ON 1 May 1989, 42-year-old Christopher Phillips was found dead by his wife in their Cheltenham home. 32 years on from Mr Phillips’ death, police have issued a renewed plea for information.
Mr Phillips was found at the Gaybre Street house with significant head trauma and lacerations from a serious assault. Two bloody knives were found next to his body.
A statement from Victoria Police read “Christopher had no defensive wounds and police believe he was likely attacked from behind with a heavy blunt object.
“It appeared as though the house had been ransacked, however nothing appeared to have been stolen. However there were signs of forced entry at a rear door of the house, as well as a show print located within the crime scene. Detectives subsequently identified it as an ASICS Tiger Gel runner, possibly a size 9-10.
“At the time, he was wearing a track suit, which investigators believe indicated he was heading out for a run. Christopher was an engineer by trade and had been described as a quiet family man who went jogging most nights.
“Police have received information from a number of people over the years, however his murder remains unsolved. An initial $50,000 reward was offered for information about the case and in 2017 this was increased to $1 million. Detectives are hopeful that over 30 years after his death, someone will be able to provide information about who was responsible for Christopher’s murder and why.”
Information to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at crimestoppers.com.au.
First published in the Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News – 16 June 2021