Homicide detectives have made a breakthrough arrest over the alleged murder of a Sydney mother more than 25 years ago.
An 81-year-old man is expected to be charged with murder after he was arrested at 10.15am at the Springwood Police Station.
Denise Govendir’s body was discovered by emergency services responding to reports of a home invasion on Dover Road in Dover Heights on March 10, 1998.
Police were told Govendir and the home’s other occupant, a 55-year-old man, were attacked by a stranger who broke into their home claiming to be a police officer.
The stranger allegedly knocked the 55-year-old man out and restrained him with cable ties.
He then allegedly seriously assaulted Govendir and fled the scene in her car, a white 1997 Ford Laser sedan.
A subsequent coronial inquest held between 2005 and 2008 confirmed Govendir died as a result of blunt force head injury intentionally inflicted by a person or persons unknown.
The 55-year-old man called police after he regained consciousness.
Investigators found the stolen Ford 11 days later on Saturday, March 21, 1988, about 1.7km away in Rose Bay.
Nobody has previously been charged over Govendir’s death.
Police announced a $1 million reward for information that led to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for Govendir’s murder in November.
The 81-year-old man is currently being questioned in relation to the crime.
