A long-awaited inquiry into cold case murders in New South Wales, Australia, has commenced, bringing renewed scrutiny to decades-old unsolved crimes. Among the cases under review is the disappearance of British toddler Cheryl Grimmer, who vanished from a beach in Wollongong in 1970. Her family has publicly expressed their deep dissatisfaction with the initial police investigation, hoping the new inquiry will finally provide answers.
Cheryl Grimmer was just three years old when she disappeared from Fairy Meadow Beach while on a family picnic. Despite extensive searches and numerous appeals over the years, her fate has remained a mystery, causing enduring grief and frustration for her relatives. The family's criticism of the police centres on what they perceive as missed opportunities and inadequate follow-up during the crucial early stages of the investigation.
The inquiry, officially known as the NSW Parliamentary Inquiry into historical cases of child sexual abuse and neglect, has a broad remit. It aims to re-examine various cold cases, including those of missing persons and unsolved murders, with a view to identifying systemic failings and potential avenues for resolution. This comprehensive approach offers a glimmer of hope to families who have long campaigned for justice.
A significant aspect of the inquiry will be to investigate whether Australia's most notorious serial killer, Ivan Milat, was responsible for more murders than those for which he was convicted. Milat, who died in prison in 2019, was found guilty of killing seven backpackers in the 1990s, their bodies discovered in the Belanglo State Forest. There has long been speculation that he may have been responsible for other unsolved disappearances and deaths, and the inquiry will delve into these potential connections.
The re-opening of these cases, particularly with the family's vocal concerns about police conduct, highlights the ongoing challenges of cold case investigations. It underscores the importance of public trust in law enforcement and the need for thorough, transparent processes, especially when dealing with such sensitive and long-standing tragedies. For the Grimmer family, and others affected by similar unsolved crimes, this inquiry represents a critical opportunity for closure and accountability.