A $50,000 reward is being offered for information that leads to a prosecution in relation to the 2013 disappearance of Mayfield man Christopher Watkins.

The reward is being offered because police now strongly suspect he was murdered.

The reward, announced ahead of this year’s national Missing Persons Week, is to encourage those who know further information to come forward.

Mr Watkins (aged 28) was last seen at a unit in Box St, Mayfield on the evening of 7 August, 2013.

Inspector John King said:

“Our investigation has been ongoing since 2013.

“We are pursuing a certain line of enquiry in relation to his disappearance.

“We believe that it is likely that there was more than one person involved in committing and/or covering up this crime.

“There are people out there who know what happened and who know who is responsible.

“We’re anticipating that with the passage of time and the inducement of this reward there will be people who may reconsider their choice to remain silent,” he said.

National Missing Persons Week starts on Sunday 2 August, 2015. The theme this year is ‘follow your instincts’.

The week aims to dispel the myth that you have to wait 24 hours before reporting someone missing.

In Australia, a missing person is defined as anyone whose whereabouts are unknown, and there are immediate concerns for their safety and welfare.

There are a further eight missing person cases that Tasmania Police investigators are highlighting as part of the week:

• Ben Plowright, aged 20, was last seen at about 9pm on 30 May, 2015 in Perth. Despite an extensive and ongoing police investigation no sign of Ben has been found.
• Andrew Jarman, aged 35, was last seen in Latrobe on 19 August 2012. He did not return home from a bike ride.
• David Sushames, aged 45, was last seen in Devonport on 1 November, 2005. He was reported missing after not contacting family or friends for four days which they considered highly unusual.
• Geoffrey Hay, aged 66, was last seen in Devonport on 27 August 2013. Police attended a fire at his house on 28 August, 2013 which resulted in major structural damage. He was not located at the scene.
• Paul Byrne, aged 34, was last seen leaving the Rossarden Club in Fingal Valley at 2am on 20 September 1996. Police believe it is likely he met with foul play.
• Matthias Lehmann, aged 38, was last seen in Devonport on 5 August 2012. He is believed to have boarded the Spirit of Tasmania ferry bound for Melbourne and has not been seen since.
• Lester Lee, aged 41, was last seen at Torquay Rd in East Devonport at about 8pm on 19 December 2004.
• Joao de Ornelas, aged 76, was last seen at the Tahune Air walk in Geeveston at 2pm on 3 March, 2010.

Anyone who has information about any of the cases is asked to call police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000.