Detectives from Correctional Services Investigation Unit (CSIU) are appealing for public assistance in relation to the murder of Benn Schinkel in October last year.
At approximately 11.10am on Saturday 22 October 2022, 31-year-old Benn Schinkel was located unresponsive with serious injuries inside the activities building of Capricornia Correctional Centre at Etna Creek near Rockhampton.
He was transported to Rockhampton Hospital, where he passed away on Sunday 23 October 2022, one year ago today.
Investigations indicate Benn's injuries were sustained as the result of a serious assault.
CSIU detectives with assistance from the Homicide Investigation Unit established Operation Uniform Carlow to investigate the circumstances surrounding his death, which is being treated as a homicide.
Benn had been housed in the mainstream prison secure unit 1 for less than a month, after being sentenced in September 2022 in relation to a dangerous driving incident at Bajool in December 2021.
He sustained ongoing injuries from the incident, causing him to walk with a limp. No other persons were injured in the incident for which he was charged.
Benn was eligible for parole just a few months later in January 2023.
Detectives have released pictures of Benn and a message from Benn's mother, father and sister as they appeal for anyone with information which could assist the investigation into his murder to come forward.
Benn's father, Michael Schinkel, said Benn was loving, caring and would do anything for his mates and family, and is missed by so many people.
"We really are appealing to anybody out there if they could come forward to help us solve Benn's murder, it's broken our family, and we need to have justice," Mr Schinkel said.
"So please if anybody out there has information that could help us, please come forward."
Detectives have reviewed evidence and interviewed a number of persons across the state and those persons, due to changes in circumstances, may now be prepared to provide further information.
It is believed there are people who could assist the investigation, who are residing in the Townsville and Rockhampton areas.
Detective Sergeant Greg Bishop from CSIU said investigators are hopeful someone will come forward with the information they need to provide Benn's family with answers.
"Everyone in custody has the right to do their time, to go home to their families and move on with their lives," Detective Sergeant Bishop said.
"We urge anyone with information regarding this incident, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem and whether you witnessed the incident directly or have heard something from another person, to please come forward."
"Reports to Crimestoppers can be treated in confidence and if anyone with information is prepared to talk directly to detectives this can be arranged on terms that each person is most comfortable with."
"If you know something, we urge you to come forward and help us bring closure for Benn's family."
Investigations remain ongoing.
Interview with Detective Sergeant Bishop:
Interview with Benn Schinkel's family (Michael (Father), Lesley (Mother), Gemma (sister), and photos:
Media release in relation to traffic incident in December 2021: Appeal - serious traffic crash, Rockhampton area – Queensland Police News (mypolice.qld.gov.au)
Earlier media release, Assault investigation, Capricornia Correctional Centre – https://mypolice.page.link/ZMVb
Earlier media release, Update: Suspicious death investigation, Capricornia Correctional Centre – https://mypolice.page.link/YkBu
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or call 131 444.
Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
