By Mitchell Clarke
A new possible person of interest in the Frankston and Tynong North killings is reportedly being investigated by Victoria Police.
The identity of a local man, now deceased, was presented to Garfield resident Roman Kulkewycz following an article in the Pakenham Gazette published on 10 June 2020.
Mr Kulkewycz revealed that a person had approached him stating they suspected they knew the person allegedly responsible for carrying out the murders of six women in the early 1980s.
He said he was “a bit incredulous” when told the news, but explained the person sounded “plausible” and the details seemed to make sense and fit together.
“It sort of hit me like a bit of wood over the head,” he explained.
“The person sounded like they knew what they were talking about. The more they told me, the more plausible it became and I got the impression it was a relief for that person to pass on the information to me.”
Mr Kulkewycz reported the matter to CrimeStoppers in early July and said he was contacted by a Homicide Squad detective who vowed to follow the lead.
A Victoria Police spokeswoman told the Gazette they weren’t in a position to provide commentary about when specific information is received as part of an ongoing investigation into the killings.
They also wouldn’t comment on the details of anyone spoken to by detectives.
“Detectives from the Homicide Cold Case continue to investigate the murders of six women in Tynong North between May 1980 and November 1981,” the spokeswoman said.
“A number of persons of interest have been nominated throughout the course of the investigation and the investigation remains active.”
The news follows the death of a suspect in the cold case murders, which Victoria Police confirmed to be Harold Janman, 88.
According to a newspaper obituary, Mr Janman died on 26 August, and was remembered as an “incredibly loving and caring dad and grandpa”.
“We are so proud of you having lived your life with dignity, understanding, kindness and love,” the obituary read.
Mr Janman, who is understood to have lived in Garfield and worked at the quarry off Brew Road in the 50s and 60s, has repeatedly pleaded his innocence.
He was identified as a suspect in the early 1980s and was first interviewed by investigators in 1981.
The Gazette is not suggesting that Mr Janman was responsible for the killings, only that he was identified as a suspect.
No one has ever been charged in relation to the deaths of Catherine Headland, Ann-Marie Sargent, Bertha Miller, Narumol Stephenson, Joy Carmel Summers and Alison Rooke.
Pakenham woman Catherine Miller-Reid, daughter of Ms Headland’s childhood friend, hopes Mr Janman’s death wouldn’t put an end to the investigation.
“Until someone is charged, the case isn’t closed. Regardless of if the person is dead or alive, someone needs to be held accountable,” she said.
“I hope this case doesn’t die with him. These victims deserve more than that.”
A record $6 million reward remains in place for any information that could lead to the apprehension and subsequent conviction of the person or persons responsible.
Anyone with information is urged to call CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000.
