Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Dianna with her daughter. Photos supplied: Queensland Police.
Nearly three decades after Bowen woman Dianne Angwin was murdered in her home, detectives have renewed their search for information, doubling the reward to $500,000 as a cold case review and new forensic testing breathe new life into the investigation.
Dianne Angwin moved to Bowen from Victoria in 1995. Following the breakdown of her marriage, she moved in with her friend Edith “Edie” Lay.
Just over 2 years later, around 12.30am on December 2nd, Edie reported being woken by an unknown man standing over her bed with one hand covering her mouth and a knife in the other.
Dianne appeared at the bedroom doorway before running from the intruder, who chased after her. Moments later, she was fatally stabbed in the neck. A neighbour rushed Dianne to Bowen Base Hospital, where she was pronounced dead on arrival.
What followed was an investigation that saw police obtaining over 100 witness statements. A closer look at the home left police with no signs of forced entry or disturbance, with no property reported stolen.
The reward for information leading evidence for who might be responsible has increased from $250,000 to $500,000. Detectives from the Homicide Cold Case Investigation Team have begun new forensic testing on evidence collected from the scene and will re-interview witnesses and persons of interest in Bowen, Cairns and Victoria.
“Dianne’s housemate, Edie, died in 2022. As part of our review, police have identified witnesses who Edie confided in, confirming she knew the identity of the man and had not told police at the time of the offence as she was scared for her own safety,” Detective Senior Sergeant Kentwell said.
“We would also like to speak to anyone who has information regarding a relationship Dianne was involved in with a local married man, who had been seen at her unit.
“Information suggests that around the time of Dianne’s murder, she was actively encouraging him to leave his wife so that they could overtly continue the relationship.
“There are people out there with information. Relationships and loyalties change, and I would encourage anyone with information, big or small, to contact police.
Bowen residents with information relevant to Dianne’s Murder are encouraged to attend mobile police facilities and talk with investigators. Anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
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