSW: 'It haunts me': $750k on the line to solve mum's murder

Police are offering a reward of $750,000 for information in a bid to solve an almost two decades old murder cold case. 

Roslyn Reay, 52, was found stabbed to death with multiple wounds in her home in Newcastle, NSW in April 2005, but no one has ever been charged over the crime. 

On Monday, Ms Reay’s daughter Mandii said the family is hopeful the renewed appeal for information will shed light on what happened to her mother.

‘Mum was such a gentle soul, whose greatest joy was derived from helping others. To think her final moments were so horrible is heartbreaking, it haunts me to this day,’ she said.

‘The past 18 years have been extremely challenging for Mum’s friends and family. I hope speaking out now jogs someone’s memory and can help us find out what happened to her.’

Roslyn Reay (pictured), 52, was found stabbed to death with multiple wounds in her home in Newcastle, NSW in April 2005, but no one has ever been charged over the crime

Police are offering a reward of $750,000 for information in a bid to solve the almost two decades old murder cold case

Mandii has urged anyone holding onto any information about what happened to speak up and contact police.

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After investigations in the mid-2000s were unable to find a perpetrator, the case was reviewed by detectives from the NSW Police Force’s Unsolved Homicide Unit.

That led to another attempt to investigate the crime in 2021 and the offer of a $750,000 reward made on Monday.

Homicide Squad Commander, Detective Superintendent Danny Doherty, said detectives have been reexamining evidence collected over the past 18 years.

‘Roslyn was a well-liked and respected member of the Newcastle community and for her life to be cut short in such a violent manner was a shock to the neighbourhood,’ he said.

‘Through our investigations with the renewed strike force, we have been going back through all evidence collated, including forensic material, to ensure we leave no stone unturned.

Mandii said her mum (pictured) ‘was such a gentle soul, whose greatest joy was derived from helping others’

‘We are hoping this reward may spark someone’s memory who may have spoken to or associated with Roslyn in the March of 2005, and may be able to help us piece together her final movements.’

Ms Reay’s body was found on Sunday April 3, 2005 after police were called to her home on Laman Street in the inner suburb of Cooks Hill, over concerns for her welfare.

On arrival, a family member found Ms Reay dead inside the home with multiple stab wounds. 

Anyone with information that may assist investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.