'It's brutal and callous': $1m reward for information about mum's cold-case murder
A $1 million reward is being offered for new information that will help police solve the cold-case murder of mother Antje Jones, who was shot almost four decades ago.
The body of Ms Jones was found at a St Albans home about 3.20pm on September 15, 1981.
The 34-year-old, who had a young son at the time of her death, was at her brother's home on Theodore Street when police believe a man armed with a gun came in and shot her.
Police believe the murder was targeted, and are investigating whether one of their persons of interest organised for someone to kill Ms Jones.
They also say Ms Jones's ex-husband remained a person of interest in the case.
"Antje's ex-husband has always been a person of interest and remains a person of interest," said Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Paul Rowe.
"We have spoken to him in recent times."
At the time of her death, Ms Jones had been staying with her brother on a visit from Queensland after appearing as a witness in a Melbourne court case for a car crash from several years earlier.
She then decided to extend her stay to catch up with loved ones. Ms Jones had moved to Queensland to live with her parents following her divorce the year before.
Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Rowe said police had spoken to her family in recent days and they are "as motivated today as they were 37 years to get answers".
"It's callous and it's brutal and at the bare bones, it's unfair," he said.
Asked whether they had any idea about the motive behind the shooting, he said detectives were exploring several different avenues.
"Obviously the circumstances of her being in Melbourne and her movements around that time, the people involved had some knowledge of what she was doing and where she was going to be."
The head of the homicide squad Inspector Andrew Stamper said he was hopeful that the $1 million reward announcement would bring new information.
"Over the years we have followed up a number of avenues of enquiry and we now believe one of our key persons of interest in this case may have organised for Antje to be killed.
"Instead of returning home to her little boy, Antje’s life ended violently in Melbourne."
It's the second time the homicide squad has offered a reward for information about the case. A year after the murder, a $50,000 reward was announced but no new information came to light.
The investigation ramped up again a year ago when the homicide squad received a new piece of information which they believed related to the circumstances of her death and the people involved.
"We know there are people out there with information to help identify Antje’s killers," said Inspector Stamper.
"Thirty-seven years is a long [time] to keep a secret - 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.
"We still believe this case is solvable and are committed to providing justice for Antje and her loved ones and bringing those responsible before the courts."
Anyone with information about the murder of Antje Jones is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppers.com.au