Western Region Unsolved Homicide Team detectives have uncovered fresh leads into the murder of Penny Hill at Coolah in 1991 and are now seeking information on a dark blue Datsun Stanza.
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Penny was aged 20 when she was found unconscious with severe head and facial injuries near Coolah, in the state’s west, about 8am on 8 July 1991.
She was taken to John Hunter Hospital at Newcastle but never regained consciousness. She died approximately two weeks later.
In 2008, the Western Region Unsolved Homicide Team commenced further investigations into Penny’s murder, with a second inquest conducted in 2012.
Since then, detectives have received new information that a car seen at the motel and in the Coolah township on the night Penny was assaulted could have been a Datsun Stanza, rather than a Commodore as previously reported.
Investigators are today examining a dark blue Datsun Stanza similar to the vehicle described with further examinations expected to be conducted over the next few weeks.
The investigation has also seen police collect DNA samples from numerous males to compare with a DNA profile found in the motel room last occupied by Penny. Those inquiries are ongoing.
Unsolved Homicide Investigator, Detective Sergeant Darcy, renewed his appeal for anyone with information about Penny’s death to come forward, particularly anyone with information on the car.
“Investigators wish to speak with any person in Coolah who may have seen a dark blue Datsun Stanza in Coolah on the weekend Penny was assaulted,” he said.
“We believe a number of persons may not have come forward because a different vehicle was originally reported.”
Anyone with information should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page: https://www1.police.nsw.gov.au/ Information you provide will be treated in the strictest of confidence. We remind people they should not report crime information via our Facebook and Twitter pages.
