Tasmania’s highest ever reward – $250,000 – is being offered in connection with the cold case murder of Shane Geoffrey Barker on August 2, 2009.

The increase, from $50,000 to $250,000, follows a review of the Campbell Town shooting murder by Cold Case investigators from Tasmania Police’s Serious Organised Crime Division (SOCD).

As a result of the review, detectives are now re-investigating a number of aspects of the original case.
Assistant Commissioner Glenn Frame said:

“A team of five investigators has been conducting an extremely detailed review of the case since November last year. We’ve identified several aspects of the original case that require further examination. For investigative reasons we can’t go into all the issues we’ll be looking at, but the review has presented some significant avenues to follow.”

We firmly believe that Shane’s killer is someone we’ve already spoken to – the review supports that. We have also identified some additional areas to search. We know that there are people who have information that could lead to a conviction in this case.”

“In the passage of time someone’s circumstances and allegiances may have changed and the offer of a life-changing amount of money may be the motivation they need to come forward. That kind of money allows a fresh start.”

“Of course, technology, DNA capability and investigative best practice have all moved on since 2009 and we think these advances could also provide further evidence,” he said.

Anyone with information that could assist the police investigation is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 131 444.