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State Govt offers $250,000 reward as police reopen Julie Cutler disappearance investigation

Jon BassettWestern Suburbs Weekly

POLICE have indicated new information may have reignited their investigation into the 22-year-old Julie Cutler, whpse car was found off Cottesloe Beach 30 years ago.

“There’s infomration that comes in all the time,” detective sergeant Peter Fuderer said.

This morning the State Government announced the investigation had been restarted and a $250,000 reward was being offered for information leading to the solving of the mystery.

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Her Fiat sedan was found about 50 metres in front of the Indiana restaurant steps two days after she was last seen at the Parmelia Hilton Hotel.

A mobile incident unit will be at Cottesloe Beach carpark today and tomorrow for anyone who may have information.

Ms Cutler was 22 when her car was found.

“The State Government is offering this reward in the hope it might prompt someone with valuable information to come forward,” Police Minister Michelle Roberts said when announcing the reward this morning.

“If you know something, please remember Julie’s family have waited in pain, anguish and uncertainty for 30 years.”

Julie Cutler.
Camera IconJulie Cutler. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

There have been long-held concerns the disappearance could have been connect to the alleged triple-murder Claremont serial case, for which Bradley Edwards will reappear in court for a hearing on July 25.

Ms Cutler was at a staff function at the Parmelia Hilton late on June 19, 1988 and was last seen getting into her Fiat at the hotel’s staff carpark about 12.30am the following morning, before the Fiat was found in the ocean off Cottesloe Beach two days later.

Her body was never found.

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Camera IconImage Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Mrs Roberts said Cold Case Homicide Squad detectives had launched a fresh investigation after a review of the case.

The reward is for information that leads to the apprehension and conviction of a person, or persons, responsible for Ms Cutler’s disappearance.

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Camera IconImage Credit: Supplied/Supplied

However, the Government may also recommend protection from prosecution, or pardon for any informant with information, if that person was not directly responsible for the disappearance.

A timeline of Julie Cutler’s disappearance

June 19, 1988:

Julie attends a staff function at Julianna’s Nightclub, located inside the Parmelia Hilton

The Parmelia Hilton.
Camera IconThe Parmelia Hilton. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Julie leaves the function, which about 180 people attended, with a female colleague and walks to her car. Julie and the colleague part ways, and Julie returns to the function. Detectives are keen to speak to anyone who was at the function.

June 20, 1988:

Julie returns to her Fiat sedan in a staff car park about 12.30am, and drives away from the hotel. This is the last confirmed sighting of Julie.

June 22, 1988:

Julie’s Fiat sedan is retrieved from Cottesloe Beach.

Julie’s Fiat.
Camera IconJulie’s Fiat. Credit: Supplied/Supplied