Homicide squad detectives believe they have made a breakthrough in their investigation into the murder of Mernda man Thomas O’Connell earlier this year.
Mr O’Connell was found in his burnt out car in just off the Hume Freeway at Wandong about 3.50am February 5.
Investigators have established that the 32-year-old was last seen alive at 10.40pm on February 4 in the Mernda area.
It is believed he was killed prior to the car fire.
Detectives believe that dark-coloured 2008 Honda Civic four-door sedan, which was seen near in the vicinity of Mr O’Connell’s burnt-out car, is the key to solving the case.
Police believe that the Honda Civic travelled north behind Mr O’Connell’s car on the Hume Freeway prior to it being set alight.
It is also believed that the Honda Civic is the same small dark-coloured sedan seen by a previous witness at 3.30am on the western shoulder of the Hume Freeway in the immediate vicinity of where Mr O’Connell was found.
Detective Senior Sergeant Stuart Bailey said they believed the car would lead police to the person or persons responsible for the murder.
“The family has been under a lot of strain and we would like to be able to provide them with at least some closure,” he said.
“The community once again holds the key to providing us with the information we need to resolve this and we are appealing for them to come forward.”
Anyone who may have seen the Honda Civic travelling on the Hume Freeway in the Wallan or Wandong area between 3-4am on February 5 is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via www.crimestoppers.com.au
