Tasmania Police has today announced a $1 million reward for information relating to the brutal 1995 murder of 20-year-old Italian tourist Victoria Cafasso on Tasmania’s east coast.
Making the announcement at Launceston Police Station today, Assistant Commissioner Adrian Bodnar said that the reward would be paid for any information which leads to, or contributes to, a murder conviction relating to Victoria.

Tomorrow marks 30 years since Victoria Cafasso was brutally murdered at Freshwater Creek, Beaumaris, on 11 October 1995.

“This was a random and particularly vicious attack murder of a young girl at the very beginning of her adult life,” Assistant Commissioner Bodnar said.

“Despite several lengthy investigations and calls for information over the past 30 years, her murderer has never been charged.

“For nearly a third of a century, the murderer has lived with this on their conscience. That must consume them. They have the opportunity to provide closure to Victoria’s family. It’s not too late.

“Families always deserve answers to what happened to their loved ones and we owe it to Victoria’s family to find those answers.”
Assistant Commissioner Bodnar said that reward was the largest ever offered in Tasmania.

“This is a life-changing amount. 30 years have passed since Victoria’s murder and we are confident that with the passing of time, personal circumstances may have changed that will enable someone to provide the information required to close this case and provide answers for Victoria’s family and friends,” he said.

“These rewards are an important investigative tool that may entice people with crucial information to come forward and provide this to police.”
Northern District Commander Marco Ghedini said as with any cold case, the investigation into Victoria’s murder remains open, and police regularly reviewed information relating to the case provided by members of the community.

“Victoria’s family deserve closure, and our detectives continue to work to try and provide that closure,” Commander Ghedini said.

In 2023, detectives investigating the case released reconstructed images of a vehicle spotted at various locations in the Beaumaris area including at Freshwater Creek at the time of Victoria’s murder.

The distinctive light coloured Subaru Station Wagon was a vehicle of interest in the early stages of the investigation, and police are today renewing calls for information in relation to that vehicle.

Police are interested to hear from anyone who may have knowledge of that vehicle and any person linked to a vehicle of that description in October 1995.

Witnesses told police a man was driving the vehicle of interest in the area at the time of the murder.

The man was described as being in his 20s, about six feet tall, slim build, but very fit, sun-tanned legs and arms, with the appearance of a surfer.

A person matching that description was also seen running onto the beach where Victoria was located.

“I can confirm that detectives have interviewed a man as a result of the information gathered to date. This person remains a person of interest,” Commander Ghedini said.

“In addition, police are once again seeking contact from the reporting person who made a report to Crime Stoppers on December 28 2024 who identified a person who they suspect of serious assaulting their partner in 1990.

“We have had two media releases asking this person to come forward but at this stage that person has not identified themselves. Our message is to please come forward.”
Crime Stoppers Tasmania General Manager Aldo Antolli reminded the community that Crime Stoppers Tasmania provides the opportunity for information to be reported anonymously.

“I encourage anyone with information about the murder of Victoria Cafasso to please report to police through Crime Stoppers Tasmania. Your tip could be the missing piece of the puzzle.

“Crime Stoppers don’t need your name or personal details, just the information you’re reporting for police investigation.”

Anyone with information relating to the murder of Victoria Cafasso should contact police on 131444, or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperstas.com.au