BARBARA PONGRATZ: We'll head to the icy south a bit later in the program, but first a look back at a couple of disturbing mysteries on Tasmania's East Coast.

About a decade ago, the disappearance of a young tourist and the murder of another sparked two of the biggest and longest police investigations in the State's history.

26-year-old German backpacker Nancy Grunwaldt disappeared without trace and police never identified who stabbed to death a 20-year-old Italian visitor Victoria Cafasso.

Next week, police will get another chance to sift through the details of both cases, look for new leads and hopefully provide some solace to the women's friends and relatives.

On Monday, the coroner will open an inquest into Ms Cafasso's death and then take a look into Ms Grunwaldt's disappearance.

Matthew Stanley reports.


POLICEMAN, 1995: There's multiple stab wounds to both the body and head.

It's a particularly vicious attack.

JOHN MIDDENDORP, EAST COAST RESIDENT, 1995: Everybody here round the neighbourhood is pointing at him, him or him.

ZANIA CAFASSO, MOTHER OF VICTIM, 1995: You don't just go on a beach, kill someone and walk off.

LUPPO PRINS, TASMANIA POLICE, 1996: We really need a clue to point us in a certain direction.

MATTHEW STANLEY: When police first issued a statement saying they were concerned for the welfare of a young German tourist, the report rated just a few lines on the news that night.

But the mysterious disappearance of Nancy Grunwaldt would feature in the headlines for months to come.

It was the 12th of March, a hot Friday almost 10 years ago, when the young Christian backpacker left this hostel in St Helens, having arranged to ride the bicycle she'd rented in Devonport down the coast towards a rendezvous with a friend in Hobart.

GRAHAM HICKEY, DETECTIVE INSPECTOR (RETIRED): We never reached a final conclusion as to whether it was foul play or not.

Whether it was a bicycle accident or she was abducted by somebody, we don't know.

We are aware that all her money is still in a bank in Launceston.

It's never been touched and we've never heard anything or found anything of the girl.

MATTHEW STANLEY: Police quickly confirmed a sighting of the young woman on the road south of the town.

But there the trail stopped dead.

Despite weeks of searching, police would not find a single trace of Nancy Grunwaldt.

GRAHAM HICKEY: We found no bike, found no clothing -- we found nothing.

MATTHEW STANLEY: Her grieving parents visited and it was as if Tasmanians as a whole felt guilty for having lost their daughter.

But when they left, Nancy Grunwaldt disappeared again -- this time from the headlines.

With no new clues, there was nothing to report -- until a Wednesday in October two years later.

That morning, Victoria Cafasso walked across the road Nancy Grunwaldt had last been seen on and through the dunes to the beach.

The 20-year-old Italian law student had arrived in Australia just four days earlier and was staying with a cousin at Beaumaris.

Hours later a woman walking her dog spotted Victoria's lifeless body at the water's edge.

GRAHAM HICKEY: We don't know how she ended up in the water -- but she did.

MATTHEW STANLEY: She had been stabbed more than 40 times and wore only the top half of a bikini.

Her valuables were found on the beach nearby.

But a shell necklace and several items of clothing, including her bikini bottoms, were never found.

The murder stunned the East Coast community, shattering a casually held assumption that their beautiful deserted beaches held no danger for anyone lucky enough to enjoy them.

STEPHEN SALTER, BREAK O'DAY MAYOR: Everyone in the municipality and everyone probably in Tasmania felt dreadfully sorry that something could happen like that.

Not only for the fact that a life was lost, but the fact that our peace and tranquillity and safety and all those sort of things were sort of, for the first time, put under some sort of scrutiny.

You know, we live in the safest place probably in the world and all of a sudden we had two – well, one murder and another mystery.

MATTHEW STANLEY: Suddenly Nancy's ghost was back.

LUPPO PRINS: They were both in the same area and there's a possibility that there is a connection, but we don't know that for sure.

MATTHEW STANLEY: Compared with the Grunwaldt case, Victoria's violent murder seemed straightforward.

But if her body had not been washed ashore, she too may have disappeared, leaving few clues to her fate.

As it was, her mutilated body was washed clean by the water, robbing police of crucial physical evidence.

GRAHAM HICKEY: We never got any scientific evidence because Victoria had been in the salt water for some time.

MATTHEW STANLEY: Victoria Cafasso did not submit meekly to her killer.

GRAHAM HICKEY: There must have been a rather vicious fight.

I mean, she fought very strong and hard to save her life and whoever the offender was he would have had to have certainly been covered in a lot of blood -- he wouldn't have walked away scot-free.

MATTHEW STANLEY: But the sand where the struggle took place also gave police few clues before wind and the rising tide erased the story it might have told.

The only significant clue was a single bare footprint.

GRAHAM HICKEY: Nothing stands still on the beach.

You've always got some sort of breeze and we, the personnel, there on that day had to work against the tide.

It is probably one of the most difficult -- or perhaps even THE most difficult murder inquiry -- that the State has had, certainly in my years.

And that was because of the location -- it was on a beach, there were no witnesses and we didn't get any scientific evidence.

MATTHEW STANLEY: The brutal and bloody murder and speculation of a link with the Grunwaldt disappearance fed a torrent of publicity and fuelled suspicion in the community.

The spectre of a serial killer increased pressure on police for a result and dozens of local residents were interviewed as possible suspects.

STEPHEN SALTER: It certainly once again raised a lot of rumours and innuendo and finger-pointing and that was a concern, because a lot of the people that were perhaps having the finger pointed at them are completely and absolutely innocent.

JANE CATO, HOTEL MANAGER: Everybody had a different story to tell, everybody had a different idea as to who was responsible and what had happened.

MATTHEW STANLEY: The publicity was also bad for business.

JANE CATO: I know that the bus drivers were making a big thing of pointing out the beach and saying “That's where the murder happened," as if it was a tourist attraction almost.

MATTHEW STANLEY: Jane Cato and her husband moved to Scamander to run a motel just months before the murder.

Over the next 12 months, their bookings would be down by more than $40,000.

JANE CATO: The fact that people were linking the two made some of the local people more afraid of coming to the area -- especially younger people and mainly women, I found.

The men weren't bothered at all, but the women's mothers were saying things like, “You can't go there, there's a murderer there.”

MATTHEW STANLEY: As months passed, it became clear that police were again stumped.

There have been anonymous letters and other new leads.

A professional profiler was employed to produce a description of the killer and a substantial reward still stands.

But still no witnesses and no murder weapon.

And in the case of Nancy Grunwaldt, no clues at all.

MATTHEW STANLEY: An inquest is a last resort.

The St Helens council chambers may prove a bit cramped when the first of 50 witnesses in the Cafasso inquest take the stand on Monday.

By contrast, the Grunwaldt inquest could be over inside a day, with the coroner almost certain to return an open finding.

There's no reason to expect that either inquest will produce a breakthrough and some East Coast businesses are not happy that murder and abduction will be in the headlines again.

But others see it as a chance, however small, to somehow reclaim the innocence the community lost all those years ago.

STEPHEN SALTER: There are still people that feel a little bit fearful of walking along the beach.

Certainly there's a perception within the community that it is harmful to tourism.

I don't think that is correct, and I also believe that even if it was slightly harmful for tourism by the fact that it is being bought up again, so be it.

You know, we've got to find out who was responsible for this and this is the only way it can be done.

GRAHAM HICKEY: Although some people may have been under suspicion, we never really had any definite suspects and I suppose even though there were numerous people spoken to, that person could be still on the East Coast as far as we know.

So you can't rule anybody out until such time as you get the rightful person that you want.

Father of missing German tourist tells of her trust

Posted Fri Oct 31, 2003 10:09am AEDT  - ABC

The father of a German tourist who went missing on Tasmania's east coast 10 years ago says she was a very trusting person.

An inquest into the disappearance of Nancy Grunwaldt was held in Launceston yesterday.

Not a trace of Nancy Grunwaldt has been found since she was last seen riding her bicycle towards Bicheno.

Police have suspected foul play over her disappearance.

While suspects have been identified, there has not been enough evidence to lay charges.

The Coroner's assistant did not call any witnesses during the inquest but instead tendered 31 affidavits.

One was from Ms Grunwaldt's father, Bernd, who said his daughter was a very trusting person who took people at face value.

He said she accepted friendship quickly.

Coroner Peter Wilson reserved his findings.

 

Coronial Division
                   

 

---

Coroners Act 1995

Coroners Regulations 1996

Regulation 14

Form 4

I, Peter Henric Wilson,Coroner, having investigated a death of

NANCY GRUNWALDT

WITH AN INQUEST HELD AT Launceston Coroners Court in Tasmania on the 30th day of October, 2003

FIND THAT :

Nancy Grunwaldt was born on the 5^th day of February 1967 at Flensburg, Germany and at the time of her disappearance was aged 26 year(s).

Nancy Grunwaldt was a single woman whose occupation at the time of her disappearance was a Travel Agent.

I find that Nancy Grunwaldt died on the East Coast of Tasmania between St Helens and Bicheno on the 12^th day of March 1993 as the result of foul play by a person or persons unknown.

At the time at the time of the deceased’s person’s death she was not being treated by a medical practitioner.

CIRCUMSTANCES SURROUNDING THE DEATH

TASMANIA POLICE INVESTIGATION

On the 15^th day of April 1993, a Reverend Ivor Jones of South Australia reported Grunwaldt as a Missing Person to Victoria Police and enquires were commenced. On the 19^th of April 1993 Tasmania Police were advised of the situation and commenced an investigation into her disappearance. Grunwaldt was last known to be in Tasmania and she made no further contact with her parents after the 11^th of March 1993.

Tasmania Police received the missing person report on the 19^th of April 1993, nearly six (6) weeks after the last confirmed sighting on Friday the 12^th of March 1993. The initial investigation was centred around Devonport and was under the direction of (then) Inspector Ivan Dean of Devonport Police (since retired). Inspector Dean had charge of the investigation from the 10^th of April 1993 to the 14^th of May 1993.

During the course of the investigation the following information was obtained:-

• On the 8^th of July 1992, Grunwaldt departed Germany and travelled to New Zealand where she stayed until the 6th of March 1993. During her time in New Zealand, she attended the Capernwray Bible College at Glendene, Auckland.
• After completing a course at the bible college, she remained in New Zealand where between the 3^rd of February 1993 and the 2^nd of March 1993, her parents visited her and they toured New Zealand. Her parents returned to Germany and she remained in New Zealand until the 6^th of March 1993, when she departed the Auckland Airport on United Airlines to travel to Melbourne, Australia.
• Grunwaldt’s intention when leaving New Zealand was to travel around Australia for two to three months. She had several contacts to visit including a pen friend in Hobart, Tasmania. She indicated that she intended to hire a bike to travel around on and was to travel to Adelaide, South Australia to visit Pastor Jones.
• She departed Melbourne at 3.30 pm on the 6^th of March 1993 on flight 6455 (Kendall Airlines), arriving at Devonport at 4.40 pm.
• Once in Devonport, Grunwaldt booked into the YHA Youth Hostel at Middle Road, Devonport where she stayed for three (3) nights being the 6^th, 7^th and 8^th of March 1993 (confirmed by entry in registration book at hostel)
• On Sunday the 7^th of March 1993, it is believed that she attended the Devonport Baptist Church.
• On Monday the 8^th of March 1993, Grunwaldt went to the Tas Travel Centre in Rooke Street, Devonport and paid a $40 deposit for a one (1) one way ticket on the Abel Tasman for travel on the 4^th of April 1993. She failed to travel on the Abel Tasman on this date.
• On the same date, Grunwaldt went to the Westpac Bank at Devonport where she exchanged $6,000 of New Zealand currency into Australian currency which she deposited into an account. The total amount received upon exchanging the currency was $4,474.94. She withdrew $300 at that time from the account. She arranged for a new card and PIN number to be forwarded to the Hobart branch, to be collected in about a week’s time.
• On the morning of Tuesday the 9^th of March 1993, Grunwaldt went to an address at 51 Raymond Avenue, Devonport where she hired a red Road Chief Marauder Mountain Bike from a Trevor James Goss who operates a bike hire service. She paid $100 for two (2) weeks rent and $30 deposit for the bike. At the time she stated that she would return the bike on the 22nd of March 1993. She left her backpack with Goss, which contained some items, stating that she would be unable to take these items on the bike and would collect them at the time of returning the bike. Grunwaldt failed to return the hired Mountain Bike and collect her personal belongings.
• Her movements for the remainder of Tuesday the 9^th of March 1993 remain unaccounted for. Despite extensive police enquiries between Devonport and Launceston, it is not known where she stayed overnight.
• It is believed that Grunwaldt rode from Devonport to Launceston on the hired mountain bike.
• On Wednesday 10^th March 1993, she is recorded as having stayed at the Backpacker’s Hostel at 139 George Street, Launceston.
• On Thursday the 11^th of March 1993 at 10.40 am, she withdrew $200 from her account at the Westpac Branch at Kings Meadows.
• That day it is believed that she travelled from Launceston to St Helens on a Redline Coach. It is believed that she took her bike with her as freight and she stayed the night at the St Helens Hostel, situated in Cameron Street.
• On Friday the 12^th of March 1993, it is believed that she departed the St Helens Hostel sometime between approximately 9.30 am and 10.30 am. She travelled south on her bike and was last positively sighted at approximately 11.00 am that day, approximately 5 kms south of Scamander.
• It was ascertained that Grunwaldt was likely to visit a pen-friend, Carolyn Hood of 5 Rose Bay Esplanade, Rose Bay whilst she was in Tasmania. They had met approximately two (2) years previous when they had gone on a two (2) week camping trip from Cairns to Sydney. Grunwaldt failed to visit or make contact with Hood.
• Grunwaldt was due to visit Reverend Jones in Adelaide in South Australia, some time during her travels around Australia. She failed to make contact.

Media Coverage

Extensive media coverage was initiated into the whereabouts of Grunwaldt and as a result, a large number of sightings were reported, state-wide. As a result of her movements in the St Helens area, the focus of investigation moved primarily to the East Coast of Tasmania.

Enquiries were continued by Devonport Police until the 14^th of May 1993 when the Commissioner of Tasmania Police directed that the status of the enquiry be upgraded to that of a major crime investigation. It was further directed that the responsibility for the investigation be transferred to the Northern Police District.

Further extensive media coverage was generated in relation to the disappearance and extensive police coverage was given to the area between St Helens and Bicheno. A large number of persons were interviewed and a critical analysis was conducted of the file resulting in a number of suspects being identified.

Overseas enquiries primarily in New Zealand and Germany through Interpol were conducted. The enquiries related to the interview of former associates and other international tourists who either stayed at hostels with Grunwaldt or otherwise met her in Tasmania.

Of concern to the investigation was Grunwaldt’s whereabouts on the night of Tuesday the 9^th of March 1993. It is clearly established that she left the YHA Hostel in Devonport earlier that day and that she spent the night of 10^th March 1993 at Launceston. It is presumed that she rode her cycle from Devonport to Launceston, however there are no confirmed sightings. All guest houses, hostels etc., were checked but no record of her being at any of them exists for that night.

Enquiries were made with the bus companies with negative results.

Bank Account

On Monday the 8^th of March 1993, Grunwaldt went to the Stewart Street branch of the Westpac Bank in Devonport. On that date, she opened an Account and deposited approximately A$4,500 by way of a New Zealand dollar draft of $6,000 purchased at the Westpac Bank, New Zealand. At the time, she produced a Passport and German driver’s licence as identification. She withdrew $300 on that day.

During the course of the transaction and in general conversation, Grunwaldt stated her intention of being in Hobart in about a week’s time and therefore requested that her new card and P.I.N. number be forwarded to a Hobart branch. Grunwaldt agreed with the suggestion that it be forwarded to the branch at 38 Elizabeth Street, Hobart.

Westpac microfiche records revealed that on Thursday the 11^th of March 1993, a $200 withdrawal was effected on her account at the Kings Meadows Branch of the Westpac Bank by way of a signed withdrawal form. The time of the transaction was recorded as being 10.40 am.

Grunwaldt’s account was not operated after that date

Summary of Movement

• Saturday 6^th March 1993:

Nancy Grunwaldt arrived in Tasmania from New Zealand, via Melbourne, Victoria. Stayed overnight at YHA Hostel in Middle Road, Devonport.

• Sunday 7^th March 1993:

Believed to have attended a church service in the morning. Stayed overnight at the same location in Devonport.

• Monday 8^th March 1993:

Attended the Tas Travel Centre in Rooke Street, Devonport and booked a one-way ticket to Melbourne on the Able Tasman ferry for travel on 4th April, 1993. It is known that she attended the Westpac Bank in Stewart Street, Devonport and deposited approximately $4,500. She then withdrew $300. Stayed overnight at the same location in Devonport.

• Tuesday 9^th March 1993:

In the morning she attended at 51 Raymond Avenue in Devonport and hired a bicycle from Trevor Goss. This was to be her means of transport around Tasmania. She left excess items with Goss to be collected on her return. She is believed to have departed Devonport on this date and travelled towards Launceston, however, it is not known where she stayed the night.

• Thursday 11^th March 1993:-

In the morning she attended the Westpac Bank at Kings Meadows in Launceston and withdrew $200.00. She stayed overnight in Launceston City Backpackers hostel.

Believed to have travelled from Launceston to St Helens on a Redline Coach, with the hired bicycle as freight. Stayed overnight at the St Helens Hostel.

• Friday 12^th March 1993:

Departed St Helens and rode south on her bicycle.

Intended departure date from Tasmania

Grunwaldt had booked the bicycle for the two week period from the 9^th to the 22^nd of March 1993. She did not have exact plans and she asked Goss if it was alright if she returned the bike on a bus or similar. In the event that she did not return to Devonport, she also asked Goss if he would forward her back pack onto her.

As previously mentioned, on Monday the 8th of March 1993, Grunwaldt booked a one-way ticket on the Abel Tasman ferry, for travel between Devonport and Melbourne on the 4^th of April 1993. It is not known what her intentions were for the two week period between the 22^nd of March and the 4^th of April 1993.

Speculation may suggest that Grunwaldt was going to stay in Hobart with Carolyn Hood, and return the bike to Devonport on the bus.

Last confirmed sighting

On the morning of Friday the 12^th of March 1993, Grunwaldt left the St Helens Hostel on her bicycle and road south through Beaumaris. It is believed that she stopped and walked on the Beaumaris Beach, and that she purchased a soft drink from the Surfside Motel. She then continued south.

The last confirmed sighting of Grunwaldt was by Christine Leidig and Tanja De Greve, fellow tourists who had spent the previous night with her at the St Helens Hostel.

They saw Grunwaldt at the Hostel that morning and they left sometime after her. They again saw her about 5 km south of Scamander, riding her bike south on the Tasman Highway. They have indicated that the time was approximately 11.00 am.

DeGreve stated that it was Leidig who recognised Grunwaldt after they had passed her. Leidig stated: “We did not talk with her, we only realised that it was Nancy as we had already passed her. I am so sure that it was her because she was the only one travelling by bike”.

Topography

From witnesses, the last confirmed sighting of Nancy was approximately 5 kms south of Scamander on the Tasman Highway.

The Tasman Highway runs from Launceston to Hobart via Scottsdale and the East Cost towns of St Helens, Bicheno, Swansea, Orford and Sorell.

From St Helens to Orford, the Highway predominantly follows the coastline with the exception of turning inland through St Mary’s and back to the coast.

From St Helens to the last known confirmed sighting, the highway follows the coast through Beaumaris and Scamander. It is the main access used by locals and tourists. There are a number of side roads which turn inland and form a network of gravel roads that stretch through to the Midland and Esk Highways.

The general area of the last sighting is unpopulated, it being semi-farming/forest area. There is a large tidal area known as Henderson Lagoon between the Highway and the beach.

Approximately 8.5 km south of Scamander (or approximately 3.5 km south of the last sighting), the Tasman Highway turns inland through the St Mary’s Pass, St Mary’s and Elephant Pass and back to the coast.

At the point of turning inland, the new Link Road turns left to Falmouth then closely follows the coast line through Four Mile Creek and then rejoins the Tasman Highway at Chains of Lagoons.

Nancy Grunwaldt grew up in Steinbergkirche, Northern Germany and completed her education there, aged 19 years. She commenced work as a travel agent at the age of 20 and was an experienced world traveller having visited 14 countries at different times. Apart from German, she also spoke fluent French and good English. She had previously visited Australia two years before this trip but had never been to Tasmania. She travelled alone on that previous occasion.

Her parents described her as a happy, open, energetic person with deep religious beliefs. To their knowledge she did not have a boyfriend. She made friends easily and was always well liked. Grunwaldt was in regular contact with her parents either by phone or mail and would not have willingly broken contact with them. Her last telephone contact with her parents was from Tasmania on Thursday the 11^th of March 1993. She told them she was okay and was planning to go to Hobart to visit a female friend. She told them she planned returning to Germany on the 24^th of June 1993.

Possible sightings of Grunwaldt

During the course of this investigation, in excess of 280 statements have been obtained from members of the public. The majority were taken during 1993, from people who believed they had sighted Grunwaldt in Tasmania. Some may well have been legitimate sightings of Grunwaldt or her bicycle, however they could not be corroborated further.

Searches conducted during the course of the investigation

In 1993, Tasmania Police conducted extensive searches in an effort to locate Grunwaldt, the hired bicycle and/or her personal possessions. In excess of thirty days were committed to these searches and at its height, 46 personnel were involved on a daily basis. Personnel involved in the searches were from various sections of Tasmania Police, including: Northern Search and Rescue, Diving Squad, Academy Recruit, Bicycle Squad and C.I.B. members.

Since 1993, searches have been conducted as required, with the last search being conducted in January 2003, in an area of bush in the Hardings Falls area on the East Coast. This search followed information received as to a possible suspect.

Description of searches conducted

Road searches were initially conducted of the Tasman Highway from St Helens to Swansea including the Coles Bay Road. The Police Rescue Helicopter was utilised to conduct aerial searches of the Tasman Highway between St Helens and Bicheno and also the coastal foreshore.

After information was received, an intensive land search was conducted of the roadside between St Mary’s and Fingal. Police divers also searched the Break O’Day River near the road bridge.

Land searches were conducted of the Cradle Mountain Lake St Clair National Park areas in response to information that Grunwaldt had been seen in this area.

After an evaluation of the file and of information that was being received, a decision was made that an intensive search would be conducted of the road verges of the Tasman Highway and Link Road from St Helens to Bicheno. Beach resorts, picnic grounds, coastal areas and walking tracks were also searched along with the entrance road to the Douglas Apsley National Park.

Witnesses who have spoken to Grunwaldt since her arrival in Tasmania, provided conflicting versions as to the route she was going to take on her bike, that is, either the Coastal Link Road or St Mary’s Pass.

It was known though speaking with her parents that Grunwaldt was an outgoing type person and had spent an extended period of time travelling around the world. She was an avid photographer and was fond of swimming. She liked coastal area rather than inland areas. She was fond of bushwalking but would not go by herself.

Sections of the coast line were searched from St Helens to Bicheno along with a number of side roads which were identified through information as being worthy of searching.

During the course of the investigation, other smaller areas were searched in the Scamander/Beaumaris area as they were deemed necessary.

Searches of all roads were conducted for a distance of 50 metres on either side.

Suspects

Throughout the course of this investigation, there has been no ‘eye witness’ account provided by any witness or suspect. Similarly, no exhibits or evidence has been located, so as to implicate any person in the disappearance of Nancy Grunwaldt.

That in part, is due to the six week period which lasted between the 12th of March 1993 (last confirmed sighting) and the 19th of April 1993 (commencement date of the Tasmania Police investigation). This delay negatively impacted upon the investigation, as daily events become "clouded” in the minds of witnesses. Additionally, given that it was summertime, there were high numbers of tourists in the area and witnesses could not be 100% confident as to their ‘sightings’ of Grunwaldt.

This six week delay, also benefited any offender who may have been spoken to during the course of the investigation.

Suspects were identified throughout the course of this investigation, but given the lack of eye witness accounts or physical evidence their classification as a ‘suspect’ resulted from one or more of the following:

• Information received from the public
• Known or rumoured behaviour;
• Prior convictions; and/or
• Inconsistent or inappropriate statements made to police or members of the public.

Nothing of substance was established.

Miscellaneous

Grunwaldt’s parents have visited the State on a number of occasions since her disappearance. During their visits, they have participated in media conferences appealing for information as to the whereabouts of their daughter. On each occasion they have generated a response from the public, however, no ‘concrete’ evidence has been forthcoming.

The State Government has offered a reward of up to $30,000 to be made payable at the discretion of the Commissioner of Police for information as to the whereabouts of Grunwaldt or the conviction of the person(s) responsible for her disappearance.

Contact was made with the German Consulate in Victoria, Mr Thomas Bittner at the time of the disappearance and he worked closely with the investigators in the supply of information in relation to Grunwaldt.

Summary of Investigation

• The initial investigation was hampered due to a six week delay in the missing person report being made.
• Extensive media coverage was generated.
• To date over 500 information reports have been received and over 280 statements have been taken from members of the public.
• Interstate enquiries have been conducted as well as various international enquiries through Interpol.
• Monitoring of Immigration and Bank records revealed no activity.
• Extensive land, water and air searches were conducted in the area, though the prevailing terrain must be considered.
• Suspects have been eliminated during the course of the investigation. Although the investigation is still active, no one individual is considered to be the likely offender.
• Investigators from the Port Arthur Task Force and Task Force Air (NSWPOL Belangalo Backpacker Murders) were also canvassed in relation to this matter.
• The investigation remains active, with information being received periodically, and interviews being conducted as necessary.

CAFASSO murder investigation

Approximately 1.30 pm on the 11^th of October 1995, Victoria Anna Elizabeth Cafasso, dob 8/6/75, an Italian tourist was found deceased on the Beaumaris Beach at Beaumaris. Her partially naked body was found at the waters edge and was being lapped by the waves. There were numerous stab wounds to her body, together with bruising and lacerations. Cafasso was on holiday in Tasmania and was staying with a relative at Beaumaris.

Topography of Beaumaris

Beaumaris is a seaside township on the east cost of Tasmania, lying between Scamander (1.4 km south) and St Helens (6 km north). The town consists of one (1) motel and approximately 150 homes/shacks. It has a permanent population of approximately 350 persons, made up of retirees, families, employed and unemployed persons. The population rises significantly over the summer period.

The Tasman Highway runs north/south through the town and parallel to the beach. It is the main coastal route. The town comprises five (5) separate areas with all but eight (8) houses located on the inland side of the highway. Beaumaris Beach stretches for 4 km, including the 2 km length of the town. The beach lies 75 metres to the east of the highway and is predominantly shielded from view by a coastal reserve strip of low dunes and light scrub. The northern and southern ends of Beaumaris Beach are defined by rocky points which prevent easy access further along the coast. Inland of Beaumaris exists extensive pine plantations, forested areas and a network of gravel roads that stretch to the Midland Highway.

Personal history of the deceased

Victoria Cafasso was a dual Italian/English citizen who spent most of her time residing in Italy but regularly visited her grand parents in England. She lived with her parents and younger sister in Italy. Her mother described her as a trusting person.

Cafasso held a British passport and spoke fluent Italian, English and French. She was well travelled, having travelled several times with her mother as well as having previously acted as a tour guide. Her journey to Australia was the largest journey undertaken by her alone.

Cafasso was well educated and attended University in Italy where she was studying law. She deferred that course in July 1995. She then travelled to England to stay with her grandmother - as was her practice most mid-year holidays - to consider her options. She enrolled in a language course at Portsmouth University, due to start in August 1996. She expressed a desire to travel to Australia and stay with her cousin Simon Howard De Salis whom she had met on two (2) previous occasions. She called De Salis from England and made the arrangements.

Cafasso flew from London to Melbourne, via Hong Kong, and from Melbourne flew to Launceston Airport arriving at 1.50 pm on Friday the 6^th of October 1995. She was met by Simon De Salis and a visiting friend of his, Peter Holder of Sydney.

Last known movements

From the 6th to the 11^th of October 1995, Cafasso resided with De Salis at “Larby’s Cottage” Charles Street, Beaumaris. Over that time De Salis took her and Holder to tourist spots on the east coast. The only social event she attended was a small private birthday party for Mandy-Louise Larby on Monday the 9^th. The only times she was alone, were for two (2) short walks; on Monday the 9^th and Tuesday the 10^th.

On the morning of Wednesday the 11^th of October 1995, Cafasso rose about 8.10 am and after breakfast told De Salis she was going for a walk on the beach and requested to borrow a small carry bag. About 9 am she set off on foot for the short walk to the beach. She was dressed in a blue T-shirt with a wolf motif on its front, a pair of slacks/pants, a bikini, white sandshoes, watch, bangle, ring and necklace. She carried the borrowed bag, a large beach towel, a flask of water, a Sony walkman radio, sunglasses, sun screen, scarf and her purse - containing personal papers, $A509.00 and some foreign currency.

En-route to the beach Cafasso was sighed by six (6) reliable witnesses. It is believed that she entered Beaumaris Beach via a path opposite the Surfside Hotel. Cafasso was seen sunbaking some 700 metes south of where she had entered the beach. These sightings were about 9.55 am and again about 10.10 am.

The scene

Detectives and Forensic personnel from Launceston subsequently attended, as did the Forensic Pathologist and Forensic Scientists from Forensic Science Services Tasmania (FSST).

An examination of the area established the murder scene some 50 metres north of the body. There was no indication - heavy footprints, drag marks, blood trail etc - that the body had been brought to the beach for disposal. Within that scene was found a portion of Cafasso’s property. Several items known to have been taken by her to the beach were not located. She was naked except for a bikini top which was intact above her breasts. Her face and head had been stabbed, lacerated and bludgeoned resulting in horrific and extensive wounds. She had also been stabbed to the back and chest. The frenzied nature of the attack on Cafasso with a knife indicates that the offender is disturbed, with a quite possible hatred for women, or who is in a drug induced state, who loses control during the attack, but once it is over is sufficiently cunning to conceal his tracks. The fact that some of her possessions were missing would indicate that he gains satisfaction from keeping a “trophy” from the murder. In this regard none of Grunwaldt’s possessions have ever been found.

Review of the Grunwaldt file with respect to the Cafasso murder

In March 1966, (then) Constable Mathew Obsorne No. 1622 of the Bureau of Criminal Intelligence, Hobart, conducted a review of the Grunwaldt investigation with regard to the Cafasso murder case up to the 11th of March 1996.

In his conclusions, he reported on the following perceived similarities between the two investigations.

• That both victims were females, aged in their twenties, and tourists.
• Both had been in the State only a few days.
• Both spoke English, although Cafasso spoke more fluently than Grunwaldt.
• Both stayed on the East Coast prior to their disappearance/murder.
• Both girls were of above average build.
• Both girls would have been recognised as ‘non-locals’.
• The distance between the scene of the Cafasso murder and the last sightings of Grunwaldt, is as little as 10 kilometres.
• Both were last seen in the late morning/early afternoon.
• Both are described as ‘sensible’ girls who would not take risks. (This indicates that if there is a connection between the cases the offender does not immediately raise suspicions.)
• It would appear a possibility that an attempt was made to dispose of Cafasso’s body in the sea. It is possible that Grunwaldt’s body (if she met with foul play) was disposed of in a similar manner but did not get washed back into shore.
• Both were last seen alive early in the month (Cafasso on the 11^th of October 1995 and Grunwaldt on the12^th of March 1993).
• Both were last seen on a weekday. Cafasso on a Wednesday and Grunwaldt on a Friday. (Possibly indicating that a similar offender is a shift worker, or unemployed, or works odd days and/or hours)
• There is some evidence that both Cafasso and Grunwaldt enjoyed the beaches of the East Coast. A witness states that he saw Grunwaldt reading a book on the beach at Beaumaris and this is corroborated by another witness. The location they say they saw Grunwaldt, is less than 1 km from where Cafasso was located.

Finally, Constable Osborne stated: “These similarities are reached using some licence to speculate. The fact that Grunwaldt’s body has not been located makes investigation and comparison difficult”. In my view there is no firm evidence to link the two deaths, however.

1986 Attempted rape of (known female - hereafter “K.F.” on Beaumaris Beach.

In addition to the Cafasso murder, one other matter which was ‘re-visited’ during these investigations as the 1986 attempted rape of “K.F.” This incident occurred on the Beaumaris Beach on Thursday the 4^th of September 1986 and this crime remains unsolved.

Likely scenarios with respect to the death of Grunwaldt

Scenario one

• That whilst travelling on the road, she was struck by a passing motorist and fell from the road side and out of view.

Comment: Given the extensive searches which were conducted by police, it is highly likely that her body and possessions would have been located.

Scenario two

• That whilst travelling on the road, she was struck by a passing motorist and that her body and possessions were disposed of.

Comment: This scenario cannot be discounted but appears unlikely.

Scenario three

• That she met with foul play, the motive being sexual or personal gain (eg, theft of her possessions or access to her bank accounts), and that the body and possessions were disposed of.

Comment: This scenario cannot be discounted although her bank accounts were never unlawfully accessed but the motive may not have been financial gain.

Scenario four

• Death by misadventure, for example falling down a mine shaft or drowning.

Comment: This scenario is possible, however it would be expected that her bicycle or other possessions would have been located during the extensive police searches which were conducted.

Scenario five

• Death by misadventure. After which, her bicycle and possessions were found by a passer-by. Given the substantial media coverage which followed, the finder may have been reluctant to come forward and either kept or disposed of her possessions.

Comment: This scenario cannot be discounted but appears unlikely.

Conclusions

Given the circumstances surrounding Nancy Grunwaldt’s disappearance and the lack of evidence unveiled throughout this investigation and the fact that none of her possessions have been found my conclusions are:

• That Nancy Grunwaldt is deceased.
• That she died whilst in Tasmania.
• That she died on or about Friday the 12th of March 1993.
• That she died between St Helens and Bicheno.
• I believe that ‘foul play’ is involved in her disappearance in the form of homicide.

I am grateful to Detective Acting Inspector M.G. Wright for his detailed review and analysis which is here in substance largely reproduced as my findings.

COMMENTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS:

I find that Nancy Grunwaldt died on the East Coast of Tasmania between St Helens and Bicheno on the 12^th day of March 1993 as the result of foul play by person(s) unknown.

I express my sincere condolences to her parents, family and friends.

This matter is now concluded.

DATED: 19^th March 2004 at Launceston in the State of Tasmania.

Peter Henric Wilson
CORONER

New lead on Grunwaldt mystery

Updated June 6, 2011 09:55:00 - ABC

Tasmania police are yet to comment on whether they will reopen an investigation into the disappearance of German tourist, Nancy Grunwaldt.

A former police detective has thrown new light on the case.

Ms Grunwaldt was last seen on a bicycle at Beaumaris on the state's east coast in March 1993.

An inquest found she was most likely the victim of a homicide.

But former Launceston Detective Bob Coad, who was not required to give evidence, believes Ms Grunwaldt was hit by a car.

Mr Coad has told a northern newspaper, after he took over the case, a Hobart solicitor reported a disturbing phone message had been left on his answering machine.

The anonymous caller said he had been involved in a terrible accident and had hit a cyclist.

After no record of an accident the man never called back and the message was erased.

Mr Coad is calling for the driver to come forward.

Tasmania police are yet to comment.

People who provide information leading to the conviction of offenders for unsolved murders in Tasmania are now eligible for a $500,000 reward.

Assistant Commissioner Jonathan Higgins said that there were currently seven unsolved murder or suspected murder investigations cases in Tasmania with current rewards for information leading to a conviction. These rewards vary in amounts from $30,000 to $250,000.

“These rewards are an important investigative tool that may entice people with crucial information to come forward and provide this to police,” Assistant Commissioner Higgins said.

“Today I’m pleased to announce that rewards for these cases have increased significantly to $500,000 each.”

The cases include:

• Nancy Grunwaldt, who went missing from the east coast in 1993. Extensive investigations have been carried out but she has never been located. Nancy’s original reward was $30,000.

• Victoria Cafasso, was murdered on Beaumaris Beach on the east coast in 1995. No one has been charged after several lengthy investigations. Victoria’s original reward was $50,000.

• Paul Winston Byrne was reporting missing in 1996. It is strongly suspected he was murdered in Rossarden in north-east Tasmania. Paul’s original reward was $100,000.

• Helen Munnings disappeared from the Burnie area around 23 July 2008. The Coroner determined that Helen died in Burnie on or about this day. It is strongly suspected she was murdered. Helen’s original reward was $250,000.

• Simon Crisp was shot dead in the carpark of the Marrawah Hotel in the north-west in 2013. After extensive investigations, no one has been charged. Simon’s original reward was $50,000.

• Eve Askew, 14, was reported missing from her home in Fitzgerald in southern Tasmania in November 1991.  She has never been located and it’s believed she met with foul play. Eve’s original reward was $100,000.

• Christopher Dean Watkins disappeared from a unit in Box St, Mayfield, on or about 7 August 2013. There is significant, credible information that he was abducted and murdered. Extensive investigations have been undertaken but no one has been charged in relation to his murder. Christopher’s original reward was $50,000.

Assistant Commissioner Higgins said that police investigations were never closed until those responsible were brought to justice.

“Families always deserve answers to what happened to their loved ones and we owe it to them to find those answers,” he said.

“In the passage of time someone’s circumstances and allegiances may have changed and the offer of a life-changing amount of money may be the motivation they need to come forward.

“This kind of money allows a fresh start.”

Assistant Commissioner Higgins said that police strongly believed that there were people who had vital information that could lead to a conviction in these cases.

“If you have information about any of these cases, please come forward and help us provide some kind of closure to the families and loved ones of the victims,” he said.

“Anyone with information that could assist our police investigations and to help solve these cases is asked to contact Police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperstas.com.au.”

 

Heather Donaldson has been close to the family of missing German tourist Nancy Grunwaldt, who was aged 26 when she went missing on a cycling tour on Tasmania’s East Coast in April 1993.

A coroner found in 2004 that she died as a result of foul play and police this year increased the reward for information leading to the conviction of offenders for her suspected murder from $30,000 to $500,000.