Toni Tiki: $1M Reward for 30-Year-Old Cold Case of Maroubra Mum

The NSW Police have offered an unprecedented $1 million reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible for the brutal murder of a young mother, Toni Tiki, in South Maroubra almost three decades ago.

On the 1st of January 1996, 26-year-old Toni left a New Year’s Eve party at the South Maroubra Surf Life Saving Club shortly before 1:30 a.m., accompanied by a male friend who had initially agreed to walk her home but later decided to return to the party, leaving Tiki to continue alone.

When Toni failed to make contact or be located, a friend reported her missing to the Eastern Beaches Police Area Command the next day. Tragically, her body was discovered in scrubland near the surf club on the 5th of January, with a post-mortem examination revealing she had died from severe injuries.

Detectives from the State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad have been working tirelessly on the case, now known as Strike Force Ionian 2, but it remains unsolved. In a bid to uncover new leads, the NSW Government and the NSW Police Force have joined forces to offer a substantial $1 million reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the perpetrator.

Reward for Toni Tiki Maroubra Murder — *Photo Credit: NSW Police*

A Plea for Justice

Homicide Squad Commander Danny Doherty implored anyone with knowledge about Toni’s death to come forward, emphasizing that she was a loving mother and cherished family member who did not deserve such a tragic fate.

Her children, Shannon Hall and Michael Hinds, have also made emotional pleas for closure.

“The night she was killed, we were robbed of experiences and having her here to navigate this life,” Shannon told the press.

Police Minister Yasmin Catley affirmed the government’s commitment to finding justice for Toni even after 30 years.

Here is a timeline of events in list form based on the details provided:

– 1 Jan 1996 – Around 1:30 a.m. Toni Tiki (26 years old) left a New Year’s Eve party at the South Maroubra Surf Life Saving Club with a male friend who had agreed to walk her home.

– The male friend decided to return to the party, parting ways with Toni who continued walking home alone.

– 2 Jan 1996 – A friend of Toni’s reported her missing to the Eastern Beaches Police Area Command after she could not be contacted or located.

– 5 Jan 1996 – Toni’s body was discovered in scrubland near the South Maroubra Surf Life Saving Club.

– A post-mortem examination revealed Toni died as a result of severe injuries, indicating murder.

– The State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad, dubbed Strike Force Ionian 2, took over the investigation.

– Despite investigations, the case remains unsolved nearly 30 years later.

– May 2024 – The NSW Government and NSW Police Force announced a $1 million reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for Toni’s murder.

– Toni’s children, Shannon Hall and Michael Hinds, made emotional pleas for anyone with information to come forward and help bring closure.

Members of the public with any knowledge about the 1996 murder of Toni Tiki are urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at www.crimestoppers.com.au.

Published 14-May-2024