A 28-year investigation into the death of a Moe man has been aided, with police last week announcing a $1 million reward for information identifying those responsible.
Albert Pisani was reported missing on 15 October 1986 and was last seen leaving his Moe home about 11am five days earlier.
The 27 year-old man’s remains were located in a shallow grave in bushland at Driffield on 9 June 1987.
“We have credible information to suggest that a number of people were involved in Mr Pisani’s death,” Victoria Police Missing Persons Squad Detective Senior Sergeant Dave Butler said on Thursday.
He said police believed a number of people who lived in the Moe area at the time know what happened to Mr Pisani and recent enquiries led police to believe some of those people may be living in Ballarat and Tasmania and encouraged them to contact police.
“These people know something about Albert’s death and can help us identify the people involved,” Det Snr Sgt Butler said.
“Albert’s family has now been waiting for 29 years for answers to the death of their loved one and we believe it’s time for people to step up and that’s why we’re offering this reward today.”
He said a reward of up to $1 million would be paid at the discretion of the Chief Commissioner for information leading to the apprehension and subsequent conviction of the person or persons responsible for Mr Pisani’s death.
The Department of Public Prosecutions will also consider granting indemnification from prosecution to any person who provides information as to the identity of the principal offender or offenders.
On Thursday, Det Snr Sgt Butler said there was no clear reason police could see as to why Mr Pisani, a State Electricity Commission worker, was targeted.
“I think Mr Pisani had the same kind of social grouping of friends as other people.
“He was a family man. An affable, friendly, friendly man.
“I’m hoping the manner of his death would play on the minds of people who have information and (they) would be prepared to come forward and talk to us.”
At a Melbourne press conference on Thursday, Mr Pisani’s sister, Carol Ward, remembered her “happy-go-lucky” brother.
She said Mr Pisani, the eldest of nine siblings, was badly missed.
“It’s been very difficult. We’ve been struggling with it,” Ms Ward said.
She said he was much loved by his family.
To anybody with information about her brother’s death, Ms Ward said: “Just please come forward and give us some peace… it’ll mean a great deal, a great deal”.
Anyone with information about Mr Pisani’s death is urged to phone Crime Stoppers on
1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
