New information to mark the anniversary of Irma Palasics’ death
ACT Policing has new information to suggest a person in the Melbourne Hungarian community has information on the death of Irma Palasics.
About 9.30pm on Saturday November 6 1999, 21 years ago today, two men forced their way into the home of elderly couple, Gregor (aged 73) and Irma Palasics (aged 72 years) in Grover Crescent McKellar.
Mr and Mrs Palasics were bound and savagely beaten before the men ransacked their home, stealing cash and jewelry.
After the offenders left, Mr Palasics was able to free himself and phone police however, the injuries suffered by his wife were too severe and she died at the scene.
Detective Sergeant Adam Rhynehart urged this person who has information to come forward and speak to police.
“If you are a member of the Melbourne Hungarian community and have even the smallest piece of information that could assist in the ongoing investigation into the death of Irma Palasics we want to hear from you,” Detective Sergeant Adam Rhynehart said.
“Your information could be what is needed to bring a person before the courts and provide the Palasics’ family the answers they’ve been searching for more than two decades.
“A $500,000 reward remains in place for information leading to a successful prosecution. If there are people out there that are concerned for their safety, there are provision available to protect your identity.”
Irma’s grandson John Mikita said not knowing what happened that night brought incredible pain to the whole family.
“It’s quite possible one of the most traumatic parts of the unknown sequence of events that took place that night, did she suffer or was it quick?,” John said.
“The murderers that night not only robbed my grandparent’s home and stole their lives, they robbed me of my innocence, they robbed me of my future. They tore a hole in my life that will never heal.
“Twenty-one years on we still seek answers from the community as to who may have done these horrendous things to two innocent pensioners.
“If anyone knows anything, no matter how small or insignificant it may be, please please please call ACT Policing and report it.”
Police are urging anyone who has any information on the Irma Palasics murder to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website. Information can be provided anonymously.
Media enquiries
Police Media — (02) 5126 9070, act-police-media@afp.gov.au