Today on the front page of The Newcastle Herald I called for the reopening of the inquest into the violent 1994 murder of my sister, Melissa Hunt (Hallett). Our call for the inquest to re-open or for charges to be laid. How long is long enough? Inquests are suspended or closed when the Coroner believes … Continue reading Call to reopen inquest into murder of Melissa Hunt
Opening the floodgates on a murder
Miraculous momentum in finding justice for Melissa.
Journey to a hidden dam to reclaim peace
It took me nearly 25 years to visit Burrenjim Dam where my younger sister's body was found after being brutally murdered, and now I have been there four times in six months. I had always wanted to go there, but initially grief and horror kept me away and later, living a long way from the … Continue reading Journey to a hidden dam to reclaim peace
Video leads to unsolved murder interest
Our memorial to Melissa Hunt (Hallett) placed at Burrenjim Dam on Anazac Day, 2019. Photo: Josiah Hallett. When we decided to visit Burrenjim Dam on Anzac Day, 2019 - 25 years to the day since Melissa Hunt's body was found there - I asked my son Josiah Hallett to bring his camera gear. 'Let's see … Continue reading Video leads to unsolved murder interest
Pilgrimage to Burrenjim Dam
Twenty five years ago last month my sister Melissa Hunt (Hallett) was beaten to death and her body dumped in a remote dam in the Newcastle region, NSW, Australia. An inquest had two main suspects before it was ended abruptly and information handed to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). Unfortunately nothing has happened since. … Continue reading Pilgrimage to Burrenjim Dam
It doesn’t take a war to take a life
Anzac Day 1994, 9.15pm. I am sitting on the side of the bed in our house in Calwell contemplating getting an early night. The phone next to me rings. I pick it up and say hello, and hear my father's voice. My memory now shifts to a view of myself sitting hunched over, head in … Continue reading It doesn’t take a war to take a life
Melissa, it’s not finished yet
Melissa, I remember clearly standing here in the torrential rain, as we lowered your body into the ground to be buried and baptised at the same time.The bottomless ache and overwhelming senselessness were disregarded by a deluge somehow fitting for an ill-begotten time.We still remember, we still seek justice and I still fight murderers in … Continue reading Melissa, it’s not finished yet
Justice for Melissa
Twenty five years ago, in late April 1994, my sister was murdered. She was 22. Her killer has never been found.
The unsolved murder of Melissa Hunt 