24 August, 2012 1:46PM AEST

Police Cold Case Unit re-opens 30-year old investigation into Michelle Buckingham murder

Police believe they can solve the murder of Shepparton teenager Michelle Buckingham 30 years ago.

  • Print Print page
  • Email Email this
  • Permalink Permalink
  • Share

Police plan to reopen the investigation into an unsolved Shepparton murder case from nearly 30 years ago.

The body of 16 year old Michelle Buckingham was found with multiple stab wounds beside a road near Shepparton in 1983.

Police are offering a 50 thousand dollar reward for help to solve the crime.

Detective Senior Sergeant Ron Iddles from the Victoria Police Cold Case Unit says he believes the case can be solved.

"This is one that I believe we can solve. If we go back 30 years there were suspects in this. Someone was charged and it didnt go past committal. The foundation to actually solve it is there. And what we'll do is we'll basically start from the start and re-investigate it, and hopefully, with the assistance of the public, solve it."

He says there is a strong likelihood that Michelle Buckingham knew her killer.

"I would say from history and experience that she's got into a vehicle with people that she knew. What's transpired en-route well we don't know but ultimately she's met her death. With that amount and she's got multiple stab wounds, normally that would show there's some emotion and some connection between the killer and Michelle"

Listen to the full interview here and if you can provide police with any information please phone Crimestoppers on 1800-333-000.