Detectives investigating the stabbing murder of a father of five, 17 years ago, have reopened the case based on new information, today releasing comfit images of two people who may be able to assist the investigation, NSW Police say.
Around 5.45am on May 15, 1999, 35-year-old Sanele Nickel, and his wife, Fagassau, were woken by a car alarm at their home in Taloma Avenue, Lurnea.
Mr Nickel went to investigate and noticed his car’s front passenger window had been smashed and his black Nokia (5110) mobile phone stolen.
Mrs Nickel watched her husband approach two people at the intersection with Hill Road and she went back inside to collect a jacket.
She emerged again to find her husband on the ground, clutching his stomach and screaming for help.
Stabbed three times, he collapsed and later died during emergency surgery.
A reward of $100,000 was offered following the murder but hasn’t been claimed.
In 2002, an inquest into the killing handed down an open finding.
Detectives from the Liverpool Local Area Command say a witness has come forward with fresh information, allowing them to re-examine the case.
"I’m not at liberty to discuss that information but we view it as important enough to bolster the investigation," Detective Inspector, Dean Johnstone, said.
Also, for the first time, detectives have released ‘comfit’ images of two men who may be able to assist them with their inquiries, based on Mrs Nickel’s descriptions at the time.
Strike Force Samuelson investigators have also sent blood samples to government laboratories for re-examination using modern testing techniques.
"Almost 20 years later DNA technicians are able to test smaller samples of blood evidence and that may just give us the lead we need," Detective Inspector Johnstone said.
"In addition, we have a much larger DNA database to which to compare the samples," he added.
"This was a pointless murder and Mr Nickel’s family deserves justice," Detective Inspector Johnstone said.
"It seems he died for the sake of a stolen analogue phone, which in today’s terms, would be worth a mere few dollars."
Fagassau Nickel said the pain of her husband’s murder has not diminished with time.
She said their daughter and four sons, aged from four to 12 at the time of the killing, have grown up deprived of their father.
"Imagine living your life normally one moment then having it turn to hell in a split second," Mrs Nickel said, "It doesn’t make sense.
"Almost 20 years later, there has to be closure," she said, "If you have been sitting on information all this time, you have to tell the police....do the right thing.
Police are urging anyone with information in relation to this incident to call Crime Stopers.
