A $250,000 reward for information leading to the conviction of any person responsible for the murder of 32-year-old Omega Ruston on the Gold Coast in 2009 has been announced today.
Minister for Police and Corrective Services and Fire and Emergency Services, Mark Ryan, approved the reward following an extensive review of the investigation by the Homicide Cold Case Investigation Team and Gold Coast Criminal Investigation Branch.
The review of this investigation has seen significant forensic developments in areas such as DNA, fingerprints, ballistics and telecommunications.
Detective Inspector Chris Ahearn from the Gold Coast CIB said police were still actively investigating Omega's murder.
"New witnesses in New South Wales, Queensland and elsewhere have been identified or have come forward providing crucial evidence relating to Omega's shooting death," Detective Inspector Ahearn said.
"We still believe the persons directly involved in the shooting death of Omega were linked to the Gold Coast and Sydney chapters of organised crime syndicates and outlaw motorcycle gangs.
"We are aware relationships and loyalties in these gangs change, we are hopeful that the reward will encourage those people with information to come forward."
Minister Ryan said in addition, an appropriate indemnity from prosecution would be considered for any accomplice, not being the person who actually committed the crime, who first gives such information.
"A $250,000 reward is now in place for information that may lead to the conviction of the person or persons responsible for the murder of Omega Ruston," the Minister said.
"This announcement means any person who was involved in the crime but did not commit the offence and who comes forward and speaks with police first, is eligible for this indemnity from prosecution.
"This is worth serious consideration to anyone who has this information and has not yet come forward to police."
Early this month, Queensland Detectives with the assistance of NSW Police Unsolved Homicide Team, NSW Water Police and Dive Squad conducted a search of the Parramatta River Ferry terminus in relation to a firearm believed to have been used in the shooting murder of Omega. Examinations of the exhibits found in the Parramatta River are continuing.
Background:
At approximately 10.25pm on Australia Day (January 26 2009), 32-year-old Omega Ruston was shot dead in a suspected road rage incident in Burleigh Heads.
Omega had been travelling south in his white 2001 Holden Rodeo ute with two friends when he pulled over on the highway near the intersection with 5th Avenue following a traffic incident with a second vehicle.
Omega and one of his passengers exited the ute, as the second vehicle, a small maroon four-door sedan was seen stopping behind his vehicle before driving forward.
Two shots were fired from the rear passenger side window of the maroon sedan, with one shot fatally striking Omega in the abdomen.
Witnesses reported seeing three men of middle eastern appearance in the maroon vehicle, with the rear passenger seen holding a black semi-automatic style pistol. The maroon vehicle was seen travelling south along the highway following the shooting.
