A $ 1 million reward has been awarded for trying to uncover information about the mysterious disappearance of a Geelong man, whom police are confident was killed.
The major financial incentive has been offered after police tried twice unsuccessfully to have a man convicted of the death of Trevor Tascas more than 10 years ago.
The body of the 27-year-old has not been found in the nearly 17 years since he disappeared between October 7 and 10, 2005.
Trevor Tascas disappeared in October 2005. (Victoria Police)
Her grieving mother, Pamela Tascas, directed the media to demand that anyone with information about her death speak out.
“Put us in peace,” he said through tears.
Ms Tascas said her life had been “horrible” for more than 16 years.
“I’m still stuck in a 2005 weather warp,” he said.
“I just look for him all the time.”
Tascas was living in a house in Thatcher Court, Whittington, in Geelong with another man when he disappeared.
Her mother reported her disappearance on April 1, 2006 after she had become increasingly concerned about not knowing anything about it for weeks.
Tascas’ disappearance was immediately investigated by the Homicide Squadron.
Pamela Tascas has asked anyone with information to show up. (new)
Police believe he had been involved in a conflict with his roommate before he disappeared.
After Tascas disappeared, his dog was given away and his belongings, including his car and furniture, were suspiciously sold.
Money was also withdrawn from Tascas’ bank account in July and August 2006, not him.
Tascas’ phone was last used on October 7, 2005.
A man and a woman were charged with Tascas’ death in July 2008.
The man was charged with murder and later sentenced to 23 years in prison, but in 2011 his sentence was overturned after his appeal.
A new trial was ordered for the charge of manslaughter, but in 2013 the jury found him not guilty.
The woman was charged with committing the act for manslaughter and obtaining property for fraud, and in 2009 was sentenced to three years in prison.
In 2020, an investigation was made into Tascas’ death.
Acting Inspector Tony Combridge said police believed others had information about who was responsible for the incident that caused Tascas’ death.
Police also want to talk to anyone with information about their movements or interactions during the weeks leading up to their disappearance.
“Trevor was well known in Whittington at the time of his disappearance and many of his associates still reside in the area,” Acting Inspector Combridge said.
“We hope that someone who has new information about Trevor’s death, the circumstances and who was responsible, will see this appeal and finally choose to show up and talk to the police.”
He said police firmly believed Tascas was murdered.
Acting Inspector Combridge said Tascas was much loved by his family, who were still mourning him.
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The reward of up to $ 1 million will be paid at the discretion of the Chief Commissioner of Police for information leading to the arrest and subsequent conviction of the person or persons responsible for Tascas’ death.