A $1 MILLION reward is on offer to anyone who can help convict the person responsible for Mordialloc woman Penny Galanopoulos’ death.
On 10 January, 2012, Galanopoulos’ body was pulled from her home on Main Street in Mordialloc after a fire. Investigators later found that she had been killed before the fire was lit.
A handwritten letter was delivered to Mordialloc Police Station in 2012 with information relating to the murder. Police believe the letter is authentic, but have not identified its author.
Despite interviewing multiple people in the last 12 years, no charges have ever been laid. On Monday, 5 February, police announced a $1 million reward for information which leads to a conviction.
Victoria Police homicide squad detective inspector Dean Thomas has encouraged people to step forward. “As much as this is about holding those responsible accountable, Penny’s family deserves an answer as to why this happened. This is very much still an active investigation and we certainly believe there are a number of people who are in a position to assist us with this investigation,” he said.
“It is our belief that a number of people were potentially involved in Penny’s murder and have knowledge of what happened that night. It remains our belief that Penny was killed prior to the fire being lit.
“There is the possibility that those responsible for her death may have spoken to someone about Penny and today’s reward announcement may lead to them finally coming forward with information. We are also once again appealing for the author of the letter that was sent to police to come forward and speak to police.
“People’s circumstances can change over the years and someone who may not have wanted to provide information to police previously may now feel ready to do so. It doesn’t matter how insignificant you think the piece of information is, it could be exactly what our investigators need to make a breakthrough in this case.”
Confidential information can be given to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
First published in the Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News – 7 February 2024
