A $500,000 reward for information into the 1995 murder of Tammy Dyson has been announced today as homicide detectives and family launch a fresh public appeal to help solve the 28-year-old cold case.
Police Minister Mark Ryan approved the $500,000 reward following an extensive review of the investigation by the Homicide Cold Case Investigation Team.
Tammy Lisa Dyson, also known as Tamela Menzies, was a 23-year-old woman and mother of two when she went missing from the Currumbin area on July 20, 1995. She has not been seen or heard from since.
In 1988, at aged 17, Tammy moved to Brisbane from Victora, with her sister Olivia also moving soon after. The two sisters worked in the adult entertainment industry in Brisbane and the Gold Coast, in clubs including Hot Lips and the Red Garter in Fortitude Valley.
In 1989, Tammy lived between New South Wales and Victoria with her then partner, Natalis, where they had two children, Jyles Lebler in 1991 and Rainey Lebler 1994.
Tammy continued to work in the adult entertainment industry and was known to use the name 'Pebbles'. She associated with people involved with drugs and other criminal related activities in Brisbane who were known to police at the time.
In early 1995, Tammy was living in Victoria and then Inala with her new partner, Ricky Devisser. Tammy arranged for her sons to stay with her mother, Loretta, in Victoria. Loretta told police she believed this to be a temporary arrangement and that Tammy would be back for her boys.
Months later, Tammy called her sister in a distressed state and Olivia drove to Inala to pick her up. She described Tammy as having been assaulted. Olivia and her partner, Dominic, later drove Tammy to the Currumbin Clinic on the Gold Coast, which was a drug rehabilitation centre.
Investigations indicate that Tammy was a patient of the clinic, arriving on July 16, 1995, and discharging July 20, 1995, into the care of a woman whose identity has not been established. The woman claimed she was Tammy's sister; however, Tammy's only sister was not the woman who collected her.
On July 21, 1995, Tammy completed a Statutory Declaration signed by a Justice of the Peace in Tweed Heads, giving custody of her children and her possessions to her mother.
On September 8, 1995, Tammy was reported missing to Victoria Police by her mother. Several unconfirmed sightings were provided to police, including information that she had moved overseas; however, there was never any contact from Tammy.
On January 10, 2012, the State Coroner was unable to ascertain the date, time and cause of Tammy's death, but was of the view that she was deceased and indicated she may have been the subject of violence.
Investigators from the Homicide Cold Case Investigation Team commenced a review in 2022.
There is a $500,000 reward being offered for information which leads to the apprehension and conviction of those responsible for the suspected murder of Tammy Dyson.
In addition, an appropriate indemnity from prosecution will be recommended for any accomplice, not being the person who actually committed the crime, who first gives such information.
Anyone with information, no matter how small or irrelevant they think it might be, is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
Detective Senior Sergeant Tara Kentwell of the Homicide Cold Case Investigation Team said despite extensive investigations at the time and since, Tammy's whereabouts remained unknown.
"Tammy associated with criminals that were known to police and vanished without a trace after giving custody of her children and possessions to her mother; we believe the circumstances of her disappearance is suspicious," Detective Senior Sergeant Kentwell said.
"Any person who was involved in the crime but did not commit the crime who comes forward and speaks with police, is eligible for this indemnity from prosecution.
"We are urging the person who collected Tammy from the Currumbin Clinic on the July 20, 1995, to contact police. Anyone who knew Tammy or her movements in Brisbane and the Gold Coast around the time of her disappearance is also encouraged to come forward with any information, no matter how small.
"There are people out there with information. Tammy's family and her two boys deserve answers, so if you know something, please come forward."
