It was a quiet Sunday afternoon and I was searching for a screwdriver in my ancient toolbox to complete a minor household repair. An aged newspaper clipping that had found its way into the toolbox at some stage, kept getting in the way and I finally focused on it, deciding to straighten it out so … Continue reading When murder infiltrates your life
Tag: murder
Tragic affinity with Hunter murder toll
Today Melissa's photo and story again featured on the pages of The Newcastle Herald, linked by a tragic affinity to an ongoing toll of violent murders of women. This is because I agreed hurriedly to make a few comments on the issue of the long list of murders in the Hunter region. Our family has … Continue reading Tragic affinity with Hunter murder toll
Another young woman murdered near Newcastle
She had a happy upbringing but at some point, life took a turn in the wrong direction. Drugs are likely to be involved but this is not the sum of her life - she was much, much more than this. Beautiful Danielle Easey in happier days. Aged in her 20s, her discarded body is found … Continue reading Another young woman murdered near Newcastle
The end or just the beginning?
On Sunday, July 7 2019 more than half a million people across Australia watched the story of the unsolved homicide of Melissa Hunt on Channel 10's The Project. This nine minute segment by Hamish Macdonald was like an exclamation mark on a frenzied two month chapter of media coverage and advocacy - 25 years after … Continue reading The end or just the beginning?
Opening the floodgates on a murder
Miraculous momentum in finding justice for Melissa.
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
Justice for Melissa
Twenty five years ago, in late April 1994, my sister was murdered. She was 22. Her killer has never been found.






